SVG stands for Scalable Vector Graphics. It is an XML based format for two dimensional graphics, standardised by the W3C in 2001 and supported by every modern browser. Below is a plain english walkthrough that answers what is the svg format without jargon.
The short version
SVG files describe shapes with mathematical paths, so they stay sharp at any zoom level. A raster format like PNG or JPG stores a grid of pixels; scale that up and the pixels get bigger and blockier. Vector paths just get redrawn at the new size, which is why an SVG icon looks the same on a phone screen and a billboard.
What is inside an SVG file
Open an SVG in a text editor and you will see XML. There is a root svg element with a viewBox that defines the coordinate system, then child elements like path, rect, circle, and g that describe the shapes. Because it is text, you can edit an SVG by hand, minify it with a tool like SVGO, or generate it programmatically.
When to use SVG
Use SVG for icons, logos, illustrations, charts, and any artwork that needs to scale. It is not the right choice for photographs, where a raster format like JPG or WebP is smaller and faster.
Browser and design tool support
Every browser released in the last decade supports SVG natively. Every serious vector editor exports and imports SVG, including Figma, Illustrator, Inkscape, Affinity Designer, and Sketch. Cricut Design Space and Silhouette Studio also accept SVG uploads.
Try it in the browser
Paste any SVG into our free tools to see how it works.