SVG File Extension
Scalable Vector Graphics Format
- File Type svg
- Developer Adobe Systems
- Popularity
- Application Adobe Illustrator
- Category Vector Image Files
- Format XML
What is a SVG file?
Scalable Vector Graphics Format, identified by the SVG extension, is a Vector Image Files type and includes 120 files.
The Scalable Vector Graphics Format (SVG) was created by Adobe, a company that developed file format and produced 81 programs for their use.
SVG file support extends to various operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS and Linux, as well as mobile devices running Apple iOS. If you need to view a SVG file, you can use one of 28 programs, such as Internet Explorer, PhotoScape X and Affinity Photo.
MIME types
- image/svg+xml
- image/vnd.adobe.svg+xml
- image/svg-xml
Programs that support SVG files
Windows
Mac OS
Apple iOS
How to open a SVG file?
If you’re having difficulty opening a SVG file, it is often due to not having the correct software. To solve the problem, choose a compatible program from the list. Then follow the link to the official developer site, download the software, and install it on your device.
When it comes to opening and working with SVG files, Internet Explorer, PhotoScape X and Affinity Photo are the top choices for users. If you need the newest version of Adobe Illustrator, just access the Adobe website. From there you can download the installer compatible with all systems.
Following installation, SVG files should be automatically opened with Adobe Illustrator.
Set Adobe Illustrator as the default SVG program
Changing Default Programs in Windows
- Right-click your SVG file, then navigate to the "Open With" option and click "Choose Another Application" to continue;
- In the pop-up window, select the Adobe Illustrator application;
- Check the "Always use this application" checkbox, and then click "OK" to apply the selected application as the default for opening SVG files.
Change Default Program on Mac
- Right click or Control + left click on the desired SVG file;
- Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
- Look at the bottom of the window, where you will see the "Enable" menu. "Recommended Programs" will be selected as the default option;
- Within this menu select "All Programs" and navigate to Adobe Illustrator. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make sure it’s the default option.
Solve problems with SVG files
When issues arise with SVG files, they can generally be fixed with small software tweaks. Use the troubleshooting tips below to help resolve them.
What can lead to sudden Adobe Illustrator crashes?
Adobe Illustrator crashes can occur due to outdated software versions. To mitigate this, install the latest updates for Adobe products.
Restarting your computer will solve many common problems, which is why it’s the first thing you should do before changing any settings related to the software.
What is the recommended approach to repair a damaged SVG file?
Open the damaged SVG file with a recovery program, and then select the "Repair" menu item to start the repair process. Allow the recovery process to complete, which will automatically repair the damaged vector image files.
What are the telltale signs of a corrupt SVG file?
Common indications of damaged SVG vector image files are:
- Unexpected expansion of the total size of the SVG file;
- Opening the file in Adobe Illustrator or other programs causes them to hang or crash;
- Opening the file results in an error or a failed attempt;
- While working with the file, error messages appear;
- Editing the archive in Adobe Illustrator results in slow or unresponsive behavior;
How to edit a SVG file?
To edit SVG files, it is essential to install software that supports not only viewing but also editing the vector image files. Online SVG editors provide limited functionality compared to full-featured software for Scalable Vector Graphics Format.
List of Top SVG editors 2026
Taking into account the provided details, we have prepared a list of SVG editors that match your needs.
| SVG Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blender | Blender Foundation | Windows, Mac OS, Linux | 4.9 out of 5 (34 reviews) |
| Adobe InDesign | Adobe | Windows, Mac OS | 4.7 out of 5 (42 reviews) |
| Photopea | Photopea | Online Services | 4.7 out of 5 (37 reviews) |
| Inkscape | Inkscape | Windows, Mac OS, Linux | 4.6 out of 5 (40 reviews) |
| Boxy SVG | Jarosław Foksa | Mac OS | 4.3 out of 5 (37 reviews) |
| GIMP | The GIMP Team | Windows, Linux, Mac OS | 4.3 out of 5 (43 reviews) |
| Adobe Illustrator | Adobe | Windows, Mac OS | 4.2 out of 5 (39 reviews) |
| Affinity Photo | Serif Europe | Windows, Mac OS | 4.1 out of 5 (41 review) |
| CorelDraw Graphics Suite | Corel | Windows | 4.1 out of 5 (33 reviews) |
Convert to and from SVG
If handling a SVG file is problematic, consider converting it to alternative formats such as DXF, JPG, JPEG, GIF, PNG or other supported types.
Keep in mind that converting a SVG file may introduce some limitations, but the original format can often be restored.
Using offline applications such as Adobe Illustrator, Blender and Embroidermodder 2, you can convert SVG files to various formats without losing data quality.