How do you create responsive and accessible SVG icons for web projects?

SVG stands for Scalable Vector Graphics, a format that allows you to create and manipulate images using XML code. SVG images are resolution-independent, meaning they can scale up or down without losing quality or clarity. They are also accessible, as you can add text and metadata to them, and style them with CSS. In this article, you will learn how to create responsive and accessible SVG icons for your web projects.

Find expert answers in this collaborative article

Selected by the community from 3 contributions. Learn more

1 Benefits of SVG icons

SVG icons have several advantages over other image formats, such as PNG or JPEG. They are smaller in file size, which means faster loading times and better performance. They are also more flexible, as you can change their color, shape, size, and animation with CSS or JavaScript. Moreover, they are more accessible, as you can add text alternatives, titles, and descriptions to them, and make them keyboard- and screen-reader-friendly.

Add your perspective

Tristan Bailey
Report contribution
There are different ways to load SVG to make them available, either in an image tag or with javascript "hidden off-screen" and then added to an html tag on the page. While for Legacy browsers, such as IE8 and lower you will need to consider if you want a fallback.

Like

2 How to create SVG icons

There are different ways to create SVG icons, depending on your preference and skill level. You can use a vector graphics editor, such as Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape, to draw your icons and export them as SVG files. You can also use an online tool, such as IcoMoon or SVGOMG, to generate and optimize your icons from existing sets or custom fonts. Alternatively, you can write your own SVG code using an editor or a codepen, following the syntax and structure of the SVG element.

Add your perspective

3 How to embed SVG icons

Once you have your SVG icons ready, you need to embed them into your HTML document. There are three main methods to do this: inline, img, and use. The inline method involves copying and pasting the SVG code directly into your HTML, which gives you more control over the styling and interaction of the icons. The img method involves using the <img> tag to reference the SVG file as a source, which is similar to using other image formats. The use method involves using the <svg> and <use> tags to reference an external SVG file that contains multiple icons, which reduces the number of HTTP requests and allows you to reuse the same icon in different places.

Add your perspective

4 How to style SVG icons

You can style your SVG icons with CSS, just like any other HTML element. You can use properties such as fill, stroke, transform, and filter to change the appearance of the icons. You can also use pseudo-classes and pseudo-elements, such as :hover and ::before, to create hover effects and add extra content. Additionally, you can use media queries and viewport units to make your icons responsive to different screen sizes and resolutions.

Add your perspective

Tom Green

LinkedIn Learning Author. Professor, Interactive Multimedia, Humber College
Report contribution
In my experience changing the appearance of icons has to be carefully considered. Any property change needs to be caught by the screen reader. It is always a good idea to test these changes with a screen reader rather than just letting them go live and then discover the changes were wrong when the complaints come poring in. The development, design and client times are not going to be happy in this case.

Like

5 How to animate SVG icons

You can animate your SVG icons with CSS or JavaScript, depending on the type and complexity of the animation. You can use CSS transitions and animations to create simple effects, such as fading, scaling, rotating, or sliding. You can also use CSS variables and custom properties to create dynamic animations that depend on user input or data. For more advanced animations, such as morphing, clipping, or masking, you can use JavaScript libraries, such as GSAP, Snap.svg, or Anime.js, that offer more functionality and flexibility.

Add your perspective

Tom Green

LinkedIn Learning Author. Professor, Interactive Multimedia, Humber College
Report contribution
I agree but don't overlook Lottiefiles animations which give you more control and they do kick out the Json a developer could use or a GIF animation.

Like

How do you create responsive and accessible SVG icons for web projects?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Benefits of SVG icons

2 How to create SVG icons

3 How to embed SVG icons

4 How to style SVG icons

5 How to animate SVG icons

Web Standards

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Web Standards

More relevant reading