A Scalable Vector Graphic, or SVG in short, is a vector graphics format that stores image information in mathematical formulas rather than in pixels (like raster graphics formats do).
An SVG image can be scaled in and out indefinitely and can be resized to any size without losing details or becoming blurry.
Create an SVG File in Canva
To save your Canva design as an SVG file:
- Click on “Share” in the upper right corner
- Then click on “Download” at the bottom of the menu that pops up
- Make sure “SVG” is selected under “File Type”
- Click on the “Download” button
Watch the video tutorial: How to Save Your Canva Design as an SVG File
Create an SVG File in Illustrator
To save your Adobe Illustrator design as an SVG file:
- Click on File > Export… in the application menu at the top of the screen
- Make sure “SVG” is selected under “Format”
- Click on the “Export” button
There’s just one thing you need to know before you fire up Adobe Illustrator:
If you design the image in Illustrator, it will be a vector file by default, so you can export it directly in the SVG file format.
However, if you have a raster image open (such as an image with the JPG/JPEG or PNG extension), you must first trace it to make it a vector before you can export it as an SVG.
Create an SVG File in Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop used to have an option to export an image as an SVG file. However, since the release of Photoshop version 22.5, Adobe has deprecated this feature due to “low usage and limitations”.
What Are Your Other Options?
Inkscape is a free and open-source vector graphics editor for Windows, macOS, and Linux computers. Many consider it the best alternative to Adobe Illustrator thanks to its features, performance, and stability.
Method Draw is a free and open-source vector graphics editor that you use from your web browser. Although it’s not as powerful as Adobe Illustrator, it has most of the basic features you need for creating simple vector graphics.
If you want to convert a raster file to a vector file before saving it as an SVG—but you don’t want to trace it manually in Illustrator or Inkscape—consider Vectorizer and Vector Magic.
