Tips to open SVG file

Can't open the SVG file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open SVG files as well as a list of programs that support SVG files.

SVG file extension

File Name Scalable Vector Graphics Format
File Developer Adobe Systems
File Category Vector Image Files

The SVG file is supported on 4 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the SVG files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the SVG file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 6
  • 3
  • 2
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is SVG file?

The .SVG file is an image file. It contains vector graphics (including animated ones). The format itself is not covered by any licenses and is recommended (by the W3C) for use in building websites. The format specification is known and freely available. The data in the file is contained in the form of XML tags. Apart from the graphic software, the files can be viewed in a web browser, which usually, apart from the possibility of downloading this file, allows you to save a copy of it in .PNG format.

How to open SVG file?

The most common problem when using Scalable Vector Graphics Format is that a specific SVG is not associated with the program. This causes the file SVG to open by system applications not designed for this purpose, or to display a message that there is no associated program. This problem can be easily remedied.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the SVG file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install Adobe Illustrator

An often overlooked issue is to make sure that Adobe Illustrator is installed on the computer. To do this, enter the name Adobe Illustrator into the system search engine. If we do not have this program, it is worth installing it, as it will help you automatically associate the file SVG with Adobe Illustrator. Below is a list of programs that support the file SVG.

Step 2. Create association of Adobe Illustrator with SVG files

If the application is or has been freshly installed, but the SVG file still does not use the Adobe Illustrator program, it means no association. It is most convenient to call the context menu with the right mouse button and select Properties. Information about the file and the program that the file is associated with are available here. Changes can be made using the "Change" button. The program should be visible in the window, otherwise it should be selected manually using the "Browse" button and the program installation directory should be indicated. The "always use the selected program ..." field will set the Adobe Illustrator application as the default for handling the SVG file.

Step 3. Update Adobe Illustrator to the latest version

If, despite the association of the Adobe Illustrator program with the Scalable Vector Graphics Format file, the file still does not open, check the program version and possibly update it to the newest version. In this case, use the Adobe Systems Incorporated website or update the program from the application.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the SVG file

If the above steps do not help, you can assume that the file itself is not correct. The most common file problems are:

The affected file may be 0 KB or smaller than expected. Usually this applies to SVG files downloaded from the Internet in case the download did not finish properly. Downloading the file again should fix the problem.
The operating system may be infected with a computer virus. A virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should fix the problem. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. For the best results, we will scan the entire operating system, not just our SVG file. However, remember that not every infected SVG file can be recovered, so it is important to take care of regular backups.
A typical compatibility error - the program does not support the older version of the SVG file. These problems are known and are often very easy to fix using the software developers's website.
The file may be corrupted in a number of ways. Repairing is very dependent on the file type. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair SVG file corruption. The easiest way to restore the file is from a backup or by contacting Adobe Systems, but this one can be expensive. Not all damage can be reversed.
The program can also signal the fact of encryption. The encrypted file SVG except for the special designation, works normally, but only on the device where it was encrypted, before transferring it to another machine, decryption is required.
The operating system protects files in some locations (e.g. the root of the system partition) against unauthorized access. The problem is only writing to the file, not reading it. If possible, you can try to move the SVG file to another location.
This problem usually affects more complex files. In this case, the SVG file is blocked by the first application to open it. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. Sometimes you have to wait for the session to the file SVG to close. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the SVG file for a certain period of time. If nothing helps, please reset the device.