SVG and XML¶

SVG stands for Scalable Vector Graphics. It is an XML-based markup language for describing two-dimensional vector graphics. It is also the internal format and default output format of Inkscape.

The SVG standard is maintained by the SVG Working Group of the W3C, which also maintains other open standards that make up the modern Internet. The specification is in development since 1999, and the latest released recommendation is SVG 1.1 (Second Edition). Version 2 of the SVG specification is still in Editor’s Draft status.

SVG 1.1 support is included in all major web browsers. In other words, you can usually view and embed Inkscape files in webpages without problems. However Inkscape files may contain some SVG2 features unsupported by browsers. If you intend to use your artwork on the web, you may need to open the saved files in a browser to check for anomalies.

Inkscape XML Namespace¶

Inkscape has its own extensions to SVG. They are under the Inkscape XML Namespace and contains information on how to treat things in the UI, such as the following:

Window size
Canvas color
Shape definitions
Node types (cusp, smooth, parametric, etc.)
Original paths of objects with Live Path Effects applied
… and more detailed on the Inkscape Wiki.

When you open files saved by Inkscape in other SVG editors, you may safely remove these extensions; they should not affect the rendering.