Are You Perplexed by SVG Uploads in WordPress?

Uploading Scalable Vector Graphic (SVG) files to WordPress is not as easy as uploading image or document files. SVGs are XML-based and can be scaled without losing quality. Additionally, they are ideal for logos, icons, and infographics, as they are small in size and load quickly.

The Advantages of SVGs in WordPress

Website owners, designers, and developers prefer using SVG files for the following reasons:

• Scalability: You can use the same SVG file for different sizes of the same image (such as a logo or icon) without creating multiple versions.
• Size: SVGs take less time to load, which means they improve your website’s performance.
• Editability: SVGs are vector-based and can be easily edited using tools like Sketch, Inkscape, or Illustrator.
• Responsiveness: SVGs are responsive by nature, which means they adapt easily to different screen sizes and resolutions.

How to Upload SVGs in WordPress

By default, WordPress does not allow SVG uploads for security reasons. However, SVG uploads can be enabled by:

1. Using a Plugin

   The easiest method to enable SVG uploads is by installing a plugin.

   Three popular plugins used are:

   • Safe SVG
   • SVG Support
   • Jetpack (for Jetpack users only)
2. Editing WordPress functions.php File

   This method requires some technical knowledge, and any mistake could break your website. Before editing a file, it’s best to create a backup of your website.

   1. Open WordPress dashboard and go to Appearance → Theme Editor.
   2. Click on the functions.php file from the right-hand side of the screen to open it.
   3. Add the following code at the bottom of the functions.php file:

   // Allow SVG uploads
function cc_mime_types($mimes) {
$mimes['svg'] = 'image/svg+xml';
return $mimes;
}
add_filter('upload_mimes', 'cc_mime_types');

   4. Save the changes by clicking the Update File button.

Things to Keep in Mind While Uploading SVGs

Here are some tips to keep in mind while uploading SVG files:

• Use clean SVG files: Use files without extra code or hidden layers to avoid complications when uploading to WordPress.
• Use descriptive filenames: Use filenames that describe the SVG content so that you and other users can easily find the files when needed.
• Optimize SVGs for the web: Even though SVGs are already small, optimize them further by removing unnecessary code or using online tools like SVGOMG or SVG Optimizer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, enabling SVG uploads in WordPress can enhance your website’s performance and design. Whether you plan to use SVGs for infographics, logos, or icons, there are various ways to upload them. Try the plugins mentioned above or edit the WordPress functions.php file. Remember to keep in mind the tips mentioned above and let us know in the comments how it went!