50 Best Sites to Download Free SVG Files (2024)

Scalable Vector Graphics, or SVG for short, are digital graphics that remain crisp and clear, no matter how much you stretch them. They’re perfect for creating sharp website icons and work wonderfully for print materials too.

But the question is, where can you find high-quality SVG graphics and icons, especially for free? We’ve done the heavy lifting for you, sifting through hundreds of sites to curate a top-notch list of 50 websites where you can download SVGs at no cost. Whether you’re on the hunt for SVG logos, icons, or any other graphics, there should be something that meets your need.

Before we dive into this treasure trove, let’s take a moment to understand what makes SVGs great for both web and print. Or, if you’re eager to get straight to the goodies, click here to jump directly to the list.

SVG File Format

SVG is a special type of image format made just for 2D graphics. It’s different from usual image types like JPEG or PNG because it uses math to draw shapes and lines, which means the pictures stay super clear and sharp, no matter how big or small you make them. This is great for everything from tiny phone screens to huge billboards, and you won’t see any blurry or fuzzy edges.

What’s more, SVG files are really light and don’t take up much space, so your websites and apps load faster. You can also change them easily with just a code editor, and they’re perfect for making web elements that move or respond to clicks.

Their flexibility and the way they look so crisp makes them super handy for web designers, graphic artists, and anyone who wants to make their digital stuff, or print project look sharp and professional.

How to Use SVG Files

Understanding how to effectively use SVG files can greatly enhance your web and print projects.

Here’s a guide to getting the most out of SVGs:

Basic Instructions for Implementing SVGs:

• Directly in HTML: You can embed an SVG directly into your HTML code. This is as simple as copying the SVG code and pasting it into your HTML document. It allows for easy manipulation and styling with CSS and JavaScript.
• As an Image Source: Use SVG files just like you would a JPEG or PNG in the img tag. This method is straightforward but doesn’t allow for manipulation of the SVG’s individual elements.
• Background Images in CSS: SVGs can be set as the background for any HTML element via CSS. This is useful for responsive web design elements like buttons and icons.

Editing SVG Files:

• Text Editors: Because SVGs are XML files, you can edit them with any code editor to change attributes like colors, shapes, and sizes.
• Graphic Design Software: Tools like Adobe Illustrator, Sketch, or Inkscape allow for more intuitive visual editing of SVGs. These tools are especially useful when creating or significantly modifying complex graphics.

Tips for Using SVGs Effectively:

• Optimization: Before using an SVG, optimize it to remove unnecessary code and reduce file size. SVG tools like SVGO can help with this.
• Accessibility: Always add descriptive titles and descriptions using the <title> and <desc> tags within the SVG. This improves accessibility for users relying on screen readers.
• Fallbacks: Provide fallback images for browsers that don’t support SVG (which are increasingly rare but might include older or specialized browsers).

Advanced Use Cases:

• Interactive SVGs: With JavaScript, you can make SVGs interactive, responding to user actions like hover and click.
• Animations: SVGs can be animated using CSS or JavaScript libraries like GreenSock. This can range from simple transitions to complex animations defining the user experience.

Best Sites to Download Free SVG Files

We’ve categorized them based on the type of graphics they provide, whether registration is required to access the downloads, and the nature of the licensing offered by the site or creator for their assets.

The term “Personal & Commercial Use” in relation to downloadable graphics indicates that you can employ these assets for private endeavors such as creating crafts or decorations, as well as for income-generating or business purposes like marketing or product design.

Nevertheless, it’s essential to adhere to specific guidelines: typically, you cannot present the graphic as your original work, resell it as is, or use it in a manner objectionable to the creator.

Make sure to thoroughly review the detailed terms (the license) for each graphic, which will clearly outline the permitted and prohibited uses, including any requirements to credit the creator (attribution).

⭐ = Editor’s pick, a.k.a., the sites we highly recommend.

We hope this guide serves as your springboard into the world of SVGs, sparking creativity and efficiency in all your future endeavors.

Happy designing!