Get marketing news you’ll actually want to read

In modern web design, SVGs offer unmatched scalability and crisp rendering across devices. When exporting from Figma, the goal is to keep paths clean, remove unnecessary metadata, and preserve layers in a way that is interpretable by developers. Start by selecting the vector shapes you intend to export and ensure they are grouped logically to avoid tangled groups in the resulting code. Avoid embedding images within vectors unless necessary, as raster data inflates file size and introduces anti aliasing inconsistencies. Use consistent stroke widths and fill rules so that the final SVG behaves predictably in different browsers. A careful pre export review can save debugging time during implementation.

Before exporting, consider naming conventions and structure. Clear, descriptive names help developers map elements to class names or component properties, reducing guesswork after handoff. Disable unused attributes such as invisible layers or hidden guides that Figma might include by default. When you prepare to export, choose SVG as the format and enable options that align with your needs, such as preserving artist intent and simplifying IDs. If you plan to animate, keep paths modular and avoid complex nested groups that complicate selectors in CSS or JS. The result should be a lightweight, maintainable asset that scales gracefully on all screens.

A clean export begins with disciplined layer organization. Group related shapes into logical clusters, and name each group with purpose rather than generic terms. This practice helps when you or a teammate modify the design later, ensuring you can quickly locate and adjust the precise elements that change. When exporting, consider whether stroke or fill should be the primary visual driver and how layering affects stacking order in code. By anticipating how the SVG will be styled in CSS, you minimize the need to rewrite attributes after export. A thoughtful structure also aids accessibility, enabling easy association with descriptive titles and roles for screen readers.

Another key is reducing complexity within the SVG file. Remove unnecessary attributes such as unused gradient transforms or redundant path data that do not contribute to the final appearance. If the artwork contains bitmap textures, consider replacing them with vector equivalents where possible, because vectors stay crisp at any scale and keep the file leaner. You can also strip metadata embedded by design tools, as browsers don’t require it for rendering. Finally, test render the SVG directly in a browser to catch issues in normalization, viewBox settings, or stroke alignment before handing off to developers.

When preparing for export, keep a minimal but sufficient viewBox that encapsulates all visible artwork. An over extended viewBox can force browsers to allocate extra space or clip segments unexpectedly. If the document uses multiple artboards, export only those that contribute to the final product or separate asset types by function. Consider splitting complex illustrations into multiple SVGs to facilitate incremental loading and modular styling. Hybrid approaches—where simple shapes are embedded in HTML and more intricate portions are SVGs—can improve performance and maintainability across pages. Always validate the resulting file against real project code for compatibility.

Accessibility should influence export decisions as well. Provide descriptive titles, labels, and aria attributes at the SVG root when required by the project standards, and ensure that decorative elements carry no redundant information to assistive technologies. If you rely on embedded IDs, make them deterministic and collision free to avoid conflicts when the asset is reused in multiple contexts. For icons and logos, consider a consistent color system and neutral fallback colors so the asset remains legible when color is constrained. By integrating accessibility considerations into export workflows, you deliver more inclusive web components from the start.

Performance-minded export strategies emphasize file size economy and quick parsing. Aim for clean path data by simplifying curves where possible and avoiding excessive node counts that inflate the SVG’s footprint. Use single fill or stroke attributes where they suffice, and convert complex fills to simpler equivalents if the project allows. If gradients are essential, limit the number of color stops and avoid heavy gradient meshes that drag down render times on mobile devices. Consider inlining only critical assets while lazy loading or deferring non essential graphics. A small, readable SVG loads faster and reduces layout jank during interactive sessions.

Consistency across projects is another fundamental principle. Develop a standard export checklist that your team follows for every vector asset. This may include verifying that the viewBox is present, that width and height attributes align with CSS sizing expectations, and that IDs are predictable. A shared checklist makes the handoff smoother, minimizes back and forth, and helps new team members align with established best practices quickly. When possible, automate repetitive steps with simple scripts or plugins to enforce uniform results, decreasing the likelihood of human error and improving collaboration.

The interoperability of SVGs across browsers hinges on clean code and consistent semantics. Ensure that each graphic’s grouping and structure translates into concise, readable elements in HTML or component templates. If the asset will be transformed by CSS or JavaScript, avoid inline styles where feasible and keep presentation concerns in stylesheets. This separation enhances maintainability and makes global changes easier. Also, verify that any masking or clipping paths render correctly in major browsers, since inconsistencies can arise with advanced features. A robust export respects both aesthetic fidelity and practical coding considerations.

When integrating with frameworks, consider how the SVG will be consumed. Some developers prefer inline SVGs for precise styling, while others lean on external files for caching benefits. Communicate your asset’s intended usage clearly in the handoff notes and ensure that naming correlates with component names or design tokens. If you export multiple variants of a graphic, structure them as a single reusable SVG sprite or as distinct assets with predictable paths. Clear documentation accelerates integration and reduces rework during implementation.

Finally, think long term about reusability and consistency across a design system. Use consistent color tokens and stroke settings so assets can be swapped or themed with minimal effort. Maintain a library of emblematic icons or patterns that share the same baseline geometry, enabling predictable scaling and alignment. Consider providing multiple resolution options or scalable components within a single SVG set to adapt to different screen densities and contexts. By treating exports as living components, you enable teams to iterate faster while preserving brand integrity and accessibility.

In daily practice, a disciplined export routine pairs quality with speed. Review each asset against a project’s technical constraints and visual guidelines, then iterate based on feedback from developers. Keep a record of successful export configurations and problematic patterns to guide future work. With time, you’ll establish a reliable workflow that yields clean, scalable, and web ready SVGs, ready to power interfaces with confidence. The outcome is not merely a graphic file but a modular, future proof piece of your digital toolkit that supports growth and collaboration.