Last Updated : 30 Jan, 2024
Summarize
Comments
Improve
SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) is an XML-based vector image format, suitable for creating graphics and interactive elements. HTML5 Canvas is more like a blank canvas where you can draw whatever you want using pixels. SVG is great for logos and icons, while Canvas is good for dynamic animations and games.
SVG:
Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) is an XML-based image format used to define two-dimensional vector-based graphics for the web. Unlike raster images (Ex .jpg, .gif, .png, etc.), a vector image can be scaled up or down to any extent without losing the image quality. An SVG image is drawn out using a series of statements that follow the XML schema — that means SVG images can be created and edited with any text editor, such as Notepad. There are several other advantages of using SVG over other image formats like JPEG, GIF, PNG, etc.
Example: In this example, we will see the code for drawing a circle using SVG elements.
html
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<title>SVG</title>
<style>
#svgelem {
position: relative;
left: 50%;
-webkit-transform: translateX(-20%);
-ms-transform: translateX(-20%);
transform: translateX(-20%);
}
</style>
<title>HTML5 SVG</title>
</head>
<body>
<h2 align="center">
SVG Circle(Geeks For Geeks)
</h2>
<svg id="svgelem" height="200">
<circle id="greencircle" cx="60"
cy="60" r="50" fill="green" />
</svg>
</body>
</html>
Output:
Canvas:
The HTML element is used to draw graphics on the fly, via scripting (usually JavaScript). The element is only a container for graphics. You must use a script to actually draw the graphics. Canvas has several methods for drawing paths, boxes, circles, text, and adding images.
Example: In this example, we will see the code for drawing a square using Canvas elements.
HTML
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<title>HTML5 Canvas Tag</title>
</head>
<body>
<h2>Canvas Square(Geeks For Geeks)</h2>
<canvas id="newCanvas" width="100"
height="100" style="border:1px solid #000000;">
</canvas>
<script>
var c = document.getElementById('newCanvas');
var ctx = c.getContext('2d');
ctx.fillStyle = '#7cce2b';
ctx.fillRect(0, 0, 100, 100);
</script>
</body>
</html>
Output:
Difference between SVG and HTML5 Canvas:
| SVG | Canvas |
|---|---|
SVG uses geometric shapes to render graphics | Canvas uses pixels |
| Vector based (composed of shapes) | Raster based (composed of pixel) |
| SVG has better scalability. So it can be printed with high quality at any resolution. | Canvas has poor scalability. Hence it is not suitable for printing on higher resolution. |
| SVG gives better performance with smaller number of objects or larger surface. | Canvas gives better performance with smaller surface or larger number of objects. |
| SVG can be modified through script and CSS. | Canvas can be modified through script only. |
| Multiple graphical elements, which become the part of the page’s DOM tree. | Single element similar to <img> in behavior. Canvas diagram can be saved to PNG or JPG format. |
Improve
