Many designers assume exporting an SVG is simple: click Export → SVG → Done.
And in many cases, that works fine.
However, when SVG logos are used in automated systems, brand platforms, email builders, or websites, small details in how the SVG is exported can cause unexpected issues.
Two SVG files may look identical visually but be structured very differently under the hood. Those differences can affect how well the file works across platforms.
Below are some common things designers overlook when exporting SVG logos.
1. Outline All Fonts
One of the most common issues we see is SVG files that still rely on fonts.
If the text in your logo has not been converted to outlines, the SVG may depend on fonts that do not exist on the viewer’s system.
This can cause the text to:
- render in the wrong font
- lose spacing or alignment
- disappear entirely
Best practice
Convert all text to outlines before exporting. This ensures the logo will render correctly everywhere.
Adobe Illustrator
Type → Create Outlines
Figma
Flatten the text layer or convert it to vector outlines.
2. Make Sure the Background is Transparent
Many logo files include a white rectangle behind the artwork without realizing it.
This becomes a problem when the logo is placed on colored or dark backgrounds.
What happens
Instead of appearing transparent, the logo shows a white box behind it
Best practice
Ensure the logo is exported with no background shape and that the background is truly transparent.
3. Use Vector Shapes Only
SVG stands for Scalable Vector Graphics, which means it is designed for vector artwork.
Sometimes logos accidentally include embedded raster images such as PNG or JPG files.
Problems with raster images inside SVG
- larger file sizes
- poor scaling
- limited ability to recolor or manipulate the artwork
Best practice
SVG logos should be built from:
- paths
- shapes
- strokes
- gradients
Avoid embedding bitmap images whenever possible.
4. Avoid Complex Effects
Certain visual effects can cause problems when exported to SVG.
Examples include:
- drop shadows
- blur effects
- gradient meshes
- clipping masks
- blend modes
While these effects may look correct inside design software, they can behave unpredictably when rendered in browsers or other platforms.
Best practice
Whenever possible, keep SVG logos simple and rely on:
- fills
- strokes
- simple gradients
- basic masks
5. Apply Colors Directly to Shapes
Some design tools apply colors indirectly through styles, groups, or inherited attributes.
For systems that need to recolor or process logos automatically, it is best when colors are applied directly to shapes.
Best practice
Ensure shapes contain explicit color attributes such as:
fill="#000000"
stroke="#000000"
This makes it easier for platforms and systems to detect and modify colors when needed.
6. Keep the SVG Clean and Simple
SVG files can contain unnecessary complexity depending on the tool used to generate them.
A clean SVG is easier to process and more reliable across different platforms.
A clean SVG usually includes
- simple path structures
- minimal nesting of groups
- clearly defined fills and strokes
- minimal metadata
Simpler SVG files generally perform better and are easier for systems to interpret.
7. Make Sure the Artboard Fits the Logo
Another common issue is exporting an SVG with a large artboard around the logo.
This can cause alignment or spacing issues when the logo is placed in layouts.
Best practice
Export the SVG so the viewbox closely fits the artwork.
This ensures consistent placement and scaling across different environments.
Exporting from Figma vs. Adobe Illustrator
If you have the option, exporting SVGs from Figma often produces the most compatible results for automated systems and web platforms.
Both tools generate valid SVG files, but the structure they produce can differ significantly.
Figma SVG exports tend to be 👍
- cleaner
- more consistent
- easier for systems to process
- more explicit with color attributes
For example, Figma usually exports shapes with explicit fill values:
<path d="..." fill="#000000"/>
This makes it easier for platforms and automated systems to:
- recolor logos
- apply themes
- manipulate SVG elements programmatically.
Illustrator SVG exports sometimes rely on defaults 🫤
Adobe Illustrator often removes attributes it considers redundant. For example, if a shape is black, Illustrator may remove the fill attribute because black is the default fill value in SVG.
That can result in markup like this:
<path d="..." />
The logo still renders correctly in browsers, but automated systems may not be able to detect or modify the color.
The takeaway
Both tools can produce perfectly valid SVG files, but Figma exports often result in simpler and more predictable SVG structures, which can lead to fewer compatibility issues.
If you are exporting from Illustrator, just take a moment to double-check your SVG settings and ensure the file structure is clean.
Recommended Illustrator Export Settings
When exporting SVG from Adobe Illustrator, these settings generally produce the most compatible results.
Export → SVG
Recommended settings:
- Styling: Presentation Attributes
- Fonts: SVG
- Images: Preserve
- Minify: Off
- Responsive: Off
These settings typically generate the most stable SVG output.
Quick SVG Checklist
Before uploading an SVG logo, quickly verify the following:
✔ All fonts are outlined
✔ No background box is behind the logo
✔ The artwork uses only vector shapes
✔ Colors are applied directly to shapes
✔ No complex effects are used
✔ The artboard fits the logo tightly
✔ Export from Figma if an option
Following these simple guidelines helps ensure your SVG logos render correctly across platforms and tools.