Adding SVG images to WordPress sites instead of traditional image formats has its advantages. The images appear clearer and sharper without compression or resolution loss.
But if it has an advantage over other traditional image formats, then what is wrong with using it instead of JPG or PNG images?
Well, the reason is that WordPress doesn’t support the direct use of SVG files due to security concerns.
But this doesn’t mean you cannot use them. In this blog, we will provide you with the best ways to easily add SVG images to your WordPress site.
What is SVG?
SVG stands for Scalable Vector Graphics. It is a type of image format used to display graphics on websites. Unlike common image formats like JPEG or PNG, which are made up of tiny squares of color (pixels), SVGs are made up of lines, shapes, and text. This makes them scalable, meaning they can get bigger or smaller without losing quality or becoming blurry.
For example, when you zoom in on a PNG or JPEG image, you might notice that the image gets pixelated (blurry or grainy). But with an SVG, the image stays sharp and clear no matter how much you zoom in or resize it.
How does SVG work?
SVG works by using text instructions (written in XML) to describe the shapes and paths of the image. Think of it as a set of simple drawing instructions for your web browser.
For instance, if you draw a circle, an SVG file will tell the browser something like:
- “Draw a circle here, with this size, and this color.”
Because it’s a vector format (based on math and geometry, not pixels), the image can be scaled to any size without losing its quality.
Key Benefits of SVG:
- Scalable: You can make the image any size, and it will still look perfect.
- Lightweight: SVGs are often smaller in file size, making websites load faster.
- Editable: Since it’s based on code, you can easily change colors or shapes even after creating the image.
- Interactive: SVGs can be animated or made interactive, which is useful for web designers and developers.
Example Use Cases:
- Logos and icons that need to look sharp on all devices (from mobile phones to large screens).
- Simple illustrations or graphics that don’t need complex details like photos.
Note: If you upload and SVG file to the WordPress site, an error message will be displayed as shown below:
Why WordPress doesn’t allow SVG images by default?
SVG files, while extremely useful for web design, can pose security risks when used on platforms like WordPress due to the way they are structured. Here’s a simple explanation of the security concerns with SVGs:
1. SVGs are Code-Based
Unlike traditional image formats (like PNG or JPEG), which are simply image data, SVGs are essentially XML files. This means they are made up of text-based code that describes the shapes, colors, and positions of the image. Because they are code, they can also include:
- Scripts: SVGs can contain JavaScript, which can be used to manipulate or animate the graphic. However, malicious code can also be injected into SVGs, leading to security vulnerabilities.
2. Risk of Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
SVGs can be exploited through Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks. If an attacker embeds harmful JavaScript into an SVG file and uploads it to your WordPress site, that script could potentially run on the browser of any user who views the SVG. This could be used to:
- Steal user information (like cookies or login credentials).
- Redirect users to malicious websites.
- Run unauthorized code on your website.
3. File Upload Vulnerabilities
WordPress, by default, doesn’t allow uploading SVG files because it recognizes the potential risks. If you enable SVG uploads without taking precautions, you could inadvertently allow harmful files to be uploaded. This could lead to a variety of problems, including:
- Server compromise: Malicious code within SVGs could exploit server vulnerabilities.
- User account hijacking: If a hacker gains access to your WordPress admin area through an SVG attack, they could take control of your site.
However keeping all these potential risks and security concerns, We will help you to upload and use SVG images in your WordPress site easily and safely.
Check out the methods below:
How to add SVG images to the WordPress site?
Given below are some of the best methods you can follow to safely and securely use SVG files to the WordPress site.
Method 1: Add SVG files or images in WordPress using WPCode Plugin
Step 1: Install the WPCode Plugin
- What is WPCode? WPCode is a plugin that helps you add different useful code snippets to your WordPress site without needing to write code yourself. These snippets can perform many functions that would otherwise require multiple plugins.
- To start, you need to install and activate the WPCode plugin. If you’re not sure how to install a plugin, you can follow a basic guide, but it’s usually as simple as going to the “Plugins” section of your WordPress dashboard, searching for WPCode, and clicking “Install” and then “Activate.”
Step 2: Access the WPCode Snippets Library
- Once the plugin is activated, go to your WordPress dashboard, then navigate to Code Snippets » Add Snippet.
- In the search bar, type ‘svg’ to find the snippet that allows SVG file uploads.
- Hover over the option that says ‘Allow SVG Files Upload’, and click on ‘Use snippet’ when you see it.
Step 3: Activate the Code Snippet
- After selecting the snippet, you’ll be taken to the ‘Edit Snippet’ page. WPCode has already configured everything for you, so you don’t need to worry about changing anything.
- All you need to do is switch the toggle to ‘Active’ and then click the ‘Update’ button to save the changes.
Step 4: Upload SVG Files to Your WordPress Site
- Now that the code snippet is active, you can upload SVG files just like any other image format (like JPG or PNG) without getting an error message from WordPress.
- You can go to your media library and upload an SVG file, and it will work smoothly on your site.
Step 5 (Optional): Allow Other Users to Upload SVG Files
- By default, only Administrators (the highest-level users) on your WordPress site can upload SVG files. If you want to allow other users to upload SVGs, you can edit the snippet.
- How to do it: You need to delete lines 14-16 in the code snippet. These lines restrict SVG uploads to administrators only. Or, you can “comment out” the restriction by adding two slashes (//) at the beginning of lines 11-13, which will make WordPress ignore those lines.
- Once you’ve done this, click ‘Update’ again to save your changes.
Method 2: Upload SVG files or images using SVG Support Plugin
Step 1: Install the SVG Support Plugin
- What is SVG Support? SVG Support is a plugin that allows you to upload and display SVG files on your WordPress site. It also gives you control over who can upload SVGs and even lets you use some advanced features.
- To begin, you need to install and activate the SVG Support plugin. If you’re not sure how to do this, follow a simple guide, but typically, you go to the “Plugins” section of your WordPress dashboard, search for “SVG Support,” click “Install”, and then “Activate”.
Step 2: Configure the Plugin Settings
- After activating the plugin, go to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to Settings » SVG Support.
- Here, you will see a few options to configure how SVG files are handled.
Step 3: Restrict SVG Uploads to Administrators
- To make your website more secure, you might want to restrict SVG uploads so only Administrators (the highest-level users) can upload SVGs. To do this, just check the box next to the ‘Restrict to Administrators?’ option.
- This will prevent other users (such as editors or authors) from uploading SVG files.
Step 4 (Optional): Enable Advanced Mode for Extra Features
- Advanced Mode gives you extra options, such as allowing CSS animations or inline SVG rendering, which can make your SVGs interactive or animated.
- If you want to use these advanced features, simply check the ‘Advanced Mode’ option.
- Don’t worry if you’re not sure what these advanced features are—if you don’t need them, you can skip this step.
Step 5: Save Your Settings
- Once you’ve configured the settings to your liking, click the ‘Save Changes’ button to apply them.
Step 6: Upload SVG Files in a Post or Page
- Now that the SVG Support plugin is set up, you can upload SVG files to your posts or pages just like any other image file.
- To do this, create a new post or edit an existing one. In the post editor, add an image block (just like you would for a JPG or PNG), and upload your SVG file.
Method 3: Upload SVG images or files using Safe SVG Plugin
Step 1: Install the Safe SVG Plugin
- What is Safe SVG? Safe SVG is a plugin that allows you to upload SVG files to WordPress while automatically sanitizing them. Sanitizing means cleaning the SVG file to remove any potentially harmful code, making it safer for your website.
- To start, you need to install and activate the Safe SVG plugin. If you’re not sure how, follow a simple guide, but usually, you go to the “Plugins” section in your WordPress dashboard, search for “Safe SVG,” and then click “Install” and “Activate”.
Step 2: Start Uploading SVG Files
- Good news: Once activated, the plugin works automatically! There are no settings you need to configure.
- You can immediately begin uploading SVG files to your WordPress media library, just like you would upload any other image format (such as PNG or JPG).
Step 3: Be Aware of User Permissions
- By default, the free version of Safe SVG allows any user who can write posts (like authors or editors) to upload SVG files. This may be a concern if you want more control over who can upload SVGs, as it increases the risk of harmful uploads.
Step 4 (Optional): Upgrade to the Premium Version
- If you want to control who can upload SVG files (for example, restricting it to only administrators), you would need to purchase the premium version of the Safe SVG plugin. The premium version lets you manage who can upload SVGs, giving you more control over security.
Conclusion
Using SVG files has its advantages and can be a powerful tool for improving the visual quality and scalability of images on your WordPress site.
However, due to the potential security risks, it’s important to handle SVG uploads safely. Fortunately, with the right plugins, you can use SVG without compromising your site’s security.
We hope this blog post has helped you learn how to add SVG images to your WordPress site. In case you have any queries or suggestions, please write them in the comment section below.
Rahul Kumar is a web enthusiast, and content strategist specializing in WordPress & web hosting. With years of experience and a commitment to staying up-to-date with industry trends, he creates effective online strategies that drive traffic, boosts engagement, and increase conversions. Rahul’s attention to detail and ability to craft compelling content makes him a valuable asset to any brand looking to improve its online presence.