SVG stands for Scalable Vector Graphics, the emerging XML-based vector-graphics format, currently being developed by the W3C, a consortium that includes companies such as Adobe, Apple, IBM, Netscape, Sun, Corel, and Microsoft.

SVG files are significantly smaller then their raster counterparts and vectors retain their resolution at any zoom. SVG gives Web designers precise control over the layout, fonts, color, and printing of their Web pages. You can now scale your graphics, use any font you want, and even print your Web designs, without compromising resolution.

At its core, SVG is plain text. This means that the actual SVG code can be edited with any text editor. But most creative designers will find it easier to create SVG content using a graphics program.

The easiest way to get started with SVG is to use graphics and layout tools you are already familiar with. Adobe® Illustrator® is the premier tool for generating SVG content. Simply create your rich-media within Illustrator, add interactivity elements using Illustrator's SVG Interactivity palette, and then save your final design in SVG format. Your artwork can then be viewed in a Web browser with the Adobe SVG Viewer or in other Adobe products such as Adobe GoLive®.