img src SVG changing the styles with CSS

📝 Blog Post: Mastering SVG Styling with CSS

🤔 Have you ever tried changing the styles of an SVG image using CSS, only to find that it doesn't work as expected? Don't worry, you're not alone! Many people encounter this problem when they're new to working with SVGs.

💡 In this blog post, we'll address this common issue and provide you with easy solutions to change SVG styles using CSS. By the end of this guide, you'll be a master at customizing SVGs to match your design needs.

The Problem

Let's start by examining the code snippet you provided:

<img src="logo.svg" alt="Logo" class="logo-img">
.logo-img path {
  fill: #000;
}

You mentioned that the SVG image has a default fill color of #fff and that you're trying to change it to black (#000) using CSS. However, despite your efforts, the color remains unchanged.

Understanding SVG Structure

To understand why the CSS isn't working, it's crucial to have a basic understanding of how SVGs are structured. Unlike other image formats, SVGs are not made up of pixels. Instead, they consist of scalable vector elements, such as paths, shapes, and text.

In your case, the logo.svg file likely contains one or more <path> elements, which define the shapes and outlines of the image. To change the fill color of these paths with CSS, we need to correctly target them in our CSS rules.

Targeting SVG Elements

Take a closer look at the CSS selector .logo-img path. This selector is trying to target the <path> elements inside the .logo-img class. However, the issue lies in how the SVG is being rendered in the HTML.

By default, when you use an <img> tag to display an SVG, it gets rendered as an image file and loses its direct connection to the document's styles. As a result, any CSS rules targeting the SVG's internal elements won't be applied.

Solutions

To overcome this issue, you have a few alternative approaches to choose from:

1. Inline the SVG Code

By directly including the SVG code within your HTML file, you can maintain a connection between the SVG and the CSS rules. Here's an example of how you can inline your SVG:

<svg viewBox="0 0 100 100" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg">
  <path d="M10 10 H 90 V 90 H 10 L 10 10" class="logo-img"></path>
</svg>

Now, the CSS selector .logo-img path will correctly target the path within the SVG element. Any styles you apply within this selector will be reflected in the SVG's appearance.

2. Use CSS Directly on the SVG

Another approach is to apply CSS directly on the SVG element using the style attribute. Here's an example:

<img src="logo.svg" alt="Logo" class="logo-img" style="fill: #000;">

By defining the fill property inline, you can bypass the need for external CSS to change the fill color.

3. Embed the SVG as an Object

Lastly, you can use the <object> tag to embed the SVG in your HTML. This method maintains a direct connection between the SVG and the document styles.

<object data="logo.svg" type="image/svg+xml" class="logo-img"></object>

Now, you can target the SVG elements using CSS selectors and apply the desired styles.

💡 Remember, different situations call for different solutions. Choose the method that best suits your project's requirements and workflow.

Conclusion

SVGs are incredibly versatile and offer endless possibilities for customization. By understanding the quirks of SVG styling with CSS and utilizing the right techniques, you can seamlessly modify the appearance of your SVG images.

So, the next time you encounter issues changing the styles of an SVG, refer back to this guide and become a pro at manipulating SVGs using CSS!

👉 Now it's your turn! Have you ever faced challenges while styling SVGs? Share your experiences and additional tips in the comments below. Let's master SVG styling together! 🎉