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SVG is the worst image file format
3 years ago
Alright so when you save an image, most guys use PNG, JPEG, or some sort of commonly used file that works on most devices (unless its Linux or some really outdated version of Windows like 3.1) and it is universal and can be opened and edited. And you have some absolute moron scum of the earth people who have the audacity to use SVG! Its fucking useless and not even compatible with Windows PCs or Android phones. It can't be edited on Paint.net unless you install an add-on, even then the file still cannot be opened on Windows 10 and you get an error message. So what's the fucking point in using SVG files if it hardly works on any common Operating System (except Apple of course, but Apple is another story for another day). Thankfully there's a website that can convert SVG files into a PNG with the resolution of your choice, but you shouldn't have to go through that hassle in this day in age. SVG is worse than WEBP, because at least with WEBP you can rename it to PNG with no problems whatsoever. "Oh but SVG has amazing vector resolution..." What's the point if you can't even use the file? Besides, you can just make a PNG with an absurdly high resolution, albeit with a high file size. Its like if they invented a $1,000 bill, but you can't use it to buy anything. Thank you for listening to my idiotic schizo rant about file formats!
SVGs are essentially the PSD of vector graphics - it's not meant to be viewed; it's meant to be edited. using inkscape, you can edit and convert SVG files to PNG. you kinda need vector because raster/PNG doesn't cut it if you're doing graphic design, fonts, or just need precision.
also, i'm a linux user and we still use and view PNG, JPEG, and the other conventional file formats. there is no special linux file format for anything at all besides programs and binaries.
Vector graphics images have special properties that raster graphics formats (.PNG, .JPEG, .BMP, etc.) do not have, such as the ability to be resized to any zoom level with no loss in quality (they will NEVER become pixelated or crusty no matter what you do to them). They are extremely useful for lots of applications such as logos, high-precision diagrams and web graphics (which is what the format was actually designed for).
Support for .SVGs is widespread - pretty much every modern web browser can open and render .SVG images. The fact that you are able to access FurAffinity is proof that you have access to an application that can view them natively.
It's the exact same as .PDF files (the BEST format for publishing text documents). Most people don't use a dedicated viewer to see them, they use a web browser.
Technically Windows does come with a .svg viewer right out the box... The web browser. I have no idea why Windows isn't programmed to open .svg images in the web browser by default (like it does with .pdf files), but you can just tell your system "from now on, use this to open this file type" with two clicks, so it's not actually that big of an issue.