Blog GIS & Territories

Exporting to SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) from QGIS allows you to produce high-quality vector maps for printing or graphic editing in software such as Inkscape, Illustrator, or Affinity Designer. It is an interesting alternative to PDF, particularly for manual modifications or web integration. However, this format also raises several compatibility and rendering issues..

Why export to SVG?

• Perfect vector quality for printing or digital zooming
• Subsequent editing of map elements in drawing software
• Integration into complex documents or responsive web pages
• Animation or interaction possible with JavaScript

How to export a layout to SVG in QGIS?

1. Open your layout composition (Layout menu or Print Composer).
2. Click File > Export to SVG.
3. Choose:

   • File name
   • Destination folder
   • Resolution (in DPI, if raster images are included)

4. Export layers as separate SVG groups (useful in Inkscape)

Common problems encountered when exporting to SVG

1. Textures, gradients, or complex symbols not exported accurately

• Gradients, hatchings, internal SVGs, or transparency effects may not appear or may be converted to rasterized paths.
• SVG symbols are poorly integrated if their path is not absolute.

Solution:

• Simplify styles before exporting.
• Avoid non-vector effects (shadows, halos, edge effects).
• Convert custom SVG symbols into simple shapes.

2. Text misinterpreted

• The text may be converted to paths (loss of editability) or rendered in a fallback font if the original font is not recognized.
• Some fonts (Google Fonts, etc.) cause problems when opening in Inkscape or Illustrator.

Solution:

• Use standard fonts (Arial, Liberation Sans, etc.).
• Check the “Convert text to paths” option only if necessary.
• Check the font compatibility in the target editor.

3. Overlapping objects in the wrong order

• The display order (layers, labels) may be altered during export.
• QGIS groups do not always correspond to SVG groups.

Solution:

• Structure the layout in QGIS correctly before exporting.
• Test with and without the “Export as separate layers” option.

4. Dimension or unit issues

• Some software misinterprets units: mm vs px.
• This affects the scale and actual size of the exported document.

Solution:

• Export in standard DPI (300 for printing).
• Check the project unit (mm or pixels).
• Resize when opening in the editor if necessary.

5. Missing raster maps or embedded images

Images (scanned backgrounds, orthophotos, etc.) are not always exported with SVG or are referenced without being embedded.

Solution:

• Use PDF format if raster images are required.
• Export vector elements in SVG and embed images in the drawing software.

Best practices before exporting

• Clean up the composition: avoid unnecessary or overly heavy elements.
• Use a white background if the background is transparent.
• Prefer simple symbols and solid colors.
• Test opening in Inkscape (free) to see the final result.
• Provide an alternative PDF version if necessary.

Quick comparison of SVG vs. PDF

Criterion SVG PDF Editable in Inkscape✅ Yes✅ Yes (with limitations) Gradient fidelity⚠️ Variable✅ Good Web integration✅ Native❌ Not suitable File size⚠️ Can be large✅ Optimized Print quality✅ Very good✅ Very good Transparency⚠️ Sometimes poorly managed✅ Better managed

Reliable alternatives to SVG export in QGIS

1. Native export from the layout manager

This is currently the main method:

• File menu > Export to SVG
• Options: export groups as separate layers, DPI, etc.

✔ Advantage: integrated, simple, no plugin required

✖ Limitations: imperfect rendering with complex effects (gradients, transparency), text sometimes converted to paths

2. Alternative method: Export to PDF then convert with Inkscape

Alternative workflow:

• Export to vector PDF
• Open in Inkscape or Adobe Illustrator
• Save in SVG format

✔ Advantage: better initial rendering

✖ Requires an external tool

When direct SVG export causes problems (text paths, poorly rendered effects, missing images, etc.), using a vector PDF can give better results.

Steps:

• In QGIS:

  • Open the layout.
  • Layout menu > Export to PDF format

• Select the options:

  • Always export as vectors and,
  • Always export text as text objects

• In Inkscape:

  • File > Open > select the exported PDF.

Two PDF import modes in Inkscape: Internal vs. Cairo

When you open a PDF file in Inkscape, you can choose between two import engines:

• Internal import: Inkscape’s native engine. It gives good results in most cases, especially for simple documents. However, it may misinterpret some gradients, masks, or groups.
• Import with Cairo: based on the Cairo graphics library. It is sometimes more accurate for complex effects, transparent layers, or certain paths from QGIS, but may convert more elements into paths, making editing more difficult.

If you encounter rendering issues, it is useful to test both options for comparison. Accuracy often depends on the specific content of the file (fonts, styles, transparencies, etc.).comparer. La fidélité dépend souvent du contenu spécifique du fichier (polices, styles, transparences…).

Importing the QGis PDF with the Cairo option

✔ Advantages:

• Better graphic fidelity than a direct SVG export from QGIS.
• Possibility to rework all objects in a dedicated editor.
• Cleaner integration into web or print projects.

⚠️ Note:

• Some raster layers will be integrated as embedded images.
• The file may be large, so consider optimizing vector objects.

Once imported:

• Delete unnecessary elements (invisible backgrounds, white frames).
• Check fonts and replace them if necessary.
• Recolor or group vector objects to simplify the file.
• File > Save As > SVG Inkscape.

3. External tools or Python scripts

You can also write a PyQGIS script or use PyQt’s SVG exporters if you want to automate exports with fine control (but this is advanced).

Basic example:

layout = QgsProject.instance().layoutManager().layoutByName(‘My layout’)

exporter = QgsLayoutExporter(layout)

exporter.exportToSvg(‘path/to/export.svg’, QgsLayoutExporter.SvgExportSettings())

✔ Advantage: automation possible

✖ Requires scripting skills

Conclusion

SVG export in QGIS is a powerful but sometimes temperamental feature. It is important to prepare your layout carefully, test it in an editor, and, if necessary, simplify the styles or opt for PDF for certain uses. A good command of SVG export paves the way for professional cartography.

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Atilio Francois