{"id":15294,"date":"2025-08-25T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-08-25T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sigterritoires.fr\/?p=15294"},"modified":"2025-08-24T09:13:38","modified_gmt":"2025-08-24T07:13:38","slug":"exporting-a-qgis-layout-to-svg-uses-limitations-and-solutions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sigterritoires.fr\/index.php\/en\/exporting-a-qgis-layout-to-svg-uses-limitations-and-solutions\/","title":{"rendered":"Exporting a QGIS layout to SVG: uses, limitations, and solutions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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..<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Contenu <\/p>\nToggle<\/span>

Common problems encountered when exporting to SVG<\/a>

Reliable alternatives to SVG export in QGIS<\/a>

1. Native export from the layout manager<\/a><\/li>

2. Alternative method: Export to PDF then convert with Inkscape<\/a>

Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n

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<\/span>Why export to SVG?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Perfect vector quality for printing or digital zooming<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Subsequent editing of map elements in drawing software<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Integration into complex documents or responsive web pages<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Animation or interaction possible with JavaScript<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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<\/span>How to export a layout to SVG in QGIS?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Open your layout composition (Layout menu or Print Composer).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Click File > Export to SVG.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Choose:\n
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File name<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Destination folder<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Resolution (in DPI, if raster images are included)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Export layers as separate SVG groups (useful in Inkscape)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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<\/span>Common problems encountered when exporting to SVG<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>1. Textures, gradients, or complex symbols not exported accurately<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Gradients, hatchings, internal SVGs, or transparency effects may not appear or may be converted to rasterized paths.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
SVG symbols are poorly integrated if their path is not absolute.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Simplify styles before exporting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Avoid non-vector effects (shadows, halos, edge effects).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Convert custom SVG symbols into simple shapes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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<\/span>2. Text misinterpreted<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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The text may be converted to paths (loss of editability) or rendered in a fallback font if the original font is not recognized.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Some fonts (Google Fonts, etc.) cause problems when opening in Inkscape or Illustrator.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Use standard fonts (Arial, Liberation Sans, etc.).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Check the \u201cConvert text to paths\u201d option only if necessary.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Check the font compatibility in the target editor.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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<\/span>3. Overlapping objects in the wrong order<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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The display order (layers, labels) may be altered during export.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
QGIS groups do not always correspond to SVG groups.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Structure the layout in QGIS correctly before exporting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Test with and without the \u201cExport as separate layers\u201d option.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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<\/span>4. Dimension or unit issues<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Some software misinterprets units: mm vs px.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
This affects the scale and actual size of the exported document.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Export in standard DPI (300 for printing).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Check the project unit (mm or pixels).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Resize when opening in the editor if necessary.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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<\/span>5. Missing raster maps or embedded images<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Images (scanned backgrounds, orthophotos, etc.) are not always exported with SVG or are referenced without being embedded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Use PDF format if raster images are required.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Export vector elements in SVG and embed images in the drawing software.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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<\/span>Best practices before exporting<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Clean up the composition: avoid unnecessary or overly heavy elements.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Use a white background if the background is transparent.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Prefer simple symbols and solid colors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Test opening in Inkscape (free) to see the final result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Provide an alternative PDF version if necessary.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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<\/span>Quick comparison of SVG vs. PDF<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Criterion SVG PDF Editable in Inkscape\u2705 Yes\u2705 Yes (with limitations) Gradient fidelity\u26a0\ufe0f Variable\u2705 Good Web integration\u2705 Native\u274c Not suitable File size\u26a0\ufe0f Can be large\u2705 Optimized Print quality\u2705 Very good\u2705 Very good Transparency\u26a0\ufe0f Sometimes poorly managed\u2705 Better managed<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Criterion <\/th> SVG<\/th> PDF<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Editable in Inkscape<\/td> \u2705 Yes<\/td> \u2705 Yes (with limitations)<\/td><\/tr>
Gradient fidelity<\/td> \u26a0\ufe0f Variable<\/td> \u2705 Good<\/td><\/tr>
Web integration<\/td> \u2705 Native<\/td> \u274c Not suitable<\/td><\/tr>
File size<\/td> \u26a0\ufe0f Can be large<\/td> \u2705 Optimized <\/td><\/tr>
Print quality<\/td> \u2705 Very good<\/td> \u2705 Very good<\/td><\/tr>
Transparency<\/td> \u26a0\ufe0f Sometimes poorly managed<\/td> \u2705 Better managed<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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<\/span>Reliable alternatives to SVG export in QGIS<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>1. Native export from the layout manager<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This is currently the main method:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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File menu > Export to SVG<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Options: export groups as separate layers, DPI, etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\u2714 Advantage: integrated, simple, no plugin required<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2716 Limitations: imperfect rendering with complex effects (gradients, transparency), text sometimes converted to paths<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/span>2. Alternative method: Export to PDF then convert with Inkscape<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Alternative workflow:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Export to vector PDF<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Open in Inkscape or Adobe Illustrator<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Save in SVG format<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\u2714 Advantage: better initial rendering<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2716 Requires an external tool<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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When direct SVG export causes problems (text paths, poorly rendered effects, missing images, etc.), using a vector PDF can give better results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Steps:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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In QGIS:\n
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Open the layout.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Layout menu > Export to PDF format<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
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$\"\"$ <\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Select the options:\n
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Always export as vectors and,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Always export text as text objects<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
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$\"\"$ <\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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In Inkscape:\n
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File > Open > select the exported PDF.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
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$\"\"$ <\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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<\/span>Two PDF import modes in Inkscape: Internal vs. Cairo<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
When you open a PDF file in Inkscape, you can choose between two import engines:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Internal import<\/strong>: Inkscape’s native engine. It gives good results in most cases, especially for simple documents. However, it may misinterpret some gradients, masks, or groups.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Import with Cairo<\/strong>: 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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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 fid\u00e9lit\u00e9 d\u00e9pend souvent du contenu sp\u00e9cifique du fichier (polices, styles, transparences…).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"\"$ <\/a>
Importing QGIS PDFs with the Internal Import option<\/em><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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$\"\"$ <\/a>
Importing the QGis PDF with the Cairo option<\/em><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Importing the QGis PDF with the Cairo option<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\u2714 Advantages:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Better graphic fidelity than a direct SVG export from QGIS.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Possibility to rework all objects in a dedicated editor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Cleaner integration into web or print projects.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\u26a0\ufe0f Note:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Some raster layers will be integrated as embedded images.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
The file may be large, so consider optimizing vector objects.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Once imported:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Delete unnecessary elements (invisible backgrounds, white frames).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Check fonts and replace them if necessary.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Recolor or group vector objects to simplify the file.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
File > Save As > SVG Inkscape.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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<\/span>3. External tools or Python scripts<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Basic example:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
layout = QgsProject.instance().layoutManager().layoutByName(\u2018My layout\u2019)<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\nexporter = QgsLayoutExporter(layout)<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\nexporter.exportToSvg(\u2018path\/to\/export.svg\u2019, QgsLayoutExporter.SvgExportSettings())<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n\u2714 Advantage: automation possible<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2716 Requires scripting skills<\/p>\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n<\/span>Conclusion<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nSVG 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 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,…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":14500,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"give_campaign_id":0,"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"sfsi_plus_gutenberg_text_before_share":"","sfsi_plus_gutenberg_show_text_before_share":"","sfsi_plus_gutenberg_icon_type":"","sfsi_plus_gutenberg_icon_alignemt":"","sfsi_plus_gutenburg_max_per_row":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1377],"tags":[3612,3608,3610,3614,2096,1386,2723],"class_list":["post-15294","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-qgis-en","tag-cairo-en","tag-export-en","tag-illustrator-en","tag-inkskape-en","tag-layout","tag-qgis-en","tag-svg-en"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sigterritoires.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/front_qgis_svg.jpg?fit=562%2C188&ssl=1","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p6XU0A-3YG","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sigterritoires.fr\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15294","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sigterritoires.fr\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sigterritoires.fr\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sigterritoires.fr\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sigterritoires.fr\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15294"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sigterritoires.fr\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15294\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sigterritoires.fr\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14500"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sigterritoires.fr\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15294"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sigterritoires.fr\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15294"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sigterritoires.fr\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15294"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}