Fill SVG path element with a background-image

html

responsive-design

svg-patterns

accessibility

byAlex Kataev·Nov 4, 2024

Here's how to nestle an image inside an SVG path. First, create a pattern within defs. Set the pattern dimensions to match your image size. Link the pattern to the path fill. Simple as pie...err code! 🥧

<svg width="200" height="200">
  <defs>
    <pattern id="imgPattern" width="100" height="100" patternUnits="userSpaceOnUse">
      <!-- Here, we summon an image ghost to haunt the SVG path. Spooky! 👻 -->
      <image href="image.jpg" width="100" height="100"/>
    </pattern>
  </defs>
  <!-- Probably the only time filling an empty path is a good thing! 😆 -->
  <path fill="url(#imgPattern)" d="M10 10 H 90 V 90 H 10 L 10 10"/>
</svg>

Swap image.jpg with the path to your image, tweak pattern width and height as per your image, and modify the d attribute to match your path data. Tada! Your SVG path is now pretty as a picture!

Responsive patterns & complex paths

Make it stretchable - Responsive designs

With responsive SVG design, patterns should scale effectively. Set patternContentUnits to objectBoundingBox. This scales your pattern along with your SVG elements. What's stretchy and responsive? A rubber band....and your SVG elements! 📏

<pattern id="responsivePattern" patternContentUnits="objectBoundingBox" width="1" height="1">
  <!-- The image that stretches like a gymnast! -->
  <image href="image.jpg" width="1" height="1" preserveAspectRatio="xMidYMid slice"/>
</pattern>

Layer it up - Transparency & Layering

Need transparent or multi-layer visuals? Use your SVG skills to add semi-transparent paths or additional SVG shapes on top of your image, creating complex patterns. This isn't your grandma's old layered casserole! 🥘

Add some pizzazz - Combining patterns, gradients & filters

Turn it up a notch by combining patterns with SVG gradients and filters. Get effects like textures, shadows, highlights and quilt an intricate design. A Picasso in the making! 🎨

Good practices & advanced applications

Graphical aid - Managing complex paths

Complex SVG paths? Use a graphic editor for designing the path and generating the d attribute. Digital arts and crafts anyone?

Imagine all the browsers - Cross-browser compatibility

Watch out for vendor-specific quirks, our old nemesis! Don't forget our friend Mr. Test and his triplet browsers Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. 🧪

For everyone - Accessibility considerations

Practise Inclusive SVG Coding. Add descriptive titles and ARIA attributes for accessible content. After all, SVGs are for everyone, just like sunshine! ☀️

Lights, SVG, action - Animations

Integrating patterns in animated SVGs? This is your ticket to seemingly infinite visual effects. But remember, optimize images and skip the overly complex unless you want your users' processors to mimic a smoke machine at a rock concert. 💨

explain-codes / Html / Fill SVG path element with a background-image

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