How do I have an SVG image inherit colors from the HTML document?

html

responsive-design

css-variables

svg-coloring

byAlex Kataev·Nov 26, 2024

Change SVG colors using CSS variables. Define variables on :root for universal scope, then utilize var(--your-color-variable) within SVG styles.

Example:

:root {
  --primary-color: red;
  --secondary-color: blue;
}

<svg>
  <circle fill="var(--primary-color)" />
</svg>

This connects SVG colors to your CSS, making them simpler to manage and dynamically updatable.

Adopting dynamic colors

For your SVG to inherit colors dynamically, use the currentColor value inside your SVG elements. This allows SVG to adopt the color property of its container HTML component.

How to apply "currentColor"

Apply fill="currentColor" or stroke="currentColor" within your SVG to pick the color or stroke respectively.

Example:

<div style="color: green;">
  <svg>
    <circle cx="50" cy="50" r="40" stroke="currentColor" fill="none" />
    <!-- (You wouldn't believe it, but this little circle here wanted to be a square at first!) -->
  </svg>
</div>

SVG elements will hence adapt to changes within your website, like when implementing a dark mode or changing themes.

CSS: The stylist of the SVG world

Although inline styling works, using an external stylesheet is more scalable. It maintains a separation of responsibilities and promotes reusability.

Potential pitfalls with inheritance

Avoid inline style stroke: none; fill: inherit; as it may lead to abnormal behaviors. Instead, trust currentColor or CSS variables for steadiness.

Inheritance rules and override exceptions

Remember, child elements with a specific "fill" attribute won't inherit the parent color. So, ensure the inherited color isn't being overshadowed by any inline styles of the child elements.

Harnessing CSS custom properties for robust theming

CSS custom properties (or variables) are a potent way to reference colors throughout your application. They're particularly useful for complex SVG graphics and multiple themes.

Visualization

Imagine an SVG image's color inheritance from HTML mirroring a chameleon's (🦎) adaptation to its surrounding:

SVG (🖼️) without inheritance: 🖼️🎨(Fixed, Rigid colors)
// (If the SVG was a person, it would be the one who never changes their profile picture!)

HTML (🌐) environment colors: 🌐🎨🔵🟡🔴
// (Imagine the HTML as a person who changes their outfit according to the weather, mood, or zodiac sign!)

With SVG adopting surrounding colors:

SVG (🖼️🦎) with inheritance: 🖼️🦎(🔵🟡🔴)
// The SVG has now become one with the HTML environment, seamlessly blending in like a social butterfly at a party!

Advanced SVG coloring techniques

SVG provides various sophisticated methods for dynamic coloring, each serving distinct use cases.

Using SVG filters for complex effects

SVG filters facilitate applying intricate color effects dynamically like shifting hues, tuning saturation, or applying unique color transformations.

Applying gradients and pattern fills for rich visuals

SVG supports gradients and patterns as fill. Assigning a gradient's id to an SVG element's fill attribute can build visually compelling interfaces.