How to make a `` element expand or contract to its parent container?

html

responsive-design

svg

css

byNikita Barsukov·Jan 3, 2025

To ensure the <svg> element scales consistently to its parent container, set both width and height to 100%. Use the viewBox attribute to define the drawable area, influencing how the SVG scales.

<svg width="100%" height="100%" viewBox="0 0 200 200">
  <!-- Your fabulous SVG content here -->
</svg>

By adjusting values in the viewBox attribute, you have granular control over the internal SVG dimensions. This approach promotes fluid aspect ratios ensuring your SVG remains crisp and clean no matter the parent size.

How viewBox works and why it's essential

Understanding how viewBox works is crucial when creating a responsive SVG. It defines the internal coordinate system for your SVG. As viewBox values represent min-x, min-y, width, and height, setting width and height to percentages will make the SVG flexibly scale, adapting to its parent container size.

Handling the aspect ratio with `preserveAspectRatio`

Using preserveAspectRatio="none", you can stretch your SVG to completely fill its container. It's like telling the SVG to always make sure it fills every nook and cranny. On the other hand, if preserving the original aspect ratio is paramount, avoid this setting - instead, you're better off using values like preserveAspectRatio="xMinYMin meet".

<svg width="100%" height="100%" viewBox="0 0 200 200" preserveAspectRatio="xMinYMin meet">
  <!-- Your masterpiece SVG artwork here -->
</svg>

Flexibility in scaling

To maximize flexibility in scaling, it's better to avoid adding fixed width and height on the <svg> directly. Rather, let CSS or JavaScript handle this. With these languages in the driver's seat, they'll leverage their cross-context functionality, keeping that SVG in absolute check whether it's embedded in HTML, injected with JavaScript, or set as a CSS background image.

Making SVGs adapt to responsive design

Using relative units within SVG

Integrating relative units within your SVGs provides another layer of responsive design. Embrace em, ex, or % units to make elements within your SVG scale with the rest of your content. Doing so will create harmony between the SVGs and other elements, leading to smooth user experience across different devices.

Adjusting SVG dimensions with Inkscape

Inkscape can be your best friend when it comes to creating responsive SVGs. It allows you to use percentage dimensions on your designed elements. Once you're done designing, you can extract the path data and import it to your HTML.

Embedding SVG responsively

To make sure you enjoy full-scale responsiveness, you can choose to include your SVG using an <img> element. This way, your SVG behaves as a responsive image.

<img src="image.svg" alt="Responsive SVG Image" style="width:100%;">

The enhancements of media queries

Never underestimate the power of CSS media queries. These wonders allow you to make SVG aspects stress-free on different screen sizes. Adjust properties such as width, height, or even transform scales at various breakpoints, and voila! Your SVGs will be partying responsively!

// Tall and skinny viewports, and anyone who skipped leg day
@media only screen and (max-width: 768px) {
  svg {
    /* Code to shrink your SVG's muscles */
  }
}

Fill mechanics within SVG

You can control how individual SVG elements scale using the fill attribute. It helps keep the shape and appearance of path and shape elements intact as the SVG size changes. Therefore, as you transition the SVG size, its elements play nicely along, maintaining a cohesive visual experience.

Checking cross-device responsiveness

SVGs on trial: testing

To ensure a seamless experience for all users, put your SVGs through a rigorous trial across different devices. A variety of browsers and screen sizes might decode your SVGs differently. Only a case-hardened testing strategy will guarantee inclusion and enjoyment across all device types.

Defending SVG responsiveness

Avoid fixed dimensions that limit SVG responsiveness. Whenever possible, opt for fluid layouts, employing flexible units, and percentages. This practice ensures the container and SVG elements don't resort to aggressive tactics when presented with different screen sizes.

SVG size control with JavaScript

JavaScript or jQuery can provide advanced control over the SVG's size. When automatic scaling feels like herding cats, you can tame the SVG dimensions upon window resize or orientation change.

// This magic trick will always keep your SVGs on their tiptoes!
window.addEventListener('resize', function() {
  // Code to transform your SVG into a limbo dance champion
});