Is this a real SVG—or the same pixels in a wrapper?
The .svg extension identifies a document format, not a guarantee that the visible logo is built from editable vector geometry.
A real vector SVG describes the logo with geometry.
Look for editable shapes and paths. An SVG that contains only one image object may display correctly, but it still depends on raster pixels and does not provide the editing or resolution independence expected from a vector logo.
Start fast, then verify the structure.
No single visual check proves quality. Use the editor or document structure to confirm that the file contains geometry, then review whether that geometry actually matches the intended logo.
- 01Quick signal
Zoom far beyond the intended size
Jagged or blurry pixels reveal raster content, but a large embedded bitmap may still look sharp for a while. Treat this as a clue, not proof.
- 02Strong test
Select individual shapes in a vector editor
A genuine vector logo normally exposes editable paths, fills and groups. One rectangular image object is evidence that the pixels were wrapped, not traced.
- 03Strong test
Inspect the document as text
Path, circle, rect and polygon elements describe geometry. An image element can link to or embed raster data. Mixed documents can contain both.
- 04Quality test
Compare the result with the source
Real paths can still be inaccurate. Check lettering, holes, detached regions and color boundaries before treating the SVG as approved artwork.
Paths describe shapes. Image elements place pixels.
Both are valid SVG features. The distinction matters because a logo advertised as vector should not depend entirely on embedded raster artwork.
Editable geometry
Shapes can be selected, recolored and rendered again at a new size.
Pixels placed inside SVG
The SVG remains a container while the visible artwork retains a fixed pixel grid.
The sample contains paths and flat fills.
This is the same SVG shown in the page comparison. Download it, open it in a text editor or import it into a vector editor and inspect the individual shapes.
Real pathsWhat SVG permits
- W3C SVG 2: PathsThe path element and geometric path data.
- W3C SVG 2: Embedded ContentThe image element and raster content inside SVG documents.