Monday, September 15, 2025
All the Bits Fit to Print
Testing Google's indexing of SVG text and links on a website
A developer created a test website entirely in SVG using Inkscape to explore how well Google indexes SVG text and follows links within the file. The experiment aims to assess whether SVG can be a practical alternative for authoring web pages.
Why it matters: Understanding SVG indexing impacts web design choices for SEO and accessibility when using vector graphics for entire sites.
The big picture: SVG is a W3C web standard, but browser support for advanced features and indexing behavior varies, affecting usability and search visibility.
The other side: Some users report sluggish text selection and poor reflow on mobile, raising concerns about accessibility and user experience.
Commenters say: Many find SVG-based sites intriguing and nostalgic, but note performance issues, limited search results, and question accessibility for assistive technologies.