Mar-4-2024 Update: I updated the post to use Microsoft PowerToys
It’s surprisingly easy to show Scalable Vector Graphic (SVG) file previews in Windows Explorer, by using a Windows Explorer Extension. Having a visual preview of the imagery in Windows makes a world of difference when working with visual assets for applications such as PowerPoint.
By default, browsing a folder of SVG files looks like the below, with every image having the web browser icon (the registered application for SVG files).
To improve this experience, I recommend installing Microsoft PowerToys from the Windows Store, which will add SVG preview support in addition to a bushel-full of other cool features. There are other options available on GitHub and other locations (e.g., Tobold’s SVG Explorer Extension), but installing from the Windows Store will keep the code up to date and compatible as Windows updates.
Once installed, Windows Explorer now shows a much more helpful preview of the files.
If your Windows Explorer window doesn’t show the images quite as big as you like (or if it’s just a list of file names), remember that you can change the view – either by (a) right-clicking on the folder’s background and selecting ‘View’, or by (b) clicking on the ‘View’ ribbon, and selecting the size of icons you want (medium, large, or extra large).
Why use Scalable Vector Graphics?
I believe it’s pretty self-evident, but a SVG file provide smooth, scalable images for use on the web, when building other images, and within presentations. But we’ll discuss more of an SVG file in an upcoming blog post.
What SVG files are these?
In case you’re curious, the files in this blog post come from the Microsoft Azure, Cloud, and Enterprise Icon and Symbol set. I use these quite a bit for my work.
Enjoy!
Cliff
