Using SVGs in React and Next.js: Complete Integration Guide
Master SVG integration in React and Next.js applications. Learn import methods, component patterns, optimization, and best practices for modern web development.
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Our team of experienced designers and developers specializes in vector graphics, image conversion, and digital design optimization. With over 10 years of combined experience in graphic design and web development.
SVG in Modern React Development
SVGs are essential for modern React applications, offering crisp graphics at any scale. This guide covers every method of using SVGs in React and Next.js projects.
Import Methods
1. Standard Image Import
Simplest approach:
import logo from './logo.svg';function Header() {
return 
;
}
Pros: Simple, familiar Cons: No styling/manipulation access
2. Inline SVG Components
Full control:
function Icon() {
return (
);
}
Pros: Full CSS/JS access Cons: Verbose, can't easily change source
3. SVGR (React Component)
Import as component:
import { ReactComponent as Logo } from './logo.svg';function Header() {
return
Pros: Best of both worlds Cons: Requires configuration
4. Dynamic Import
For code splitting:
import dynamic from 'next/dynamic';const DynamicIcon = dynamic(() => import('./icons/chart.svg'));
function Dashboard() {
return
SVGR Configuration
Next.js Setup
// next.config.js
module.exports = {
webpack(config) {
config.module.rules.push({
test: /\.svg$/,
use: ['@svgr/webpack'],
});
return config;
},
};
With URL Fallback
// next.config.js
module.exports = {
webpack(config) {
config.module.rules.push({
test: /\.svg$/,
issuer: /\.[jt]sx?$/,
use: [
{
loader: '@svgr/webpack',
options: {
svgoConfig: {
plugins: [{
name: 'removeViewBox',
active: false
}]
}
}
},
'url-loader'
],
});
return config;
},
};
Component Patterns
Reusable Icon Component
interface IconProps { name: string; size?: number; color?: string; className?: string; }} /> ); }export function Icon({ name, size = 24, color = 'currentColor', className }: IconProps) { return (
// Usage
Icon Library Component
// icons/index.tsx
import { FC, SVGProps } from 'react';interface IconComponentProps extends SVGProps {
size?: number;
}
const createIcon = (path: string): FC => {
return function IconComponent({ size = 24, ...props }) {
return (
);
};
};
export const SearchIcon = createIcon('M15.5 14h-.79l-.28-.27...');
export const HomeIcon = createIcon('M10 20v-6h4v6h5v-8h3L12...');
Styling SVGs in React
CSS Styling
/ styles.css /
.icon {
width: 24px;
height: 24px;
fill: currentColor;
transition: fill 0.2s;
}.icon:hover {
fill: #0066cc;
}
Styled Components
import styled from 'styled-components';const StyledSvg = styled.svg
width: ${props => props.size || 24}px;
height: ${props => props.size || 24}px;
fill: ${props => props.color || 'currentColor'};
transition: fill 0.2s;
&:hover {
fill: ${props => props.hoverColor || props.color};
}
;
Tailwind CSS
Animation in React
CSS Animation
function LoadingSpinner() {
return (
);
}
Framer Motion
import { motion } from 'framer-motion';function AnimatedIcon() {
return (
);
}
Optimization Strategies
Build-Time Optimization
// svgo.config.js
module.exports = {
plugins: [
'preset-default',
'removeDimensions',
{ name: 'removeViewBox', active: false },
{ name: 'prefixIds', params: { prefix: 'svg-' } }
]
};
Code Splitting
// Lazy load heavy icons
const ChartIcon = lazy(() => import('./icons/Chart'));function Dashboard() {
return (
Accessibility in React
Accessible Icon Pattern
interface AccessibleIconProps {
label: string;
children: React.ReactNode;
}function AccessibleIcon({ label, children }: AccessibleIconProps) {
return (
{children}
);
}
// Usage
Icon Button
function IconButton({ icon: Icon, label, onClick }) {
return (
);
}
Vectosolve Integration
Workflow
Using Vectosolve with React:
Clean Output Benefits
Vectosolve SVGs are:
Conclusion
React offers multiple ways to work with SVGs, each with trade-offs. Choose the approach that fits your needs: simple image imports for basic use, SVGR for full control, or component patterns for icon systems. Start with clean, optimized SVGs from Vectosolve for the best results.