How to open an SVG file
In browser, PC and mobile
An SVG can be opened in many ways depending on whether you just want to view it or also edit it.
Just view it: the browser
The fastest way: drag the .svg file onto a browser tab (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari). It shows instantly, with nothing to install.
View and edit it: online editor
If you need to change colors, move shapes or adjust nodes, open it in an editor like svgdesk: drag the file or click Upload SVG. Everything happens in your browser; the file is not uploaded to any server.
On Windows
Double-click usually opens it in the browser or the photo viewer. To edit it, open it with a vector editor (online or desktop). You can also open the code with Notepad, since an SVG is text.
On Mac
Preview and the browser display it. To edit, use a vector editor or svgdesk online.
On mobile (Android / iPhone)
The phone's browser opens the SVG for viewing. For comfortable editing a large screen with a mouse is best.
Why do some programs not open it?
Old photo viewers expect pixels (JPG/PNG) and don't understand vectors. In that case use the browser or an SVG editor.