Convert SVG to XML in Python

Convert SVG to XML with Base64 Encoding

XML is a text-based format, and while it’s excellent for structuring data, it doesn’t handle binary data (like images) very well. SVG is an XML-based format, so it might seem unnecessary to encode it into Base64 and save it as XML. However, SVG can contain special characters and other non-text content. Therefore, encoding SVG in Base64 avoids potential issues with embedding SVG in XML and the integrity of the overall XML structure. This ensures that the image data stays safe and doesn’t get messed up when you move it around or store it.

How to convert SVG to XML in Python

In order to convert SVG to XML, we use Aspose.SVG for Python via .NET API, which is a feature-rich, powerful, easy-to-use document manipulation API for the Python platform. We consider the example of SVG to Base64 encoding and embedding Base64 string into XML document:

import base64
import os
from aspose.svg import *
from xml.etree.ElementTree import *

# Create a function to convert SVG to XML with Base64-encoded SVG data
def convert_svg_to_xml(svg_path, xml_path):
    # Load an SVG document
    document = SVGDocument(svg_path)

    # Temporary file path to save the SVG content
    temp_svg_path = "temp_output.svg"

    try:
        # Save the SVG content to a temporary file
        document.save(temp_svg_path)

        # Read the content from the temporary file
        with open(temp_svg_path, "r", encoding="utf-8") as svg_file:
            svg_content = svg_file.read()

        # Encode the SVG content in Base64
        encoded_svg = base64.b64encode(svg_content.encode("utf-8")).decode("utf-8")

        # Create XML structure
        root = Element("root")
        image = SubElement(root, "image", mime="image/svg+xml")
        image.text = encoded_svg

        # Write the XML to the file
        tree = ElementTree(root)
        tree.write(xml_path, encoding="utf-8", xml_declaration=True)

    finally:
        # Clean up the temporary file
        if os.path.exists(temp_svg_path):
            os.remove(temp_svg_path)

# Example usage
input_svg = "image.svg"
output_xml = "image-base64.xml"

convert_svg_to_xml(input_svg, output_xml)

Steps to Convert SVG to XML in Python

1. Use the SVGDocument class to load the SVG content from the specified file path.
2. Save the loaded SVG document to a temporary file. This step facilitates reading the SVG content as a string for encoding.
3. Open the temporary SVG file and read its content into a string. Convert this string into Base64 encoding to prepare it for embedding in XML.
4. Create an XML object that includes the MIME type and the Base64-encoded SVG data. Structure the XML as required, with appropriate fields for the image data.
5. Save the constructed XML object to the specified file path. This XML file will now contain the Base64-encoded SVG data.
6. Remove the temporary SVG file to ensure no unnecessary files are left on the system.

The XML object typically includes the MIME type of an image and encoded data, like so:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<root>
<image mime = "image/svg+xml">base64_string...</image>
</root>

Online Base64 Encoders

Aspose.SVG offers free online applications for encodind and decoding binary data:

• Base64 Encoders are a set of tools that allow you to encode binary data in various output formats: Plain Base64, JSON, XML, URI, or CSS.
• Image Base64 Decoder converts a data URI containing a Base64 string to an image by pasting a URI string in the input control.

Our browser-based applications work from all platforms, including Windows, Linux, Mac OS, Android and iOS. No registration, plugin or software installation required for you. Start using our online Base64 encoding/decoding tools safely, secure, and easy way!

FAQ

Get Started with Python API

If you want to develop scalable vector graphics and their applications, install our flexible, high-speed Aspose.SVG for Python via .NET API. pip is the easiest way to download and install Aspose.SVG for Python via .NET API. To do this, run the following command:

pip install aspose-svg-net

For more details about Python library installation and system requirements, please refer to Aspose.SVG Documentation.