<object> or <use> for SVGs?

SVGs (Scalable Vector Graphics) are a cornerstone of modern web design. They’re lightweight, scalable, and perfect for creating crisp, resolution-independent graphics. However, when it comes to embedding SVGs in your HTML, you have two primary options: the <object> tag and the <use> tag. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, and choosing the right one can make a big difference in your workflow and the performance of your site.

In this article, we’ll break down the differences between <object> and <use>, explore their pros and cons, and help you decide which one is best for your project.

What Are <object> and <use>?

<object> Tag

The <object> tag is a versatile HTML element used to embed external resources, including SVGs. It allows you to reference an external SVG file and display it on your page.

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<object class="icon" type="image/svg+xml" data="icon.svg"></object>

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<use> Tag

The <use> tag is part of the SVG specification and is used to reuse SVG elements defined elsewhere, either inline or in an external file. It’s commonly used with <symbol> elements to create reusable icons or graphics.

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<svg class="icon">
  <use href="icons.svg#twitter-icon"></use>
</svg>

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Pros and Cons of <object>

Pros

1. External SVGs:
   • Keeps your HTML clean by referencing external SVG files.
   • Ideal for reusing the same SVG across multiple pages.
2. Fallback Content:
   • You can provide fallback content inside the <object> tag, which is displayed if the SVG fails to load.
3. Caching:
   • External SVGs are cached by the browser, improving performance if the same SVG is used multiple times.
4. Simplicity:
   • Easy to implement without modifying the SVG file.

Cons

1. Limited Styling:
   • You can’t directly style the SVG with CSS. Only the <object> element itself can be styled (e.g., width, height, or filters).
2. No DOM Access:
   • The SVG content is not part of the main DOM, so you can’t manipulate it with JavaScript.
3. Cross-Origin Issues:
   • If the SVG is hosted on a different domain, you may run into cross-origin issues.

Pros and Cons of <use>

Pros

1. Reusable SVG Elements:
   • Perfect for creating icon systems or sprite sheets.
   • Allows you to reuse SVG elements defined in a <symbol> or external file.
2. Styling with CSS:
   • You can style the SVG elements directly using CSS, including hover effects, transitions, and animations.
3. DOM Access:
   • The SVG content is part of the DOM, so you can manipulate it with JavaScript.
4. Inline SVG Support:
   • Works seamlessly with inline SVGs, making it easy to reuse and style SVG elements.

Cons

1. External SVG Requires <symbol>:
   • To use an external SVG with <use>, the SVG must define its elements inside a <symbol> tag.
2. Browser Support:
   • Older browsers (e.g., Internet Explorer) may have limited support for <use> with external SVGs.
3. Complexity:
   • Requires more setup if you want to use external SVGs (e.g., defining <symbol> elements).
4. Caching:
   • External SVGs referenced via <use> are not cached as efficiently as those loaded via <object>.

When to Use <object>

• External SVGs: When you want to include an external SVG file without modifying it.
• Fallback Content: When you need to provide fallback content for older browsers.
• Simple Use Cases: When you don’t need to style or manipulate the SVG with CSS/JavaScript.

When to Use <use>

• Reusable Icons: When you want to reuse SVG elements (e.g., icons) across your site.
• Styling and Animation: When you need to style or animate the SVG with CSS.
• JavaScript Manipulation: When you want to manipulate the SVG with JavaScript.
• Inline SVGs: When you’re using inline SVGs or an SVG sprite sheet.

Practical Examples

Using <object>

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<object class="twitter-icon" type="image/svg+xml" data="images/icons/twitter-alt.svg"></object>

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• This is ideal for embedding external SVGs with minimal styling needs.

Using <use>

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<svg class="twitter-icon">
  <use href="images/icons/sprite.svg#twitter-icon"></use>
</svg>

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• This is perfect for creating a reusable icon system with full CSS and JavaScript control.

Which Should You Choose?

The choice between <object> and <use> depends on your specific needs:

• Use <object> if:
  • You’re embedding external SVGs.
  • You don’t need to style or manipulate the SVG.
  • You want a simple, straightforward solution.
• Use <use> if:
  • You’re creating a reusable icon system.
  • You need to style or animate the SVG with CSS.
  • You want to manipulate the SVG with JavaScript.

Both <object> and <use> are powerful tools for embedding SVGs, but they serve different purposes. <object> is great for simple, external SVGs, while <use> shines when you need reusable, stylable, and interactive graphics. By understanding their strengths and limitations, you can make the right choice for your project and create a more efficient, maintainable codebase.

At Agustealo Design Studio, we leverage both techniques to deliver high-quality, performant web designs. Whether you’re building a simple website or a complex web application, choosing the right SVG embedding method can make all the difference.