What are the recommended SVG dimensions for BIMI and how should I create the SVG?

Summary

Creating a BIMI-compliant SVG logo requires it to be a square vector graphic, not a raster image wrapped in an SVG. While specific dimensions like 400x400 and 520x520 are suggested, the scalability of the vector is key. The SVG must be created using vector graphics editors like Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape, ensuring it's clean, optimized, and free of errors. It should be hosted on a secure HTTPS server. A Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) might be necessary depending on the mailbox provider.

Key findings

  • SVG Requirement: BIMI logo must be a square SVG vector graphic.
  • HTTPS Hosting: SVG file must be hosted on a secure HTTPS server.
  • Creation Method: Use vector graphics editors (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape) for creation.
  • No Raster Images: SVG should not be a raster image wrapped in an SVG container.

Key considerations

  • Dimensions: While specific dimensions are mentioned (400x400, 520x520), ensure the logo scales well.
  • File Optimization: Optimize the SVG file to reduce size without losing quality.
  • Error Validation: Validate the SVG code to avoid rendering issues.
  • VMC: A Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) might be required by certain mailbox providers.
  • Clean Code: Ensure the SVG code is clean and optimized, avoiding automated conversion tools.
  • Origin File: Start with a vector-based source file rather than trying to convert from another format.

What email marketers say
13Marketer opinions

To create a BIMI-compliant SVG logo, it must be a square vector graphic and not a raster image wrapped in an SVG container. While specific dimensions like 400x400 and 520x520 are mentioned, the focus should be on ensuring it's a true vector image that scales well. Use vector graphics editors like Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape for creation, optimizing the file for size and validating for errors. Also, ensure the SVG is hosted on a secure HTTPS server.

Key opinions

  • SVG Format: The BIMI logo must be a true SVG vector graphic, not a raster image wrapped in an SVG container.
  • Creation Tools: Use vector graphics editors like Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape to create the SVG.
  • Square Requirement: The SVG must be square and the logo should be centered.
  • Hosting: The SVG file must be hosted on a secure (HTTPS) server.

Key considerations

  • Image Quality: Start with high-quality vector-based source files to ensure scalability and avoid blurry rendering.
  • File Optimization: Optimize the SVG file to reduce its size without sacrificing quality.
  • Error Validation: Validate the SVG code to check for syntax errors that may cause rendering issues.
  • VMC: Consider getting a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC), as some mailbox providers require it for BIMI logos to display.
  • Dimensions: While there are suggested sizes, the best option is a clean, well-created vector that scales appropriately.
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks shares that 400x400 are the recommended dimensions for BIMI SVGs, based on recollection.

August 2023 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from wordtothewise.com recommends ensuring the SVG file is clean and optimized. They advise against using automated conversion tools that might introduce errors or unnecessary code. They recommend using a vector graphics editor such as Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape to create it correctly from the start.

May 2022 - wordtothewise.com
Marketer view

Email marketer from gmass.co shares that BIMI logos have to be a square SVG file with the logo centered. The actual logo dimension does not matter as much as using a vector image so it scales to the viewer's device properly.

February 2022 - gmass.co
Marketer view

Email marketer from onlymyemail.com shares that when creating BIMI-compliant SVGs, start with vector-based source files to ensure scalability and quality. They suggest using graphic design software to export the logo as an SVG, ensuring it meets BIMI's requirements for square dimensions and proper formatting. They also recommended verifying the SVG's code to prevent rendering issues.

January 2024 - onlymyemail.com
Marketer view

Email marketer from litmus.com explains that creating BIMI logos requires a square SVG and a VMC certificate to display properly. They note it's important that the graphic follows the BIMI standards.

February 2024 - litmus.com
Marketer view

Email marketer from emaildrips.com explains that to create a BIMI-compliant SVG, use a vector graphics editor and ensure your logo is centered within a square artboard. They recommend exporting the SVG with optimized settings to reduce file size without sacrificing quality.

June 2024 - emaildrips.com
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks mentions SVG shouldn't be blurry unless it is a bitmap format wrapped into an SVG. Asks the user to have the logo exported directly from the source file as an SVG.

March 2024 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks suggests 520x520 as a better size for the initial format, even if vector, because BIMI considerations should include brand appearance.

April 2024 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks explains that a SVG made from a PNG does not work with BIMI; it has to be a true .svg image.

September 2023 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit user explains that for BIMI, the SVG needs to be a true vector graphic, not just a raster image wrapped in an SVG container. You can create a vector using tools like Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape and ensure the file is properly optimized.

August 2022 - Reddit
Marketer view

Email marketer from Stack Overflow explains that if your BIMI SVG isn't rendering correctly, check that it's a true SVG file, not a PNG or JPG embedded within an SVG container. Also, use a validator to check for syntax errors in your SVG code.

July 2022 - Stack Overflow
Marketer view

Email marketer from zerobounce.net shares that a BIMI logo must be a vector graphic (SVG) and hosted on a secure (HTTPS) server to ensure email clients can safely display it. They also discuss the importance of a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) for some mailbox providers.

March 2022 - zerobounce.net
Marketer view

Email marketer from mailerlite.com mentions to make sure that the BIMI logo is a square SVG format. You need to use vector graphics to ensure that the logo renders well. Also ensure the SVG file is correctly formatted and error-free.

October 2024 - mailerlite.com

What the experts say
1Expert opinion

The recommendation is to ensure the SVG file is clean and optimized by avoiding automated conversion tools that may introduce errors. Using vector graphics editors like Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape for creation is advised for a correctly formatted SVG.

Key opinions

  • Clean SVG: SVG files must be clean and optimized for BIMI.
  • Avoid Automation: Avoid automated conversion tools during SVG creation.
  • Vector Editors: Use vector graphics editors for SVG creation (e.g., Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape).

Key considerations

  • File Integrity: Ensure the SVG file maintains integrity to avoid rendering issues.
  • Professional Tools: Rely on professional tools rather than automated processes for better SVG quality.
  • Starting Fresh: Creating the SVG from scratch, rather than converting, yields better results.
Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise recommends ensuring the SVG file is clean and optimized. They advise against using automated conversion tools that might introduce errors or unnecessary code. They recommend using a vector graphics editor such as Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape to create it correctly from the start.

October 2024 - Word to the Wise

What the documentation says
3Technical articles

BIMI requires a square SVG image that is publicly accessible via HTTPS. A well-constructed SVG file is crucial to avoid rendering issues and ensure compatibility with email clients. The SVG logo must also validate with specific validators.

Key findings

  • Square SVG: The BIMI logo must be a square SVG image.
  • HTTPS Access: The SVG file must be publicly accessible via HTTPS.
  • Well-Constructed File: It is important to use a well-constructed SVG file to avoid rendering issues.
  • Validation: The logo must validate with specific validators.

Key considerations

  • Compatibility: Adhere to the BIMI requirements to ensure compatibility with email clients that support BIMI.
  • Security: Ensure the SVG is served over HTTPS for security.
  • Proper Construction: Pay attention to creating a clean, valid SVG file.
Technical article

Documentation from digicert.com specifies that the SVG file must be a square vector graphic, publicly accessible, and served over HTTPS. It's important to adhere to these requirements to ensure compatibility with email clients that support BIMI.

September 2024 - digicert.com
Technical article

Documentation from bimigroup.org explains the BIMI logo must be a square SVG file and publicly accessible via HTTPS. The documentation covers other requirements for BIMI implementation, and the logo must validate with specific validators.

January 2023 - bimigroup.org
Technical article

Documentation from entrustdatacard.com explains that BIMI requires a square SVG image. It emphasizes the importance of using a well-constructed SVG file to avoid rendering issues.

November 2021 - entrustdatacard.com