Image MIME Reference
SGI
Silicon Graphics Image
image/sgi
VS
Simple Vector Format
image/vnd.svf
SVF
A complete technical comparison of Silicon Graphics Image and Simple Vector Format — covering compression, feature support, browser compatibility, magic bytes, and when to choose each format.
Equal browser support
Feature Support
| Feature | SGI | SVF |
|---|---|---|
| Transparency (Alpha) | Yes | Yes |
| Animation Support | ✕ No | ✕ No |
| Progressive Loading | ✕ No | ✕ No |
| HDR Support | ✕ No | ✕ No |
| EXIF Metadata | ✕ No | ✕ No |
| ICC Color Profile | ✕ No | ✕ No |
Silicon Graphics Image
image/sgi
Extension
.sgi.rgb.rgba.bw.int.inta
Container
SGI Image Format
Compression
Uncompressed / Lossless (Run-Length Encoding)
Algorithm
RLENone
Color Depth
8-bit, 16-bit (Per Channel)
Developed by
Paul Haeberli (Silicon Graphics)
Released
1990
Magic Bytes
01 DA
Simple Vector Format
image/vnd.svf
Extension
.svf
Container
Custom Binary/Text (Legacy) or ZIP (Autodesk Forge)
Compression
Uncompressed / Deflate (in modern Autodesk SVF implementations)
Algorithm
None
Color Depth
Vector Data (Not Applicable)
Developed by
SoftSource & NCSA (National Center for Supercomputing Applications)
Released
1995
Magic Bytes
Unknown (SoftSource SVF)
Browser Support Comparison
| Browser | SGI | SVF |
|---|---|---|
Chrome
|
✕ | ✕ |
Firefox
|
✕ | ✕ |
Safari
|
✕ | ✕ |
Edge
|
✕ | ✕ |
IE (Legacy)
|
✕ | ✕ |
SGI
SGI Strengths
- Pioneered multi-channel and 16-bit per channel imaging capabilities required for high-end 1990s visual effects
- Extremely robust and simple header structure
- Reliable Run-Length Encoding provided solid lossless compression for flat-shaded 3D renders
Limitations
- Completely obsolete for modern web and application development
- Zero native web browser compatibility
- Largely replaced by TIFF and OpenEXR in modern professional VFX and 3D pipelines
SVF
SVF Strengths
- Acted as a crucial pioneering stepping-stone in proving that scalable, zoomable vector graphics were viable and necessary for the World Wide Web
Limitations
- Completely obsolete and unsupported by modern web standards
- Required end-users to install bulky, proprietary browser plugins
- Causes significant developer confusion today due to Autodesk adopting the exact same acronym and file extension for a completely different technology
When to choose which format
SGI
Use SGI when…
- Legacy 3D Animation & VFX
- Silicon Graphics IRIX Workflows
- Historical CGI Archiving
SVF
Use SVF when…
- Historical Web-based CAD Viewers (1990s)
- Legacy 2D Vector Archival
- Autodesk Platform Services (Forge) Model Translation (Name Collision)