LaTeX to SVG using dvisvgm

Goals

1. Describe dvisvgm.
2. Skillfully convert LaTeX to .svg images.

What?

dvisvgm is a command-line utility that converts LaTeX-generated .dvi files into .svg files.

Examples

• Converting LaTeX equations to vector graphics for embedding in a web page.
• Utilizing TikZ diagrams from LaTeX as scalable graphics in web publications.

Analysis (Main Ideas)

DVI

DeVice Independent format generated by LaTeX.

SVG

Scalable Vector Graphics suitable for clean, scalable web graphics.

Why?

1. Ensures high-quality rendering of complex mathematical content on web pages.
2. Preserves LaTeX precision in fonts and layout, supporting packages like amsmath and siunitx.
3. Local processing avoids reliance on MathJax, reducing web page load times.

How?

PreReqs

• Understand LaTeX’s compilation process to generate .dvi files.
• Grasp basic command-line operations for executing dvisvgm.

Framework

1. Write your LaTeX document and save it as a .tex file.
2. Compile the LaTeX document to create a .dvi file.
3. Use dvisvgm to convert the .dvi file into an .svg file using command syntax: dvisvgm --no-fonts --exact filename.dvi.

Tips

• Use --no-fonts to embed text directly and preserve layout.
• Be familiar with command-line interfaces for ease of use.

Who?

• Educators and researchers embedding technical content in web pages.
• Developers and designers working with LaTeX and HTML content.
• Writers needing precise formatting for scientific and engineering content on the web.

When?

This knowledge is beneficial at an intermediate stage of LaTeX usage when integrating mathematical content with web technologies.

Resources

• dvisvgm Documentation
• LaTeX and DVI file format guides
• SVG web development resources