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VGG Specs

VGG Specs is a set of JSON-based specifications for the next generation of vector graphics. As a kind of vector graphics, VGG could be applied to various domains, with user interface being the main use case, as it supports advanced UI effects including gradients, shadows, blurs and masks.

The current working specs within VGG Specs includes:

VGG Specs is designed from the ground up with the following characteristics in mind:

  • Open: It should be an open standard for the next generation of vector graphics, led by VGG and driven by the VGG community.
  • Readable: It must be readable by ordinary users. Not only should the specs be well and clearly documented with illustrations, but also the data that conforms to the specs should be human-readable and parser-developable.
  • Compatible: It should be compatible not only with popular design software such as Figma or Adobe Illustrator, but also with public graphics specifications such as SVG, making it a super-set of existing formats. This also means that it should include all the advanced graphic effects such as gradients, shadows, masks and blurs.
  • Scriptable: It should have built-in scripting capability for vector graphics animation and more advanced interaction semantics.
  • Compact: While being readable, it should be as compact as possible for network transmission.
  • Extensible: It could be extended for future needs, for example, a new path description other than Bezier Curves or Vector Networks.

As VGG Specs is extensible, more specs could be added separately, such as the upcoming animation specification and 3D specification.

Additionally, VGG Specs comes along with an official implementation. VGG Runtime is an open-source implementation of the VGG Specs with cross-platform rendering and scripting capabilities. You can check it out here.