Convert RST to SVG

Why Convert RST to SVG?

Converting reStructuredText (RST) documents to SVG creates high-quality, scalable visual representations of documentation content. This is particularly valuable for extracting diagrams, creating visual documentation, and generating resolution-independent graphics from text-based sources.

RST documents often contain diagram directives (like Graphviz, PlantUML, or Mermaid) that describe visual content in text form. Converting to SVG renders these descriptions into actual vector graphics that can be displayed on websites, embedded in presentations, or printed at any size without quality loss.

For technical documentation, SVG output enables creating standalone visual assets from embedded diagrams. Architecture diagrams, flowcharts, and entity-relationship diagrams defined in RST can be exported as SVG files for use in slide decks, wikis, or design documents.

The conversion also supports creating visual summaries of RST document structure. Tables of contents, hierarchical outlines, and document maps can be rendered as navigable SVG graphics, providing visual navigation aids for complex documentation.

Key Benefits of Converting RST to SVG:

• Scalable Output: Vector graphics scale perfectly to any size
• Diagram Rendering: Convert Graphviz/PlantUML to visual graphics
• Web Ready: SVG works natively in all modern browsers
• Print Quality: Generate high-resolution print graphics
• Interactive Diagrams: SVG supports links and interactivity
• Small File Size: Text-based format is highly compressible
• Editable: Output can be modified in vector editors

Practical Examples

Example 1: Graphviz Diagram Conversion

Input RST file (architecture.rst):

System Architecture
===================

.. graphviz::

   digraph architecture {
     rankdir=LR;
     node [shape=box];

     Client [label="Web Client"];
     API [label="API Server"];
     DB [label="Database"];
     Cache [label="Redis Cache"];

     Client -> API;
     API -> DB;
     API -> Cache;
   }

Output SVG (architecture.svg):

<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 600 200">
  <!-- Web Client box -->
  <rect x="20" y="80" width="100" height="40" fill="#e3f2fd" stroke="#1976d2"/>
  <text x="70" y="105" text-anchor="middle">Web Client</text>

  <!-- Arrow to API -->
  <line x1="120" y1="100" x2="180" y2="100" stroke="#333" marker-end="url(#arrow)"/>

  <!-- API Server box -->
  <rect x="180" y="80" width="100" height="40" fill="#e8f5e9" stroke="#388e3c"/>
  <text x="230" y="105" text-anchor="middle">API Server</text>

  <!-- Additional elements... -->
</svg>

Example 2: Document Structure Visualization

Input RST file (guide.rst):

User Guide
==========

Getting Started
---------------

* Installation
* Configuration
* First Steps

Advanced Topics
---------------

* Custom Plugins
* Performance Tuning
* Troubleshooting

Output SVG structure diagram:

<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 400 300">
  <!-- Title -->
  <text x="200" y="30" font-size="20" font-weight="bold" text-anchor="middle">
    User Guide
  </text>

  <!-- Getting Started section -->
  <rect x="20" y="50" width="160" height="120" fill="#f5f5f5" stroke="#ccc"/>
  <text x="100" y="70" font-weight="bold" text-anchor="middle">Getting Started</text>
  <text x="30" y="95">- Installation</text>
  <text x="30" y="115">- Configuration</text>
  <text x="30" y="135">- First Steps</text>

  <!-- Advanced Topics section -->
  <rect x="220" y="50" width="160" height="120" fill="#f5f5f5" stroke="#ccc"/>
  <text x="300" y="70" font-weight="bold" text-anchor="middle">Advanced Topics</text>
  <!-- ... -->
</svg>

Example 3: Flowchart from RST

Input RST file (workflow.rst):

Build Workflow
==============

.. graphviz::

   digraph workflow {
     node [shape=box];

     Start [shape=ellipse];
     Test [label="Run Tests"];
     Build [label="Build Package"];
     Deploy [label="Deploy"];
     End [shape=ellipse];

     Start -> Test;
     Test -> Build [label="pass"];
     Build -> Deploy;
     Deploy -> End;
   }

Output SVG flowchart:

<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 200 400">
  <defs>
    <marker id="arrow" viewBox="0 0 10 10" refX="9" refY="5"
            markerWidth="6" markerHeight="6" orient="auto">
      <path d="M 0 0 L 10 5 L 0 10 z" fill="#333"/>
    </marker>
  </defs>

  <!-- Start ellipse -->
  <ellipse cx="100" cy="30" rx="40" ry="20" fill="#4CAF50" stroke="#333"/>
  <text x="100" y="35" text-anchor="middle" fill="white">Start</text>

  <!-- Flow arrows and boxes -->
  <line x1="100" y1="50" x2="100" y2="80" stroke="#333" marker-end="url(#arrow)"/>
  <!-- ... additional elements -->
</svg>

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is SVG format?

A: SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) is an XML-based vector image format. Unlike raster images (JPEG, PNG), SVG images can scale to any size without losing quality. They're the web standard for icons, logos, diagrams, and interactive graphics.

Q: How are RST diagrams converted to SVG?

A: RST diagram directives (like graphviz, plantuml) are processed by their respective renderers, which output SVG format. The text-based diagram descriptions are converted to actual vector shapes, paths, and text elements.

Q: Can I edit the SVG output?

A: Yes! SVG files can be edited in vector graphics software like Inkscape (free), Adobe Illustrator, or Figma. You can modify colors, shapes, text, and add new elements. Since SVG is XML-based, you can even edit it in a text editor.

Q: What about RST content without diagrams?

A: Regular RST content (text, lists, headers) can be converted to SVG as a visual representation of the document structure. This creates diagram-like visualizations of your documentation hierarchy.

Q: Can I use the SVG in web pages?

A: Absolutely! SVG is native to web browsers. You can embed SVG directly in HTML, use it as an image source, or include it via CSS. SVG graphics are resolution-independent and look crisp on all displays including retina screens.

Q: Is SVG suitable for printing?

A: Yes, SVG produces excellent print output. Since it's vector-based, it can be printed at any resolution without pixelation. Professional print shops commonly accept SVG for high-quality output.

Q: What diagram types are supported?

A: Common supported formats include Graphviz (DOT language), PlantUML, Mermaid, and blockdiag. Each has its own syntax for describing flowcharts, sequence diagrams, class diagrams, and more.

Q: Can I add interactivity to the SVG?

A: Yes! SVG supports JavaScript events, CSS styling, and SMIL animations. You can add hover effects, click handlers, and animated transitions to create interactive diagrams from your RST documentation.