SVG SourceGraphic Filter Input

SourceGraphic is the default filter input, representing the element's original appearance before any filter primitives are applied.

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SourceGraphic as the Default Filter Input

When a filter primitive's in attribute is omitted, it defaults to SourceGraphic for the first primitive in a chain, meaning it operates on the element exactly as it would render without any filter applied, including its full original colors, gradients, and opacity, before any subsequent primitive transforms it.

An omitted in attribute defaults to SourceGraphic for a chain's first primitive
SourceGraphic includes the element's full original colors and opacity
It represents the element exactly as it would render with no filter applied

Referencing SourceGraphic Later in a Filter Chain

Beyond the first primitive, explicitly setting in="SourceGraphic" lets a later primitive reference the untouched original element again, which is essential in feMerge-based drop shadow recipes where the final merge step layers a blurred shadow beneath the crisp, unmodified SourceGraphic on top.

Explicit in="SourceGraphic" re-references the untouched original at any point
Essential in feMerge recipes that need the crisp original layered on top
Lets a filter chain combine transformed and untransformed versions of an element

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to specify in="SourceGraphic" on the first filter primitive?

No, it's the implicit default for a chain's first primitive, though specifying it explicitly is harmless and can improve clarity when reading the filter definition.

Can I reference SourceGraphic more than once in the same filter?

Yes, any number of primitives can reference SourceGraphic via the in attribute, which is common in feMerge chains that need both a transformed and untransformed copy.

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