Currently, SVG filters and filter effects rely on the underlying graphics' capability to handle zero-sized images. This is required by tests like svg/filters/filter-empty-g.svg Unfortunately, this is supported inconsistently, or not at all, across the various underlying graphics engines (CG, Skia, Windows GDI, etc.) Various workarounds currently exist. For example, on Windows, an underlying 1x1 image is created; see BitmapPlatformDevice::create inside skia/ext/bitmap_platform_device_win.cc However, a more uniform, higher-level solution is necessary.