String-localized quantum field theory (SQFT) is a relatively recent (mainly perturbative at time of this writing) approach to interacting quantum field theory, whose main intention is to “liberate” the interactions of the Standard Model from unphysical degrees of freedom, that are suggested by gauge invariance of classical Lagrangians. An overview is given of its origins and motivations, its basic ideas and tools, and its achievements up-to-date.