Optimizing SVG Files
For Web Performance
Learn how to reduce SVG file sizes by up to 80% while maintaining perfect visual quality.
SVG files are already lightweight compared to raster images, but unoptimized SVGs can still bloat your website. Design software often exports SVGs with unnecessary metadata, redundant code, and excessive precision that adds kilobytes without visual benefit.
In this guide, we'll show you how to optimize your SVGs for the fastest possible loading times while keeping them looking perfect.
Why Optimize SVGs?
Faster Loading
Smaller files = faster downloads = better Core Web Vitals
Less Bandwidth
Reduce hosting costs and improve mobile experience
Cleaner Code
Easier to work with and style using CSS
What SVG Optimization Removes
Editor Metadata
Illustrator, Sketch, and Figma add their own metadata that browsers don't need.
Unnecessary Attributes
Default values and attributes that don't affect rendering.
Excessive Precision
Coordinates like 12.345678 can be rounded to 12.35 without visible difference.
Comments & Whitespace
Spaces, line breaks, and comments add bytes but no value.
Empty Groups & Hidden Elements
Leftover empty containers and invisible elements from editing.
Redundant Path Commands
Path data can often be simplified without changing the visual result.
SVG Optimization Tools
SVGO
Command-line tool
The industry-standard SVG optimizer. Highly configurable with plugins for different optimization strategies.
npm install -g svgo && svgo input.svg -o output.svgSVGOMG
Web-based GUI
Visual web interface for SVGO. Upload your SVG, adjust settings, and see real-time previews of optimizations.
Build Tool Plugins
Webpack, Vite, etc.
Integrate SVG optimization into your build process for automatic optimization on every deploy.
Real-World Optimization Example
Before Optimization
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<!-- Generator: Adobe Illustrator -->
<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"
xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"
version="1.1" id="Layer_1"
x="0px" y="0px"
viewBox="0 0 100 100">
<circle cx="50.00000"
cy="50.00000"
r="40.00000"
fill="#1CB721"/>
</svg>~450 bytes
After Optimization
<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"
viewBox="0 0 100 100">
<circle cx="50" cy="50" r="40"
fill="#1CB721"/>
</svg>~110 bytes (75% smaller!)
What was removed: XML declaration, editor comments, default namespace, unnecessary attributes, excessive decimal precision, and whitespace.
SVG Performance Best Practices
1. Inline Critical SVGs
For above-the-fold icons and logos, inline the SVG directly in HTML to eliminate an HTTP request.
2. Use SVG Sprites
Combine multiple icons into a single sprite file and reference them with <use> for fewer requests.
3. Enable GZIP/Brotli Compression
SVGs are text-based and compress extremely well. Enable server compression for additional 60-80% savings.
4. Set Proper Cache Headers
SVGs rarely change. Set long cache expiration times to avoid re-downloading on repeat visits.
5. Lazy Load Non-Critical SVGs
For SVGs below the fold, use lazy loading to prioritize critical content.
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