PNG TO SVG CONVERTER

What Is PNG to SVG Conversion?

PNG is a raster format — it stores a fixed grid of pixels. SVG is a vector format — it stores mathematical path descriptions that scale to any size without loss. Converting a PNG to SVG means tracing the pixel data to detect edges and shapes, then expressing those shapes as <path> elements inside an XML document.

This tool uses the Potrace algorithm (ported to JavaScript) to perform the tracing entirely inside your browser. Your image never leaves your device.

Key Features

• 100% client-side processing — your image stays on your device
• Threshold control to tune black/white separation before tracing
• Path simplification slider to reduce node count and file size
• Color mode: black-on-white, white-on-black, or transparent background
• Real-time SVG preview alongside the original image
• One-click SVG download
• Supports PNG, JPG, WebP, and GIF input formats

Tracing Options Explained

Threshold (0–255)

Pixels with a luminance value below this number are treated as "foreground" (the shape to trace). A low threshold captures only dark areas; a high threshold captures more of the image. Start at 128 and adjust to taste.

Simplify (tolerance)

Controls how aggressively the algorithm reduces path nodes using the Ramer–Douglas–Peucker algorithm. Higher values produce smoother, smaller SVGs; lower values preserve fine detail at the cost of more nodes.

Background

Choose whether the traced shape is filled black on a white background, white on black, or placed on a transparent background (useful for overlays).

When to Use PNG to SVG

• Logos & icons: Convert scanned or photographed logos into clean, infinitely scalable SVGs for web and print.
• Signatures: Digitise a handwritten signature to embed in documents.
• Illustrations: Vectorise line art or simple clipart for editing in Inkscape, Illustrator, or Figma.
• Laser cutting / CNC: Most cutting machines require vector paths — tracing a PNG is often the first step.
• Stencils & silhouettes: Create sharp, high-contrast silhouettes for t-shirt printing or vinyl cutting.

Tips for the Best Results

• Start with a high-contrast image — the tracer works best when the subject clearly differs from the background.
• Crop out unnecessary whitespace before tracing to keep the SVG compact.
• For photographs, consider converting to greyscale first or applying a posterise effect to reduce complexity.
• Use the Simplify slider to trade fine detail for smaller file sizes once the basic shape looks correct.
• If parts of the image vanish, raise the Threshold; if too much noise appears, lower it.

Privacy & Security

All processing is performed by JavaScript running in your browser tab. No pixel data is transmitted to any server at any point. This makes the tool safe to use with confidential documents, proprietary artwork, or personal photographs.