Free online SVGZ to SVG converter

A program that accepts only uncompressed SVG, a text editor, or a version-control workflow may require an SVGZ file to be expanded first. Converting it removes gzip compression rather than rasterizing the drawing, so the SVG remains scalable but usually takes more storage.

What the SVGZ format is

SVGZ is an SVG document compressed with gzip. Its contents are XML-based vector graphics, stored in compressed form under the .svgz extension.

Designers, developers, and asset libraries use SVGZ for logos, maps, diagrams, and illustrations when smaller files reduce storage or transfer size. Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape, and other SVG-capable applications can create or export SVGZ files.

What the SVG format is

SVG is a stored, uncompressed XML-based vector format supported by web browsers, graphics applications, document editors, and development tools. Its readable markup can be inspected or modified with a text editor, compared in version control, embedded in HTML, or processed with scripts.

SVG is preferable when software does not decompress SVGZ automatically, when you need to edit XML or CSS, or when a service accepts only the .svg extension. Removing gzip compression does not reduce vector resolution or image quality.

How to convert SVGZ to SVG

Using 101convert.com

1. Open the SVGZ-to-SVG converter on 101convert.com.
2. Upload the .svgz file and start the conversion.
3. Download the resulting .svg file.
4. Open it in a browser or graphics application and check that the artwork displays correctly.

This browser-based option is available free on 101convert.com and requires no software installation.

Using Inkscape

1. Open the .svgz file in Inkscape with File → Open.
2. Choose File → Save As.
3. Select Plain SVG and ensure the output filename ends in .svg.
4. Save the file.

Choose Plain SVG for compatibility with non-Inkscape software. It can remove Inkscape-specific metadata while retaining the visible artwork. Use Inkscape SVG only when preserving Inkscape editing information is useful.

Using gzip from the command line

Direct decompression is the most faithful method because it does not rewrite the XML:

gunzip -c input.svgz > output.svg

On Windows, a gzip-capable utility such as 7-Zip can extract the compressed file. If the extracted file has no useful extension, rename it to .svg; changing the extension does not alter its contents.

Quality and compatibility limits

Direct decompression preserves the SVG source byte for byte. Opening and resaving it in a graphics editor can rewrite XML formatting, change namespaces or CSS, remove editor metadata, and alter unsupported application features.

Check external images, relative paths, web fonts, JavaScript, animations, filters, and other linked resources after conversion. Moving the new SVG without those resources can change its appearance. Scripts and external references may also be blocked by the application or browser for security reasons.

For web delivery, SVGZ requires server configuration that identifies the content correctly and applies gzip handling; a misconfigured server can make an otherwise valid SVGZ fail to load. Use the uncompressed .svg when an application cannot read SVGZ, needs direct XML access, or does not handle SVGZ web responses correctly.