PNG to SVG converter: which images trace cleanly?

Note that even if PNG images are converted to SVGs, this does not automatically result in good vector artwork. Also, PNGs contain pixel information, while SVGs contain shape information. Thus, how good the conversion is, greatly depends on the contents of the original PNG image, and whether the resulting SVG shapes can be edited or not.

Pick the right source image

Start with simple images - such as black and white line drawings, simple monochrome illustrations and logos. They contain the simplest kind of information to trace, that of edges and lines. Photo-like images with subtle shading, gradient color and complicated backgrounds are amongst the worst types of information to attempt to trace automatically. As are very low resolution images (e.g. screenshots) which have already been rendered in low detail.

For your practical test use a piece of art you already know well. Compare the results with the original PNG file. What do you need the SVG for? Do you need scalable web icons, cut files or do designers edit your artwork? The more detail the worse it is for the converter to trace.

Compare the image and the paths

PNG to SVG tracing results for images that consist of crisp lines can be viewed as PNG next to SVG-renderer preview and also edited within vector editing programs like Adobe Illustrator. A simple test would be to zoom into corners, fine lines, completely closed regions and very small text. Even images that look good in thumbnail view can contain missing edges or even sharp ‘’kinks’’ that wouldn’t be noticeable until they’re magnified.

Open up your chosen SVG file in a vector editor (just like you would with a regular vector file). If it has opened as an embedded bitmap, then the PNG to SVG converter has not worked as intended – instead you have a much larger PNG version of your original image. On the other hand, if your image has been correctly converted into editable vector paths, but the resulting SVG is overly dense and complex, then it may be worth simplifying your original source image and then converting again in order to create a more workable SVG file.

Know when to redraw

Usually the shapes will get traced better if you redraw them instead of using a converter for tracing, especially for high-value logos, very small text or even images with lots of gradients and textures. Most converters also reject some images for reasons that become clear instantly. That image then simply needs to be simplified for the converter or the whole task needs to be done with a different approach.

The Recurse PNG to SVG app also accepts color artwork, antialiased edges and partial transparency. Upload one 8-bit PNG up to 256 KiB and 1024 pixels per side. The app checks the SVG by rendering it at the original size. Rare one-value color differences on partially transparent pixels are allowed and reported, with alpha unchanged. Complex images may be rejected, and pixel-shaped paths do not recover smooth curves or editable text. Background removal is not included.

The real test is whether the vectorized image preserves the critical parts of the original artwork and suits your purpose. The earlier Recurse PNG to SVG app has retired. Browse current task examples for the private tool workflow. Compare any converted paths with the original image before using the result.