All about SVGZ files

SVGZ is the compressed version of the SVG format. Technically speaking, it is a standard SVG file that has been compressed using gzip. As SVG files contain ‘mathematical descriptions’ of the content they represent, they lend themselves well to compression. Consequently, an SVGZ file is up to 80% smaller than its SVG counterpart.

The compression is lossless. This means that after decompressing the SVGZ file, the SVG file corresponds to the original again, and all the advantages of vector graphics – such as free scalability combined with high sharpness – also apply to SVGZ files.

SVGZ files are therefore particularly suitable for use on the internet, where loading times play a major role. Modern browsers support the SVGZ format natively.

Discussion on the correct MIME type for SVGZ

SVGZ and SVG share the same MIME type (image/svg+xml). This is actually quite unusual for two ‘different’ file formats. A separate MIME type for SVGZ has never been established.

Sources

SVGWG GitHub discussion on a dedicated MIME type for SVGZ

Last updated on 15. March 2026 by Sören with the experience of more than 127,945,737 converted files since 2013.