All about SVGZ files
Compressed SVG (gzip)
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 March 15, 2026 by Sören Ramspeck with the experience of more than 128,394,830 converted files since 2013.
Convert, open and edit SVGZ files
Details about SVGZ files
- Software for opening SVGZ files
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Inkscape
- Adobe Illustrator
- Software for editing SVGZ files
- Inkscape
- Adobe Illustrator
- Affinity Designer
- MIME-type for SVGZ
- image/svg+xml
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