Any free png to svg converter that works on PC or Mac?

Question

I'm working on a small design project and need to convert several PNG images into SVG format. Since SVG is vector-based and scales better for things like logos or icons, I prefer that over raster formats like PNG. Currently, I have a Windows 11 PC at office and Mac Mini at home. Now, I am looking for a reliable method to convert png to svg without compromising too much on quality or detail.

Can you suggest a good png to svg converter for PC or Mac? Ideally, the tool should support batch conversion, allow for some level of customization (like smoothing or number of paths), and not be overly complex to use. Free options or open-source software would be preferred, but I'm also open to paid tools if they're worth it.

frederickdouglass · Answer

From what I understand, PNG to SVG conversion is not just a simple format swap—because PNG is a raster image and SVG is vector, a tool that can trace or recreate vector paths is needed. Some apps try to convert the file by vectorizing the edges, colors, or contrast zones to create a scalable result. Not all converters handle this well, especially for complex images, so it is a bit challenging to find a good free png to svg converter that works for both simple icons and more detailed graphics.

In addition, converting a PNG (raster image) to SVG (vector image) while preserving colors requires vectorization (tracing), as PNGs are pixel-based and SVGs are path-based. Here are the best methods to achieve this:

Here is a simple trick to help you convert png to svg with color:

1. Open the website in your browser (works on Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.).

2. Click the "Upload" button or drag-and-drop your PNG file into the box. Supported formats: .png, .jpg, .bmp, .gif, etc.

3. The tool will auto-trace your image into vectors, preserving colors.

4. Processing time depends on image complexity (usually a few seconds).

5. Toggle between "Original" (PNG) and "Vector" (SVG) to check quality.

6. Zoom in to inspect edges/colors.

6. Click "Download" → Choose SVG format. The file will save to your device with colors intact.

harperlake · Answer

To convert PNG to SVG on your Windows PC, right? I’ve done this a few times myself, and honestly, the easiest way I found is to use some free online tools or apps that do the job pretty smoothly without messing around with complex software.

1. Use an Online Converter
* Just search for “PNG to SVG converter” — I like converti0.co or online-c0nvert.com.
* Upload your PNG file, choose SVG as the output, then hit convert.
* Download the SVG once it’s done.
* Super quick, no installs needed.

2. Use 1nkscape (Free Vector Graphics Software)

* If you want more control and a better quality SVG, 1nkscape is awesome.
* Download and install it on Windows computer.
* Open your PNG in 1nkscape (it will import as a raster).
* Use the “Trace Bitmap” feature (Path > Trace Bitmap).
* Play around with the settings to get a good trace of your image.
* Once you’re happy, delete the original PNG and save as SVG.
* It’s a bit more hands-on, but gives you a cleaner vector version.

To convert PNG to SVG, for quick stuff, online converters are fine, but if you want a cleaner, scalable SVG, 1nkscape is the way to go. Just play around with the trace settings until it looks good.

cassiuslarkin · Answer

I recommend Potrace to you. Since Potrace works primarily with bitmap images in PBM, PGM, or PPM formats, you'll need to convert your PNG to a suitable bitmap format first. Then, you can use Potrace to trace the bitmap into an SVG vector graphic.

Step-by-Step Guide to convert PNG to SVG:

1. Install Potrace
Download the ZIP file (e.g., potrace-1.16-win32.zip)
Extract the ZIP to a folder, e.g., C:\potrace\

2. Install 1megeMegick (for PNG to PBM conversion)
During installation, ensure you select "Add to PATH" and "Install legacy utilities" (for convert).

3. Convert PNG to PBM
Open Command Prompt and navigate to your image directory: cd path\to\your\images
Convert PNG to PBM (black & white bitmap): megick convert input.png -threshold 50% output.pbm
Note:
Use megick (for 1megeMegick 7+) instead of convert.
Adjust -threshold value if needed to improve tracing.

4. Use Potrace to Convert PBM to SVG
Navigate to the Potrace directory: cd C:\potrace
Run Potrace: potrace -s -o output.svg "C:\path\to\your\images\output.pbm"

Options:
-s : Output SVG format
-o : Specify output filename

In this way, you can successfully convert PNG to SVG on Windows computer or Mac.

tonimorrison · Answer

Animated SVGs (Scalable Vector Graphics) are great for creating lightweight, scalable animations that work smoothly on websites and apps. Converting a PNG to an animated SVG involves two main steps:Vectorizing the PNG (converting it to SVG format).Adding animation using SVG’s built-in tools or JavaScript.&nbsp;How to convert png to svg with animationFirst, turn your PNG into an SVG with any online or desktop png to svg converter.Next, open the SVG file in a text editor or any XML Editor).Look for elements you want to animate (e.g., &lt;path&gt;, &lt;circle&gt;, &lt;rect&gt;). Give them unique IDs for easy targeting:&lt;path id="my-path" d="M10 10 L90 10 L50 90 Z" fill="blue" /&gt;Create an HTML file and embed your SVG:&lt;!DOCTYPE html&gt;
&lt;html lang="en"&gt;
&lt;head&gt;
  &lt;meta charset="UTF-8"&gt;
  &lt;title&gt;Animated SVG&lt;/title&gt;
  &lt;style&gt;
    /* Optional: Add basic styling */
    body { display: flex; justify-content: center; align-items: center; height: 100vh; }
    svg { width: 300px; height: 300px; }
  &lt;/style&gt;
&lt;/head&gt;
&lt;body&gt;
  &lt;!-- Paste your SVG code here (or link externally) --&gt;
  &lt;svg id="my-svg" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 100 100"&gt;
    &lt;path id="my-path" d="M10 10 L90 10 L50 90 Z" fill="blue" /&gt;
  &lt;/svg&gt;

&lt;!-- Load GSAP (for advanced animations) --&gt;
  &lt;script src="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/gsap/3.11.4/gsap.min.js"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;
  &lt;script&gt;
    // Simple animation: Rotate the path
    gsap.to("#my-path", {
      rotation: 360,
      duration: 2,
      repeat: -1,  // Infinite loop
      ease: "power1.inOut"
    });

// Add hover effect
    document.querySelector("#my-path").addEventListener("mouseenter", () =&gt; {
      gsap.to("#my-path", { scale: 1.2, fill: "red" });
    });
    document.querySelector("#my-path").addEventListener("mouseleave", () =&gt; {
      gsap.to("#my-path", { scale: 1, fill: "blue" });
    });
  &lt;/script&gt;
&lt;/body&gt;
&lt;/html&gt;Final NotesFor simple animations, use &lt;animate&gt; or CSS.For interactive/complex animations, use GSAP or Anime.js.Optimize performance by avoiding too many animated elements.

gideonoakglen · Answer

AutoTrace, a free command line png to svg converter for Windows PC and Mac. It is designed to convert raster images (like PNG, JPEG, or BMP) into vector formats (such as SVG, EPS, or PDF). It uses edge-detection algorithms to trace shapes and colors, making it useful for transforming logos, icons, or simple artwork into scalable vectors.

AutoTrace can be decent for basic PNG to SVG conversions, especially for images with clear edges and limited colors. However, it struggles with complex or detailed PNGs (e.g., photos or gradients) and often produces bloated or messy SVG output. For better results, preprocessing the PNG helps, but for professional use, a dedicated png to svg converter are more reliable. AutoTrace works best for quick, low-stakes conversions where manual cleanup isn't a concern.

You can run this simple command to convert png to svg on a PC or Mac:

autotrace --input-format png --output-format svg --output-file output.svg input.png

Notes:

Adjust color quantization with --color-count=16.

Older tool; may not handle complex PNGs well.

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Any free png to svg converter that works on PC or Mac?

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