SVG Optimizer

Inkscape embeds its own metadata namespace (sodipodi:, inkscape:), Dublin Core tags (dc:, cc:, rdf:), creator info, document history, grid definitions and layer labels. These are useful in Inkscape but invisible to browsers and often double or triple the file size of a simple icon. Optimization strips all of it while keeping visual paths intact.

Optimization removes: editor metadata, XML comments, unused namespace declarations, hidden elements, default attribute values (fill="black" is already the default), whitespace between tags, empty groups, and redundant transforms like translate(0,0). What stays: all visible paths, shapes, text, gradients, masks, and filters.

Aggressive optimization can break SVGs that rely on IDs for CSS or JS selectors, or animations referencing specific element IDs. Conservative optimization (metadata and comments only) is safe. This tool uses conservative defaults. Always preview the optimized SVG before using it in production.

Inline SVG: styleable with CSS, accessible, animatable — but adds to HTML size. <img src="icon.svg">: cached separately, simpler markup, but not CSS-styleable. <use href="sprite.svg#icon">: best for repeated icons — one cached file, styleable with currentColor. Rule: inline for unique icons, sprite for repeated icons, img for decorative static SVGs.