Convert PDF to SVG Online Free: Get Infinitely Scalable Vector Images
Convert PDF to SVG Online – Complete Guide
A web developer I occasionally work with would ask me to extract a logo from the PDF brand guidelines document and convert it to another image format several times last year. I provided him with a PNG file, which I assumed to be of sufficiently high quality, but he said it was pixelated on retina screens and asked for a vector. I knew about SVG, but never thought of converting a PDF file to it. After a little research and experimentation, I was able to get him an SVG file of the same page, which he was happy with.
This experience taught me about a particular conversion that is sure to become incredibly useful to graphic designers, developers, and anybody else who needs images with resolution-independent quality. If you need a PDF graphic converted to any other image format, SVG is an option worth considering. It is much easier than one might think, and it produces a high-quality result that is easily editable and viewable.
What is SVG, and Why is it Worth Considering as an Alternative to JPG, PNG, TIFF, and Other Raster Formats?
SVG stands for Scalable Vector Graphics, and unlike raster image formats, it is based on mathematical equations that define the image’s shapes rather than a grid of pixels. This fundamental difference is what makes SVG images resolution-independent and allows them to appear sharp on screens of any size, from mobile phone displays to movie theater projectors. When an SVG file is opened in a browser or another compatible application, its code is read, and the graphic is recreated using the mathematical definitions. As a result, an SVG graphic can be scaled up or down without losing any visual quality since it is not pixels that get displayed directly but rather calculated and rendered on the fly. This property is especially useful for responsive websites, which need to provide a sharp display for every screen resolution and size.
These are the reasons why you may want to convert PDF to SVG:
- To extract logos, icons, or other graphics from PDF files for use on websites or in graphic design projects, where there is a need to display them in resolution-independent formats;
- To extract vector graphics from PDF files and edit them in design software;
- To convert charts, graphs, and other illustrations found in PDF documents to editable, scalable formats;
- To prepare vector graphics from PDF files for print, where high visual quality is crucial;
- To extract artwork from the PDF brand guidelines documents and convert them to code-friendly formats for implementation on websites;
- And other similar tasks.
If you do not need resolution-independent graphics and prefer smaller file sizes, you may want to consider a PDF to PNG conversion instead. Knowing the difference between PNG and SVG can help you determine which conversion you need.
How I Convert PDF Pages to SVG
I was surprised by how simple the process was, despite my initial understanding of SVG to be more code-oriented. These are the steps I had to take to convert a PDF page to SVG:
- Open a PDF to SVG converter in a browser;
- Upload the PDF file that contains the page or graphic that needs converting;
- Wait for the tool to finish processing the request;
- And download the results.
The PDF to SVG tool on ConvertersOnline.org can be used for free without registration. It converts PDF pages to SVG images that can be opened in web browsers and design software. On my first attempt, I was surprised to see that the resulting file size was significantly smaller than that of the PNG graphic of the same page.
What Can and Cannot Be Converted With PDF to SVG Tools
It is important to understand what kinds of PDF content can be successfully converted to SVG and what cannot. Below are a few rules of thumb that can help you determine whether a PDF to SVG conversion is right for you.
Vector-Based PDF Content Converts Better Than Raster-Based Content
Any PDF content that was created with vectors in design software can be converted to SVG with excellent results. This includes logos, icons, illustrations, and other graphics created with any vector design program, such as Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, Inkscape, and others. The reason for this is simple – such graphics already contain mathematical definitions of their shapes, which get converted to the corresponding SVG definitions. As a result, you get a high-quality image that is also lightweight, since the file size of an SVG graphic is mostly dependent on the complexity of its design, not the image resolution.
Text Content Converts to Text or Paths in SVG
Most text found in PDF documents can also be converted to SVG with excellent results. Text elements in SVG can be styled much like CSS, making it easy to recreate the look and feel of the original PDF graphic. Some variations in font display may be possible due to differences in font rendering, but these should be minimal if the PDF used standard fonts.
Photographic Content Converts to Embedded Raster Graphics
Any photographic content will be rendered as embedded raster graphics in an SVG file. Thus, it will appear pixelated when scaled beyond a certain size, just like a PNG or JPG image. For this reason, you cannot rely on an SVG conversion to improve the resolution of a bitmap graphic. You should use a PDF to JPG converter if you need to extract raster graphics from your PDF document.
Common PDF to SVG Conversion Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The majority of common mistakes that people make when working with PDF to SVG conversions are related to misunderstandings about what this type of conversion can and cannot do.
Mistaken Belief #1: SVG conversions can make all types of graphics resolution-independent.
An SVG conversion can only make vector graphics truly resolution-independent. Bitmap graphics will remain pixel-based, and there is not much you can do to change that. If your PDF page contains a photo, you will not be able to scale it without it appearing pixilated. You should only use an SVG conversion for graphics created with vectors.
Mistaken Belief #2: SVG files open the same way JPG or PNG files do in Windows.
They do not. SVG files are resolution-independent, but they also require modern software to display them correctly. You cannot view an SVG graphic in Windows Photo Viewer or other default image viewers. You will need to use a browser or a dedicated design application to open an SVG file. If your SVG graphic does not appear as expected, you may want to try viewing it in a browser or another application.
Mistaken Belief #3: SVG files created from PDF documents are always resolution-independent.
You should be aware that an SVG graphic converted from a PDF file may contain embedded raster graphics. These will not be resolution-independent, and their appearance in the resulting SVG file will depend on the settings of the PDF to SVG converter you are using. You should always open an SVG file in a text editor to view its contents. If you see base64-encoded binary data, this means that there are raster graphics embedded in your SVG file. In order to achieve resolution-independent graphics, the original PDF file you converted must have contained vectors.
Mistaken Belief #4: SVG files should always be used for graphic representation on websites.
This is not true. An SVG file should only be used for graphics that require resolution-independent display, such as logos, icons, and other design elements that need to appear sharp on any monitor or screen size. For other uses, such as displaying a document preview, it may be better to use a PNG conversion. In many cases, the file size of an SVG conversion can be much larger than that of a PNG graphic, especially for complex graphics.
Is it Safe to Convert Design Assets to SVG Online?
This is an important consideration for any graphic designer or a business that relies on design assets, such as logos, icons, graphics, and other visual elements produced by designers.
In essence, any reputable service that provides an SVG conversion tool should be able to guarantee sufficient security for your design assets. You should ensure that your files are processed securely if you are concerned about your design assets being compromised or misused.
A trustworthy service will allow you to convert a PDF file to an SVG file without providing access to your personal data. This usually means the ability to process the conversion in-browser or on a remote server without leaving a trace of your file on the service’s servers after the conversion is done. Most services of this kind do not require you to register or create an account in order to use them. Another important security consideration is the privacy policy of the service, which should state that your files are not used for any other purpose. In general, you should only convert assets that do not contain sensitive information with any online conversion tool.
A Few Words About Working With SVG Files I Learned From Experience
Over the years and several conversions to SVG, I have learned a thing or two about working with these files that you may find helpful.
I always recommend checking how the file looks in a browser before sending it to a client, a designer, or a developer. This way, you can ensure that everything looks the way it is supposed to in the only environment where it is actually going to be displayed.
You can optimize SVG graphic files for the web to reduce their file sizes and enhance their appearance. Doing so is especially important if the graphic you are working with is resolution-independent, since it usually has a significantly larger file size than a graphic of the same complexity that is not resolution-independent.
I also suggest making sure your design software is compatible with SVG files if you plan on editing them in a design application. Some programs, such as Adobe Illustrator, Figma, and Inkscape, are better at working with SVG than others. This advice also goes for the design application used by your developers, if any; asking them about the details can be a good idea.
If only specific pages in the PDF file need to be converted to SVG, always consider isolating them before the conversion takes place.
Doing so can save you unnecessary effort, especially if the other pages do not contain any vector graphics that you need to work with. In this case, simply use a Split PDF tool to extract the specific pages you need before proceeding with the conversion.
Another thing I learned from experience is that it is always a good idea to provide your clients with a visual representation of the SVG graphic that they are receiving alongside the graphic itself. I have dealt with clients not familiar with the nuances of working with this type of graphic file, and I always send a preview link so that they understand how they can use the graphic asset they have received.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an SVG File, Exactly?
An SVG file is based on mathematical representations of images and does not use the same grid of pixels used by other raster image formats. It uses a series of equations that describe an image’s elements, such as lines, shapes, and text. This fundamentally different approach enables it to provide a resolution-independent display that is not possible with other image formats.
Will All Elements in PDF Files Convert to Vectors in SVG Files?
No - only elements that were already created as vectors can be converted to vectors. Raster images will remain raster images.
Do I Need Any Special Software to View SVG Files Created from PDF Documents?
No - you can use any modern web browser to view them. If you want to edit them, you will have to use graphic design software, such as Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape.
Can I Convert Multi-Page PDF Files to SVG?
Yes, although you may have to do a separate conversion for each page. If only specific pages need converting, you can use a Split PDF tool to isolate them first.
Are SVG Files Larger or Smaller than PNG Files?
It depends on the complexity and resolution of the graphic. For vector graphics, an SVG file will usually be significantly smaller than a PNG file of the same resolution and complexity. For raster graphics, a PNG file will almost always be smaller than an SVG file.
Can I Edit SVG Files That Have Been Converted from PDF Files?
Yes, you can edit them if they have been created correctly. An SVG file is essentially a text file that uses XML syntax to define its elements. You can make minor edits to an SVG file using any code editor. However, complex changes to an SVG graphic will require design software, such as Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape, or Figma.
How Can I Use SVG Files Converted from PDF Files?
You can utilize them in a variety of ways. Since they are compatible with all modern browsers, you can use them on websites directly as inline code or separately as image files. This makes them ideal for logos, icons, and other graphic elements that need to appear sharp on a variety of devices. You can also edit them further in design software to extract specific elements or make minor changes.