Collapse useless groups (collapseGroups)
Removes unnecessary wrapper <g> elements that do not affect rendering.
What Collapse useless groups does in SVGO
SVGO applies collapseGroups as part of its plugin pipeline. In SVGOMG the toggle is labeled Collapse useless groups (enabled by default). Optimization runs entirely in your browser — files are not uploaded to a server.
Use the SVGOMG optimizer with Show original to compare before and after. If output looks wrong, disable this plugin first, then re-enable related transforms one at a time.
When to enable
Default; flattening groups simplifies the tree and aids other plugins.
When to disable
When group IDs or transforms must remain for scripting.
Watch out for
May affect elements targeted by CSS or JS via group structure.
Try it in SVGOMG
- Open svgomg.net and load your SVG (file, paste, or demo).
- Find Collapse useless groups in the Features panel (
collapseGroups). - Toggle the plugin and compare the preview; download when satisfied.
SVGO Plugin Guide
Browse the SVGO Plugin Guide or read the full SVG optimization walkthrough on the homepage.