Shapes to (smaller) paths (convertShapeToPath)
Converts rect, circle, ellipse, and line elements to path equivalents, often smaller after path rounding.
What Shapes to (smaller) paths does in SVGO
SVGO applies convertShapeToPath as part of its plugin pipeline. In SVGOMG the toggle is labeled Shapes to (smaller) paths (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
Simple shapes in icon sets (default on).
When to disable
When you need native shape elements for animation or semantic reasons.
Watch out for
Slightly larger output in rare cases for trivial shapes.
Try it in SVGOMG
- Open svgomg.net and load your SVG (file, paste, or demo).
- Find Shapes to (smaller) paths in the Features panel (
convertShapeToPath). - 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.