GIF to SVG Converter
To turn a GIF into an SVG, add the file, choose black-and-white with a threshold or up to 8 colors, and press Convert. The first frame is traced into vector outlines, which suits the flat colors typical of GIF logos and clip art. The result is a redrawing, not an exact copy. The GIF is uploaded to our servers over a secure connection, traced and deleted within 30 minutes at the latest.
- Free, no sign-up
- Uploaded securely, deleted within 30 minutes
- Up to 50 MB per file
2 colors gives a black-and-white drawing. More colors create layered shapes in several colors and a larger file.
Decides which pixels count as black. Lower values keep only the darkest areas; higher values make the drawing heavier. It only applies to 2 colors.
The image is traced at up to 2048 pixels on its longest side; the SVG itself scales without losing sharpness.
Your file is uploaded to our servers over a secure (HTTPS) connection, converted there and permanently deleted within 30 minutes at the latest. Files are converted one after another.
How to convert GIF to SVG
Add your GIF image
Drag a logo, icon or drawing onto the upload area. Clear contrast and few colors trace best.
Choose the colors and the threshold
2 colors gives a black-and-white drawing whose threshold you can adjust; up to 8 colors creates layered shapes.
Trace and download
Press “Convert”. The image is uploaded to our servers, traced and deleted within 30 minutes at the latest; download the SVG when it is ready.
What is preserved?
Kept
- The overall shape, proportions and layout of the picture
- Sharp edges at any size: the SVG scales without turning into pixels
Changed
- The picture is redrawn as filled outlines, so fine detail, texture and gradients are simplified
- With 2 colors the result is black and white; with more colors (up to 8) each color becomes its own layer and the colors are approximated
- Transparent areas are filled with white before tracing
Not carried over
- Photographic detail, smooth gradients and soft shadows
- EXIF, location and camera data
When to use it
Rescue an old GIF logo
Many company logos from the early web survive only as small GIFs. Tracing turns them into scalable outlines that can be refined and used for print again.
Turn clip art into vector shapes
Flat clip art with a few colors traces well. The SVG can be resized for posters, T-shirts or stickers without pixels appearing.
Limitations to know
- This is tracing, not a true conversion to vector: the SVG is an approximation of the picture, not the original drawing.
- Logos, icons and flat drawings give the best result; photographs trace badly.
- The picture is traced at up to 2048 pixels on its longest side. The file is uploaded to our servers, which accept up to 50 MB and about 100 megapixels per file.
About the formats
What is GIF?
GIF is an image format from 1987 limited to 256 colors per image. It supports simple on/off transparency and short animations, which is why it is still used for small graphics and looping clips. For photographs it is a poor choice, because the color limit causes visible banding.
What is SVG?
SVG describes an image with shapes, paths and text in XML instead of pixels, so it stays sharp at any size. It is ideal for logos, icons and illustrations. When a program or website needs a pixel image, an SVG is rendered into a raster format such as PNG at a chosen size.
Frequently asked questions
Why do GIFs often trace well?
GIF graphics usually consist of a limited set of flat colors with clear borders, which is exactly what tracing handles best. Small GIFs give rougher outlines, so use the largest version you have.
Which frame of an animated GIF is traced?
The first one. The SVG is static and contains no animation.
Can I keep the GIF's transparent background?
Transparent pixels are treated as white during tracing. You can remove the white shape in a vector editor afterwards if you need a see-through background.
Is converting GIF to SVG free?
Yes, completely free. There is no account, subscription or watermark; just add your files and convert them.
Are my files uploaded anywhere?
Yes. This conversion runs on our servers, so your file is uploaded over an encrypted (HTTPS) connection, converted there and permanently deleted within 30 minutes at the latest. It is stored under a random code instead of its name, and processing is fully automated. EXIF and location data are not added to the output.