How to Convert a Photo to SVG Effortlessly: 2 Picks

Reddit user Chiyobi asked: "I have some PNGs. I tried converting them using free online converters, but the SVGs ended up blank. So how do I go about converting them now?"

Scalable Vector Graphics or SVG are used in websites to improve their visual appeal. This format is a great choice since you can scale them without affecting the image quality. Therefore, you may want to convert a picture to SVG if you plan to add it to your website. In this guide, you will learn the two best tools for image-to-SVG conversion. You will also learn how to troubleshoot if the conversion fails due to file corruption.

Part 1. Why Convert Photos to SVG?

The quick answer is it is a better format for websites. But please note that SVGs are also used in game development and graphic design. You can resize SVGs without causing pixelation. Therefore, it is the perfect file format for logos and illustrations that need to appear sharp in various sizes.

Additionally, SVG tends to have smaller file sizes compared to JPG and PNG. That has two benefits. One, it is easier to store. Two, using SVG over JPG and PNG will make your website load faster, which is good for SEO. Besides that, SVG is text-based. So, search engine crawlers can read content within an SVG file. That could also put your website higher on the SERPs.

Lastly, SVG supports animation. It can add flare and visual appeal.

Part 2. Best Tools for Converting Photos to SVG

As you can see, converting an image to SVG has many benefits. With that, you may be looking for tools that make that possible. Here is some good news. We have done the work for you. Below are the two best tools for image-to-SVG conversions.

Tool 1. Convertio

Convertio is an online converter that supports a wide variety of file formats. That said, it can convert your images, regardless of the file type, to SVG files. Since it is an online app, no software download or installation is needed. Plus, you can access Convertio from any device with an internet connection and a web browser.

Here's a list of the pros and cons of using Convertio for image conversions.

Follow these steps to convert an image to SVG using Convertio:

Step 1. Open any web browser and navigate to Convertio's JPG to SVG webpage.

Step 2. Click the JPG dropdown menu and select the format of the image that you want to convert.

Step 3. Click Upload Files, Dropbox, or Google Drive to upload or import the images.

Step 4. Click Convert.

Step 5. Download the converted file.

Tool 2. Picsvg

Like Convertio, Picsvg is an online tool. Therefore, the benefits of using it are almost the same. You can access it on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, or iOS. Also, you do not need to install the app. However, it lacks the additional features Convertio provides. But, it trades them for simplicity and ease of use. Picsvg is straightforward to use, so even people who are not tech-savvy will not find difficulty in using it.

Here are the pros and cons of using Picsvg:

To convert a photo to SVG with this beginner-friendly tool, follow this guide:

Step 1. Launch any web browser and go to the website of Picsvg. Click Upload a picture. Picsvg will automatically convert it to SVG.

Step 2. Scroll down and click Download SVG.

Part 3. How to Resolve Failed Photo to SVG Conversion

Let's say that your photo is not larger than the file size limit. It is also simple enough that it can be converted to SVG. However, the conversion fails. File damages or corruption could be causing that. In that case, you must repair the images first.

Can you repair a corrupted file? Yes, you can do that with special tools. One example is Repairit Photo Repair. It is an advanced file repair software that uses advanced algorithms for a high chance of success.

Here is why Repairit Photo Repair is the best photo repair tool to use:

• Repairit supports 19 image formats as input. It includes the most common ones, like JPG, PNG, WEBP, and GIF.
• It is available as a desktop tool and as an online app.
• Repairit uses advanced and new algorithms, improving the chances of successfully recovering corrupted images.
• Repairit can repair multiple images at once.
• The file size is unlimited.
• Repairit is available on Windows and Mac as a desktop tool, while you can access the online version anywhere.

To repair corrupted images using Repairit Photo Repair, follow these steps:

Step 1. Launch the software. Click More Types Repair and then select Photo Repair.

Step 2. Click the +Add button and select the images that you want to repair.

Step 3. Click Repair to start the recovery process. Wait for it to finish.

Step 4. Once the repair process is done, click Preview to check the recovered file. If you are satisfied with the results, click Save and select a destination folder.

Part 4. Tips for a Successful Photo to SVG Conversion

It is frustrating when you spend time converting images, and then the outputs are not what you expected. Here is a couple of notes that will help you prevent that:

1. Choose the Right Images

Unfortunately, not all images translate well to vector graphics. Pictures with gradients and lots of textures are some examples. Likewise, pictures with intricate details will not look as good as SVG files.

That said, choose simple photos or simplify the ones you are trying to convert. You can start by removing unnecessary details and reducing the number of colors in the image. Adding more contrast also helps.

2. Posterize the Image

Photo editing tools provide you with a quick way to simplify images. You can use the "Posterize" or similar effects or filters. If your image is almost simple enough for SVG conversion, it allows you to simplify it further without needing to take another photo.

3. Ensure the Image is Okay

Online image-to-SVG converters do not let you preview the images. So, you wouldn't know if they are corrupted or not. That said, we recommend checking the images first. Open them to ensure they are accessible and not damaged. If corrupted, use repair tools like Repairit to fix it quickly.

Conclusion

When you convert an image to SVG, you get a file that does not lose quality when you scale it. That file is perfect for websites and graphic designs. The best thing is that there are exceptional converters that you can access for free. With them, you can easily perform this type of file conversion.

However, several things could prevent a successful image to SVG conversion. One of them is file corruption. But do not worry. You can use Repairit Photo Repair to fix it. This powerful recovery tool boasts a high success rate thanks to the advanced algorithms it uses for file repair.