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. On SVGOMG.net the toggle is labeled Collapse useless groups (enabled by default). Optimization runs entirely in your browser — files are not uploaded to a server.

Use SVGOMG.net 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

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.

Part of: Path and shape optimization

This plugin is covered in the Path and shape optimization topic guide along with related transforms.

SVGO Plugin Guide

Browse the SVGO Plugin Guide or read the full SVG optimization walkthrough.