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. On SVGOMG.net 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 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

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

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.

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.