Remove <desc> (`removeDesc`)

Removes <desc> long-description elements, saving bytes when not needed.

What Remove <desc> does in SVGO

SVGO applies removeDesc as part of its plugin pipeline. On SVGOMG.net the toggle is labeled Remove <desc> (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

Decorative graphics with no need for extended description in the file.

When to disable

Stand-alone accessible SVGs that rely on <desc> for screen readers.

Watch out for

Prefer HTML-level accessibility when SVG is embedded.

Try it

Open SVGOMG.net and load your SVG (file, paste, or demo).
Find Remove <desc> in the Features panel (removeDesc).
Toggle the plugin and compare the preview; download when satisfied.

Part of: Remove metadata and editor noise

This plugin is covered in the Remove metadata and editor noise topic guide along with related transforms.

SVGO Plugin Guide

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