Remove xmlns (`removeXMLNS`)

Removes redundant default xmlns attributes when they can be inferred, shrinking attribute noise.

What Remove xmlns does in SVGO

SVGO applies removeXMLNS as part of its plugin pipeline. On SVGOMG.net the toggle is labeled Remove xmlns (off 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

Standalone SVG files embedded where the namespace is implicit.

When to disable

SVGs used as documents, mixed namespaces, or fragments that rely on explicit xmlns.

Watch out for

Can break unusual namespace setups; off by default on SVGOMG.net.

Try it

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

Part of: Attributes and namespaces

This plugin is covered in the Attributes and namespaces topic guide along with related transforms.

SVGO Plugin Guide

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