.svgz

Extension: Compressed SVG File

Developer: Adobe Systems

SVGZ, or Scalable Vector Graphics Compressed, files are essentially SVG images zipped using the GZIP compression algorithm. This means you get all the benefits of the vector-based SVG format – crisp lines, scalability without pixelation, and interactive elements – but with a significantly smaller file size. This makes SVGZ files ideal for web use, especially when dealing with complex graphics or large illustrations, as they download faster and consume less bandwidth. Remember that while the compression reduces the file size, it doesn’t affect the visual quality or functionality of the image; the decompression happens seamlessly when the file is opened. The compression also protects the file against accidental or malicious modification, offering a degree of integrity.

To open an SVGZ file, you’ll need a program that supports both SVG and GZIP decompression. Most modern web browsers (like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge) can handle SVGZ files directly; simply download the file and open it in your browser. Alternatively, many image editing and vector graphics software applications, such as Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape (a free and open-source option), and CorelDRAW, also have built-in support for SVGZ files. If you encounter difficulties, you may need to first unzip the file using a dedicated decompression utility like 7-Zip or PeaZip before opening it in a program that supports only the uncompressed SVG format. However, this is usually unnecessary with current software.