Online tools for designing logos have made graphic creation much more accessible to designers and small business owners. One of these tools, LogoMakr, advertises seamless vector exports such as SVG files. However, some users have discovered a discrepancy: despite selecting vector output, LogoMakr ends up exporting rasterized versions embedded within SVG containers. This unexpected outcome can cause issues for those intending to use the logo in scalable print, large format media, or high-fidelity web graphics.
TL;DR
LogoMakr may export a PNG image embedded in an SVG instead of creating a true vector file. This can be misleading for users who selected the SVG option and expected scalable graphics. A workaround involves recreating the SVG using manual tracing and path simplification in a vector editing tool. This ensures that your final logo is 100% vector and resolution-independent.
The Misleading Export: Expecting Vector, Receiving Raster
When a user designs a logo on LogoMakr and clicks to export in SVG format, the expectation is that the system will generate a proper Scalable Vector Graphic file. SVGs are advantageous because they use XML-based paths, lines, and curves — not pixels — and therefore can be scaled to any dimension without a loss in quality.
However, some users found that upon opening the exported SVG file in a vector editing tool like Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape, or Figma, the file appears as a single image element — not paths. Upon further inspection, the SVG turns out to contain an <image> tag linking to a Base64 PNG image embedded in the XML. This meant the file was essentially a raster image disguised in a vector container.
Why does this happen? Possibly due to limitations in LogoMakr’s free or standard export functionality, where full vector path functionalities might only be available through a premium purchase or under specific export conditions. Regardless of the reason, the impact is the same: disappointment and confusion for users seeking true vector graphics.
Understanding the Difference: Raster vs. Vector
Raster files like PNGs and JPEGs store image data as a fixed grid of pixels. When you scale them up, those pixels become visible, and the quality deteriorates. In contrast, vector files store paths, curves, and shapes mathematically — allowing for perfect scalability and minimal file size.
Here’s a comparison:
- Raster (e.g., PNG): Resolution-dependent, not scalable without quality loss.
- Vector (e.g., SVG): Resolution-independent, scalable infinitely, smaller file sizes for simple artwork.
That’s why receiving a PNG embedded within an SVG defeats the purpose — you’re not benefiting from any of vector’s key advantages.
Fixing the File: Rebuilding a True SVG
To resolve this issue, a manual re-creation process is necessary to convert that image into a true vector format. This process involves importing the rasterized image into a vector editor and using a process called tracing to recreate actual paths.
- Open a vector graphics editor like Inkscape or Adobe Illustrator.
- Import the faulty SVG (which contains the PNG image).
- Use the Trace Bitmap or Image Trace function to detect edges and shapes.
This tool analyzes the raster image and draws vector shapes that match the image’s content. Depending on the complexity and color depth of your logo, the tracing step may take some tweaking. Options like “Brightness cutoff” or “Edge detection” can alter the accuracy of the traced paths.
Path Simplification and Smoothing
Once vectors are generated from the trace, the resulting paths may contain an excessive number of nodes, especially around curves or detailed areas. This is where path simplification comes into play.
In Inkscape, this is done via:
- Selecting the traced object
- Pressing
Ctrl + Lor choosing Path → Simplify from the menu
The simplification process reduces the number of anchor points without compromising the shape’s integrity. This results in a cleaner, more manageable SVG file.
Additional refinements can include:
- Cleaning up overlapping or redundant paths
- Unifying color fills and strokes
- Grouping related path elements
When this process is done correctly, the final output will be made entirely of vector paths and shapes — fully editable, scalable, and ready for any medium.
Exporting Your Recreated Vector Logo
Once the shape is properly traced and simplified, you can then export the logo in native vector formats:
- SVG: Ideal for web-friendly applications and compatibility
- PDF: Suitable for printing and professional publishing
- EPS: Useful in professional graphic workflows and compatible with most vector software
During the export, double-check that the file does not contain any bitmap or raster elements. A quick way to verify is to open the SVG file in a text editor and look for any <image> tags or references to Base64 data.
Bonus Tip: Using Third-Party Tools
There are also online SVG editors that can help in the process. Websites like Vectorizer.io and SVG-edit offer browser-based vector tracing and editing features. However, for full control and precision, dedicated desktop apps are recommended.
Final Thoughts
LogoMakr is a convenient tool for basic logo creation, but users should be cautious when relying on its SVG export feature. If you receive an SVG that behaves like a PNG, it’s not a true vector file. Knowing how to identify this and using the right tools to reconstruct it can make all the difference – especially for use in scalable, high-resolution applications.
Rebuilding the image manually with tracing and simplification might seem tedious, but it provides peace of mind and professional-quality output. Once your file is recreated properly, you can trust it to deliver consistent visual results across every platform and format.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Why does LogoMakr export a PNG inside an SVG?
- LogoMakr likely embeds a rasterized image in the SVG format as a workaround for vector compatibility without generating true paths. This may be a limitation of their export feature or a restriction in the free version.
- How can I check if my SVG is truly vector?
- Open the SVG in a vector editor like Inkscape or Illustrator. If you can select individual shapes and paths, it’s vector. If it appears as a single image block, it’s a raster image embedded into the file.
- What is bitmap tracing?
- Bitmap tracing is the process of converting a raster image into a vector format by detecting edges and shapes. It’s available in software like Illustrator (Image Trace) and Inkscape (Trace Bitmap).
- Is vector tracing 100% accurate?
- Not always — the accuracy depends on the clarity and complexity of the original image. Manual adjustments and simplification may be necessary post-tracing.
- What is path simplification?
- Path simplification reduces the number of nodes in a vector shape to make the file easier to edit and lighter in size, minimizing unnecessary complexity.
- Can I still use the exported SVG for printing?
- You can, but if it’s raster-based, it may degrade in quality when scaled. For high-quality print outputs, ensure your SVG is composed of vector paths only.