P: How to export to SVG from Photoshop?

[TomH07]

I have a PS file that has text that I converted to a shape, plus another shape. I want to convert that to an SVG file, but, when I use the Explort As dialog, the only export file options are GIF, PNG and JPG. If I do Save As, the only options are Photoshop, Large Document Format, Photoshop PDF, and TIFF. 

I searched the help system, there's nothing there that I can find. Did they remove SVG export from Photoshop?? I sure hope not. I have Photoshop 22.4.3. 

[GXC7243]

I was having the same issue. I found the solution but only put how to do it on Mac OS. It shouldn't be hard to do the same for PC.

https://community.adobe.com/t5/photoshop-ecosystem-discussions/no-option-for-svg-export/m-p/13432697...

Crazy that they'd do this.

[PECourtejoie]

Yes, I do not understand why Photoshop, despite being a bitmap editor, could not simply save/export to the most prevalent vector format for the web, when it is able to extract vectors from images using many different methods (Create from image; manual tracing; conversion of selections to paths; and the content aware path tool) and when Photoshop as an entire section of its toolbar dedicated to vectors.

[Lumigraphics]

I'm not sure this is the answer but I find it interesting...

https://www.adobe.com/express/feature/image/convert/png-to-svg

[PECourtejoie]

Yes, there must be a good SVG-writing API available for Photoshop...

Crazy how many feature requests for the pro apps end up in the consumer side.

[Nancy OShea]

I've never used Express for high quality graphics.  I wonder if pixel-based PNG to math-based SVG converter could produce an acceptable vector or just a raster/vector hybrid?

[Lumigraphics]

There has to be a way to get vectors to Inkscape and save SVG from there.

[Mohit Goyal · Accepted solution]

Hi everyone,

I understand how difficult it must be not to be able to export into an SVG format through Photoshop. However, I wanted to suggest trying Adobe Express as a possible solution for converting your images into the desired format: https://www.adobe.com/express/feature/image/convert/svg?cgen=JQVGW3QK&mv=other

I genuinely hope this helps in your work. Let us know your feedback.

Thanks,

Mohit

[GXC7243]

This is an unacceptable option. When saving in Adobe Express the file is distorted and becomes unusable. Every time I attempt to save it as SVG it creates extra shapes, and colors or/and removes details. 

Why would you remove saving as SVG from Photoshop, instead of just making it a requirement to have only paths when saving?

[Nancy OShea]

For best results, use a math-based vector graphics app for SVG output; not a pixel-based raster editor. My tool of choice is Adobe Illustrator, but Inkscape will do, too.

[GXC7243]

My results never had any issues in Photoshop before the removal. This seems like nothing more than an attempt to sell more Illustrator subscriptions. 

[Nancy OShea]

Photoshop fails when it attempts to be something it's not.

• It's NOT a vector graphics app, never was, never will be.
• It's NOT a 3D builder, never was, never will be.
• It's NOT a video editor, never was, never will be.
• Photoshop is and always has been a raster image editor.

Use the right tools for the job.

[GXC7243]

I and many others had no issue with it saving SVGs. This is an excuse I constantly see. It worked perfectly other than saving non-paths. I used it for a variety of projects and never had any issues. There is no point in removing it when all that was needed is requiring only paths for saving. 

[Nancy OShea]

You are in the minority.  SVG output from Photoshop was unacceptable for professional users like me.  Adobe did the sensible thing by removing it; should have done it sooner, IMO.  🙂

If you're married to SVG in Photoshop and can't use other tools, then REVERT to an older version of Photoshop.  See direct download links below.

https://prodesigntools.com/adobe-cc-2019-direct-download-links.html

Goodbye & good luck. 

[GXC7243]

Or you can rectify the current version:

https://community.adobe.com/t5/photoshop-ecosystem-discussions/no-option-for-svg-export/m-p/13434423...

Photoshop shouldn't be limited and it's abilities stunted. 

Goodbye & good luck.

[Nancy OShea]

Or you can rectify the current version:

By @GXC7243

================

Unpaid forum volunteers and fellow product users can't DO anything except use the right tools for the tasks. 😕

[GXC7243]

I'm not understanding how this solution stops product users. Did you look into the link I posted with detailed instructions on how to save as SVG in Photoshop even with current versions?

[MagdalenaMan]

I have to put another perspective on this as I have a big issue on a current project I like to describe and WHY IT IS NECESSERY to have SVG export option in PSD.

We prepare a group photo for an online client and his website, where the single persons when you hover over them should be able to select individually to get more information.
For this I had to prepare the group photo and put in paths for every single person - so our online team can afterwards use the paths to make the mouse-over areas.
For that I had to use Photoshop (the group photo was put together from single photos and this is a typical psd workflow) and afterwards I put in the paths for the clipping areas, and our online team NEEDS svg as and end file.

Now I am sitting here without being able to give them the file in the format they need it...

[Lumigraphics]

It looks like you'll need to find a different workflow. Illustrator maybe?

[MagdalenaMan]

For making paths in PHOTOS? Honestly? ... I don't like putting pixel based photos in a vector based programm and making PHOTO EDITS in Illustrator, as this tool is not ment for this type of work either...
Makes no sense right?

[Nancy OShea]

You know what they say, use the right tool for the job.

Decide what output you need BEFORE you start your project— math-based vector or pixel-based raster.  It's way easier to pixelate a math-based vector rather than the other way around.

• Photoshop is best tool for rasters output.
• Illustrator is best tool for creating vectors.

[MagdalenaMan]

I just found out while finishing the project that svg is no longer available in photoshop...

I am sorry but I always make paths for cutouts of photo elements in photoshop (as you know you can use those paths in InDesign for example).

Anyway I found another way which was good for our online team, thanks for nothing I guess.

[Lumigraphics]

Do the photo composite in Photoshop and paths in Illustrator. Or forget SVG. Simple.

[IncredibleHat]

Exactly this. "It worked, and it worked well" .... removing it is just a cash grab to force people into another app to redo all their work, time, money spent. For something that just worked before. Nothing was wrong with being able to export paths as SVG. Its what SVG ARE, PATHS. Stupid move by photoshop, and just another nail in the coffin that our business is going to entirely bail on adobe in the future.

[D Fosse]

No, it's about using the appropriate tool for the job. SVG is primarily a vector format. Illustrator is Adobe's primary vector application. It really is no more complicated than that.

If you really know what you're doing, you can make Photoshop output vector content in some scenarios - shapes, text, but not paths! And yes, you can put that in an SVG.

But let's be real: 99.9% of all SVGs from Photoshop would contain raster content. And those files would of course be rejected everywhere and basically not be usable. Those files should be PNGs instead. I'd go out on a limb and say that sometimes you need to educate people to keep them from bad habits and bad decisions.

If you're going to work with vector images, you need to use a vector application. That should normally be self-evident. This isn't what Photoshop is for.

[GXC7243]

Using paths would allow you to save without raster content... If you saved a path-only file it would be accepted everywhere*. I know because I did it and even used them to start off SVG animations, make responsive SVGs and make interactive SVGs. All for web content.

If you're going to work with SVGs you are NOW required to use vector appications, but it was once possible with Photoshop. What your claiming to be self-evident is false. It may not have been what Photoshop was meant for, but it worked fine if you knew what you were doing. It is also troubling to see people making this kind of statement when an offical Adobe stance is to use Adobe Express. Something that is extremely ill qualified for SVGs.