XBM to SVGZ Converter
Processing entirely on your device — large files may take a moment.
Convert SVGZ exactly like SVG — the converter inflates it first — or gzip an SVG back into SVGZ for shipping. If your files are still in XBM format, this page is the shortcut: XBM is a bitmap stored as C source code — literally an array of hex bytes that a C compiler includes. It was the original X11 icon format, and it still compiles.
This converter runs entirely in your browser using WebAssembly — your files never leave your device, nothing is uploaded, and there are no watermarks, sign-ups or queues. Drop in several files at once to convert them as a batch.
How XBM compares to SVGZ
| XBM | SVGZ | |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | C #defines + hex byte array | gzip-wrapped SVG (XML) |
| Types / schema | 1-bit, X11 bit order | Vector XML, DEFLATE compressed |
| Compatibility | X11, C compilers, GTK | All browsers (via header), Inkscape |
| Best for | Compiled-in cursors and icons | Deploying vector assets on the web |
How to convert XBM to SVGZ
- 1
Select your files
Drag & drop your XBM files onto the area above, or click to browse. You can add multiple files at once for batch conversion.
- 2
Convert instantly
Click "Convert to SVGZ". The conversion runs entirely inside your browser using WebAssembly — no upload, no queue, no waiting.
- 3
Download results
Download each converted SVGZ file individually, or grab everything at once as a ZIP archive.
About the XBM format
XBM is the most honest image format ever shipped: the "file" is a C source array of hex bytes, compiled straight into X11 applications as cursor and icon bitmaps. Rendered, it is 1-bit black and white — the ancestors of every pixel-art cursor you still use.
Because it compiles, XBM never died: firmware UIs, embedded icons and retro Unix tooling still want it. Converting a PNG down to XBM gives embeddable, compilable art; the other direction previews what the C array actually draws.
+ Strengths
- ✓Compiles directly into C/C++ programs
- ✓Zero-payload format — text only
- ✓Still required by embedded and Unix tooling
! Limitations
- −1-bit black & white only
- −Human-hostile representation
- −X11 bit order trips up hand-rolled decoders
About the SVGZ format
SVGZ is what every SVG is on a well-configured server: the same XML vector content run through gzip. XML compresses spectacularly, so an SVGZ is typically 70-80% smaller than the SVG it came from — which is why Apache and nginx can serve it transparently with a Content-Encoding header.
Converting SVGZ to PNG or JPG simply inflates it first — the vector content is byte-identical to its SVG parent. The other direction (vectorize a raster, then gzip) produces a deploy-ready compressed asset.
+ Strengths
- ✓70-80% smaller than the same SVG
- ✓Transparent to browsers via Content-Encoding
- ✓Full SVG vector fidelity
! Limitations
- −Some tools refuse the double extension
- −Needs gunzip before hand-editing
- −MIME confusion on misconfigured servers
Why convert XBM to SVGZ?
Think of it as moving your file to the container that fits the job. 1-bit black & white only SVGZ works differently: 70-80% smaller than the same SVG If any of that sounds like your task, run the conversion — it takes seconds and nothing leaves your device.
Frequently asked questions
Is this XBM to SVGZ converter really free?
Yes — completely free, with no sign-up, no watermark and no daily conversion limits. The site is supported by advertising.
Are my files uploaded to a server?
No. The conversion runs entirely inside your browser using WebAssembly, so your files never leave your device — that is what makes it instant and private.
Does it work on Windows, Mac, iPhone and Android?
Yes. Anything with a modern browser works: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS. No software installation is required.
Will I lose quality converting XBM to SVGZ?
No — SVGZ is a lossless format, so every pixel of the converted image matches your original XBM file. You can also adjust the quality/size balance before converting when the target format supports compression.
Will transparent areas survive the conversion to SVGZ?
Transparency is kept whenever SVGZ actually supports an alpha channel. If the target format has none (like JPG), transparent areas are flattened onto a white background — that is a property of the format, not of this tool.
Can I convert several XBM files at once?
Yes — drop as many files as you like into the tool and they are converted in one batch. When more than one file comes out, everything is bundled into a ZIP for a single download.