About

This tool transforms SVG path data between Absolute (uppercase) and Relative (lowercase) coordinates. While both render the exact same shape, they serve different engineering purposes. Absolute coordinates define points relative to the SVG origin 00, making them ideal for strict geometric transformations. Relative coordinates define points as a delta v from the previous position, often reducing file size for web optimization.

Mismanaged path data is a silent killer of render performance. Excessive decimal precision (e.g., 10.0000001) adds bloat without visual gain. This tool includes a precision engine to mathematically round values, ensuring your SVG code is as lightweight as possible while maintaining visual fidelity.

Formulas

The core transformation logic relies on vector addition. For a command converting from Relative to Absolute:

P_abs = P_current + P_rel

Where P represents the coordinate vector xy. Conversely, to find the Relative value from an Absolute target:

P_rel = P_target − P_current

Special handling is applied to Smooth curves (S, T), where the first control point c1 is calculated as the reflection of the previous control point c2_prev about the current point P_current:

c1 = 2⋅P_current − c2_prev

Reference Data

Command	Name	Args	Description
M / m	Move To	x, y	Lift pen and start new subpath.
L / l	Line To	x, y	Draw straight line to point.
H / h	Horizontal	x	Draw horizontal line.
V / v	Vertical	y	Draw vertical line.
C / c	Cubic Bezier	x1,y1 x2,y2 x,y	Curve with two control points.
S / s	Smooth Cubic	x2,y2 x,y	Reflects previous control point.
Q / q	Quad Bezier	x1,y1 x,y	Curve with one control point.
T / t	Smooth Quad	x,y	Reflects previous control point.
A / a	Elliptical Arc	rx ry rot fA fS x y	Draws an arc.
Z / z	Close Path	-	Draws line back to start.

Frequently Asked Questions

Relative paths often result in smaller file sizes. Because the numbers represent small distances (deltas) rather than large canvas coordinates, they often require fewer digits. For example, "l 1 1" is shorter than "L 150.5 200.5".

Yes. SVG paths often contain values like 1.5e-2. This tool's parser correctly identifies and processes scientific notation during conversion.

The "Z" (or 'z') command closes the path by drawing a straight line back to the start of the current subpath (usually the last Move To "M" command). It has no coordinates, so it remains largely unchanged, though its case will match your output selection.

If you use Smooth curves (S or T), they mathematically rely on the control point of the *previous* command. If you delete or alter the previous command, the reflection logic breaks. Converting to Absolute/Full Cubic (C) first can make manual editing safer.