PCX (PC Paintbrush Exchange) is a legacy raster format from the DOS era, while SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) is the modern web standard for resolution-independent vector images. Converting PCX to SVG vectorizes the legacy pixel data into geometric paths that scale to any size without pixelation. This conversion is particularly effective for PCX pixel art, simple logos, and flat-color graphics from vintage software.

Vector tracing transforms the PCX's fixed-resolution pixels into mathematical curves and shapes, creating a scalable version of the legacy artwork that can be used at any size in modern web and print applications.

SVG provides resolution independence that PCX's fixed pixel grid cannot. A vintage logo or icon from a PCX file can be vectorized and then used at any size, from a 16px favicon to a billboard, without quality loss. This is essential for modernizing legacy brand assets and graphics for current responsive web design requirements.

SVG is also the standard for web icons and logos. Vectorizing PCX artwork produces SVG files that can be embedded in web pages, styled with CSS, and animated with JavaScript -- capabilities that raster PCX images cannot provide.

The PCX file is decoded to a raster pixel buffer. The vtracer algorithm traces the pixel data, identifying color regions and generating Bezier curve paths along boundaries. For PCX pixel art with limited colors, the tracing produces clean geometric shapes. Configuration options include color precision, corner threshold, and speckle filtering. The output is a standard SVG 1.1 document optimized by SVGO.

Pixel art with distinct shapes and limited colors vectorizes well. However, the SVG uses smooth curves rather than sharp pixel boundaries, so it will look different from the original at small sizes.

Yes. The SVG contains standard path elements fully editable in Illustrator, Inkscape, Figma, and other vector editors.

For simple images, yes -- often dramatically so. Complex images may produce larger SVG files due to the many paths needed.

At large sizes, the SVG closely approximates the original. At the PCX's original small size, the vector smoothing may look slightly different from the sharp pixel grid.

Yes. SVG is natively supported in all modern browsers and can be styled with CSS and manipulated with JavaScript.

Device	PCX	SVG
Windows PC	Partial	Partial
macOS	Partial	Partial
iPhone/iPad	Partial	Partial
Android	Partial	Partial
Linux	Partial	Native
Web Browser	No	Native

Feature	PCX	SVG
Full Name	PiCture eXchange	Scalable Vector Graphics
Extension	.pcx	.svg
Best For	Legacy format	Infinite scaling

Convert PCX to SVG — Free Online Converter

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