File Format & Compatibility

Why Excel Stores SVG Images as PNG Copies and How to Fix It

Guest Writer Sep 30, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to stop Excel from creating a duplicate PNG version of inserted SVG images to prevent the workbook file size from increasing.

Why Excel Stores an SVG Image as a PNG Copy

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Inserting small SVG vector images into an Excel workbook to maintain graphic quality while attempting to keep the overall file size minimal.
Observed behavior: Excel automatically generates and stores a hidden PNG representation of the SVG image upon saving, which significantly increases the workbook size. There is no built-in setting to disable this duplication.

Before you start

Before attempting to optimize your images, make a copy of your current workbook so you can safely test different image formats without permanently losing your original vector graphics.

Solution 1Recommended

Convert SVG to EMF or a Standard PNG

Since Excel's automatic PNG generation cannot be disabled, converting the SVG to a different format before inserting it prevents the background duplication.

Microsoft Excel stores a PNG fallback for SVG files to ensure compatibility with older versions of Office. Because this default behavior is hardcoded, the most effective workaround is to avoid inserting SVG files directly if file size is a critical concern.

Convert the SVG Image

Use an image editor or a free online conversion tool to convert your SVG file to an EMF (Enhanced Metafile) for vector quality, or a standard PNG file.

Remove the Original SVG

Open your Excel workbook, select the existing SVG image that is causing the file bloat, and press the 'Delete' key.

Insert the New Image Format

Navigate to the 'Insert' tab on the ribbon, click 'Pictures', select 'This Device', and insert your newly converted EMF or PNG file.

EMF Format Advantage: EMF files retain scalable vector graphic quality similar to SVGs, but Microsoft Office handles them natively without generating hidden duplicate files.

Solution 2

Compress Pictures within the Excel Workbook

If you must keep the SVG format, you can mitigate the file bloat by using Excel's built-in compression tool to reduce the resolution of the hidden PNG copies.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Use WPS Office for Better File Size Management

Since Microsoft Excel's default behavior of duplicating SVGs into PNGs is hardcoded, fixing file bloat can be frustrating. Try WPS Office as a free, lightweight alternative. It offers excellent format compatibility, a familiar user interface, and seamless migration without unnecessary background processing.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office suite for your operating system.
2. Open Your Workbook: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and easily open your existing .xlsx files without losing any data or formatting.
3. Manage Images Efficiently: Insert your vector or raster graphics directly into the spreadsheet while enjoying better control over your overall workbook file size.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel formats (.xlsx, .xls, .csv).Avoids unexpected file bloating when inserting and managing various image formats.Lightweight software architecture ensures fast load times even on older devices.Familiar ribbon interface requires zero learning curve for seamless migration.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I disable the automatic SVG to PNG conversion in Excel?

No, Microsoft Excel stores a PNG representation of inserted SVG images by default as a fallback for compatibility. There is currently no built-in setting or registry edit supported by Microsoft to disable this behavior.

Why does Excel create a PNG copy of my SVG?

Excel creates a PNG duplicate to ensure the image can still be rendered on older devices, previous versions of Office, or web versions that do not natively support vector SVG graphics.

How can I check if my Excel file has hidden duplicated images?

You can inspect the contents by changing your Excel file extension from .xlsx to .zip. Open the archive and navigate to the 'xl/media' folder. Here, you will see all the image files stored within the workbook, including any auto-generated PNG copies.

Does using EPS instead of SVG solve the file size issue?

Microsoft Office has deprecated support for EPS files due to security vulnerabilities, so you cannot insert them into modern versions of Excel. It is recommended to use EMF (Enhanced Metafile) for vector graphics instead.

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