Recolor SVG images in PowerPoint, Keynote, Canva, and Google Slides

Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) images can be resized and edited without losing quality because they consist of mathematical paths—such as points, lines, and curves—rather than pixels. This enables SVGs to maintain sharpness and clarity at any size and makes them customizable by adjusting properties like color, stroke, and shape.

You can search for SVGs on websites like Pixabay and FreeSVG.org, both of which offer free vector image downloads. The Noun Project is another great source for SVGs, and their images can be used for free with proper attribution.

SVG images can be inserted into PowerPoint, Keynote, and Canva. However, Google Slides does not support direct SVG uploads and will return an error if you try.

I enjoy using SVGs in my documents because I can easily change their colors to match my design.

Editing SVGs in PowerPoint: After inserting an SVG into a PowerPoint slide, click the "Convert to Shape" button under the Graphic Format tab. Once converted, you can click individual shapes within the image to change their fill color. Since SVGs are often grouped, you may need to ungroup or double-click to select specific shapes.

Editing SVGs in Keynote (Mac): After adding an SVG to a slide, right-click the image and select "Break Apart." Then, right-click again and choose "Ungroup." This allows you to select individual shapes within the image.

Editing SVGs in Keynote (iPad): After inserting an SVG, tap the Format menu and, under the Arrange tab, tap "Break Apart." Then, tap "Ungroup." You can now select individual shapes within the image and adjust their colors in the Style tab of the Format panel. Be aware that some SVGs with many components may not break apart completely in Keynote.

Editing SVGs in Canva: When you add an SVG to a Canva design, the image’s colors appear as swatches in the top toolbar. Clicking a swatch opens the Color side panel, where you can change the color. However, some complex SVGs with multiple colors may not be editable in Canva and no color swatches will appear.

Workaround for SVGs in Google Slides: Although Google Slides doesn’t support direct SVG uploads, you can use a workaround. Follow the steps for editing SVGs in PowerPoint or Keynote, ensuring you convert them to shapes or break them apart. Save the presentation as a PPTX file and upload it to Google Drive. When opened in Google Slides, the SVG will remain editable.

SVG images not only display crisp and clear, but they also allow for easy color adjustments to fit your design. I use this feature frequently with QR codes. I generate QR codes at goqr.me and download them as SVGs. When I insert them into my presentation, I can adjust the foreground and background colors directly in the app I’m using instead of generating a new image.