---
{"title": "PicSVG vs Vector Magic in 2026", "description": "PicSVG vs Vector Magic for designers: free SVG conversion, Vector Magic editions, pricing and setup, compared from each tool's own sources.", "url": "https://2dex.com/picsvg-vs-vector-magic/", "date": "2026-10-17"}
---
PicSVG vs Vector Magic for designers: free SVG conversion, Vector Magic editions, pricing and setup, compared from each tool's own sources.

PicSVG is a free online converter that turns an uploaded image into an SVG file [^1]. Vector Magic converts JPG, PNG, BMP and GIF bitmaps to SVG, EPS and PDF online, with no software to install, and a desktop edition that adds AI and DXF output [^2] [^2]. PicSVG accepts uploaded jpg, gif and png files up to 4 MB [^1]. Vector Magic has an online edition and a desktop edition [^2] [^3]. VectorMagik runs in the browser, and lets a designer edit curve nodes after converting [^4] [^4].

| Option | Price | Maximum image size | Output formats | Setup |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PicSVG | Free [^1] | Uploads up to 4 MB [^1] | SVG [^1] | Online upload [^1] |
| Vector Magic | $9.95 a month online, or $295 once for the desktop edition [^3] [^3] | 1 megapixel [^2] | Online: SVG, EPS, PDF; desktop adds AI and DXF [^2] [^2] | No software to install online [^2] |
| VectorMagik | Free for everyone; business use needs a licence [^4] | not published | SVG, PDF, EPS, AI, DXF, EMF, PNG [^4] | Windows, macOS, Linux, browser [^4] |

## The short answer

PicSVG is a free online converter that turns an uploaded image into an SVG file [^1]. Vector Magic converts JPG, PNG, BMP and GIF bitmaps to SVG, EPS and PDF online, with no software to install [^2]. Vector Magic always traces your bitmap [^2]. PicSVG is an online converter for jpg, gif and png files up to 4 MB [^1]. Vector Magic's online editor allows a maximum of 1,000 edits [^2], and a desktop edition is also offered [^3]. VectorMagik runs in the browser, with editing tools after the trace [^4] [^4].

## What PicSVG and Vector Magic are built for

PicSVG is a free online converter that can convert an image to an SVG file [^1]. It accepts uploaded jpg, gif and png files up to 4 MB [^1]. It saves converted SVG images locally, visible only to the user [^1].

Vector Magic converts JPG, PNG, BMP and GIF bitmaps to SVG, EPS and PDF online, with no software to install [^2]. The desktop edition also produces AI and DXF output [^2]. Vector Magic always traces your bitmap [^2]. Vector Magic currently has no image byte size limit [^2]. The online editor allows a maximum of 1,000 edits [^2]. The Desktop Edition has full transparency support [^2]. Vector Magic officially supports the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox and Microsoft Edge [^2].

## What VectorMagik is built for

VectorMagik is made by the team that publishes this site. It traces a picture into vector shapes using its own engine [^4]. The result can be saved as SVG, PDF, EPS, AI, DXF, EMF or PNG [^4].

A tolerance slider merges neighbouring curve pieces, and Auto picks the largest tolerance that keeps the picture [^4]. Curve nodes can be moved or deleted and individual corners rounded after converting [^4]. The result can be limited to between 1 and 64 colours [^4]. A die-cut sticker outline with a border, white rim and optional drop shadow can be added [^4]. Shapes can be clicked to delete them, such as a background, or two shades merged into one [^4]. The vector can be compared with the bitmap side by side, or flipped between with the B and V keys [^4]. A version runs in the web browser using the same engine [^4]. A version that runs by typed instructions rather than a window does the same work, and lets an AI assistant trace pictures on the computer [^4].

## Pricing and fees

PicSVG's page describes it as a free online converter [^1]. The page doesn't say whether that free use covers commercial work, so check before using it for paid work.

Vector Magic's Online Edition costs $9.95 per month, billed monthly, cancel anytime, with unlimited use [^3]. To download results, you need to subscribe to the Online Edition [^3]. The Desktop Edition costs $295 as a one-time charge per license, with unlimited use [^3]. It accepts all major credit cards and PayPal but not purchase orders, and does not issue invoices [^3].

VectorMagik is free for everyone, but business use needs a licence [^4]. It is licensed under PolyForm Noncommercial 1.0.0 [^4]. The price of the business licence is not published here. No payment service or card fee is stated for any of the three tools.

## Getting started and everyday use

PicSVG works in the browser through an upload of a jpg, gif or png file up to 4 MB [^1]. Converted SVG images are saved locally, visible only to the user [^1].

Vector Magic needs no software to install; images are uploaded online [^2]. Officially supported browsers are the latest Chrome, Firefox and Microsoft Edge [^2]. Its desktop edition produces AI and DXF output [^2].

VectorMagik has downloads for Windows x64, macOS (Apple Silicon and Intel) and Linux x64, plus a browser version [^4]. You can get it from GitHub releases as a standard installer for Windows, Mac or Linux, or as a portable copy that runs without installing [^4]. In daily use the engine traces a picture into vector shapes [^4]. The result can be compared with the original side by side [^4]. A version that runs by typed instructions rather than a window does the same work, and an AI assistant can use it to trace pictures [^4].

## Things to check before you choose

- Which machines do you use? Check each tool's supported systems, including Windows, macOS and Linux.
- Will you use it for paid client work? Read each tool's licence terms for commercial use.
- Do your source files fit the limits? PicSVG allows uploads up to 4 MB [^1], and Vector Magic currently has no image byte size limit [^2]. The megapixel limit for Vector Magic is shown in the table above.
- Do you need full transparency support? Check which Vector Magic edition offers it [^2].
- Will your editing fit within the maximum of 1,000 edits in Vector Magic's online editor? [^2]
- Which output formats do you need? Compare each tool's list before choosing.
- Do you need die-cut outlines, colour limits or shape editing? Check which tool lists each task.

## How to choose

- **You want a free way to turn an image into an SVG in the browser:** PicSVG [^1] [^1].
- **You want vector output in SVG, EPS and PDF online with no software to install:** Vector Magic [^2].
- **You need AI and DXF output from a desktop app:** Vector Magic [^2].
- **You want tracing plus editing of nodes, colours and shapes in the browser:** VectorMagik [^4] [^4] [^4] [^4].
- **You want output in AI, DXF, EMF or another format:** VectorMagik [^4].
- **You want to add a die-cut sticker outline:** VectorMagik [^4].
- **You want an AI assistant to trace pictures on your machine:** VectorMagik [^4].

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does Vector Magic cost?

The Online Edition costs $9.95 per month, billed monthly, cancel anytime, with unlimited use [^3]. To download results, you need to subscribe to the Online Edition [^3]. The Desktop Edition costs $295 as a one-time charge per license [^3]. It accepts all major credit cards and PayPal but not purchase orders, and does not issue invoices [^3].

### Is PicSVG free?

Yes. PicSVG is a free online converter that converts an image to an SVG file [^1]. It accepts uploaded jpg, gif and png files up to 4 MB [^1]. Converted SVG images are saved locally, visible only to you [^1]. The page doesn't say whether that free use covers commercial work, so read its terms before using it for paid work.

### What file formats can Vector Magic save?

The Online Edition converts JPG, PNG, BMP and GIF bitmaps to SVG, EPS and PDF [^2]. The desktop edition also produces AI and DXF output [^2]. Vector Magic always traces your bitmap [^2]. If you also want to save as EMF or PNG, VectorMagik lists those among its export formats [^4].

### Is there a limit on edits in Vector Magic?

The online editor allows a maximum of 1,000 edits [^2]. There is no image byte size limit [^2]. The Desktop Edition has full transparency support [^2].

### What does VectorMagik do with a picture?

VectorMagik traces a picture into vector shapes using its own engine [^4]. The result can be saved as SVG, PDF, EPS, AI, DXF, EMF or PNG [^4]. It is free for everyone, and business use needs a licence under PolyForm Noncommercial 1.0.0 [^4] [^4]. It has downloads for Windows, macOS and Linux plus a browser version [^4].

Free for everyone; business use needs a licence (PolyForm Noncommercial 1.0.0). [^4] - [Visit VectorMagik](/go/start-vectormagik)

## Sources

[^1]: PicSVG, picsvg.com, read 2026-10-09 (https://picsvg.com)
[^2]: Vector Magic, vectormagic.com, read 2026-10-07 (https://vectormagic.com/)
[^3]: Vector Magic, vectormagic.com/pricing, read 2026-10-07 (https://vectormagic.com/pricing)
[^4]: VectorMagik's own description of itself (the product of this site's publisher) (/go/start-vectormagik)
