brxs Remove Defs
Removes definition elements from SVG files. Useful for simplifying SVGs, removing effects, or preparing for output devices that don't support advanced features.
Usage
node .claude/skills/remove-defs/index.js <svg-file> [options]
Options
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
all |
Remove all defs (default) |
unused |
Only remove unused definitions |
gradients |
Remove only gradients |
filters |
Remove only filters |
patterns |
Remove only patterns |
markers |
Remove only markers |
masks |
Remove only masks |
clip-paths |
Remove only clip paths |
keep-paths |
Keep path definitions (needed for textPath) |
What It Removes
| Definition Type | Elements |
|---|---|
| Gradients | <linearGradient>, <radialGradient> |
| Filters | <filter> (blur, shadow, glow, etc.) |
| Patterns | <pattern> |
| Markers | <marker> (arrow heads, dots) |
| Masks | <mask> |
| Clip Paths | <clipPath> |
Examples
Remove All Definitions
node .claude/skills/remove-defs/index.js output/art.svg
Remove Only Unused Definitions
node .claude/skills/remove-defs/index.js output/art.svg unused
Remove Specific Types
# Remove only gradients and filters
node .claude/skills/remove-defs/index.js output/art.svg gradients filters
# Remove only masks
node .claude/skills/remove-defs/index.js output/art.svg masks
Keep Path Definitions
# Remove all but keep paths (for circular text, etc.)
node .claude/skills/remove-defs/index.js output/art.svg all keep-paths
Use Cases
- Plotter preparation - Remove gradients, filters for line-only output
- Simplification - Clean up SVG for web performance
- Compatibility - Remove features unsupported by target software
- Cleanup - Remove unused definitions after editing
Notes
- Modifies the file in place
- Also removes references to removed defs (filter="url(#...)", etc.)
- Use
keep-pathsto preserve textPath references - Cleans up empty
<defs>tags after removal