SVG vs PNG for Slack Emoji
Why Slack custom emoji must be PNG or GIF and how SVG helps you design them.
Slack's Emoji Requirements
Slack custom emoji must be uploaded as PNG, JPG, or GIF, generally square and ideally under 128x128 pixels. SVG isn't supported for upload, but it's the ideal format for designing bold, simple emoji art before exporting.
- Slack requires PNG/JPG/GIF, not SVG, for emoji
- Keep emoji square, ideally 128x128 or smaller
- Design bold, simple shapes in SVG, then export
Designing Legible Emoji
Because Slack emoji display very small in chat, keep designs bold and high-contrast in your SVG source so they remain readable once exported and shrunk to emoji size.
- Bold, high-contrast shapes read best at tiny size
- Test legibility at actual emoji display size
- Export with transparency for a clean look in chat
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upload an SVG as a custom Slack emoji?
No — Slack only accepts PNG, JPG, and GIF for custom emoji; design in SVG, then export a small transparent PNG to upload.
What size should a Slack emoji be?
Slack resizes emoji small in the UI, so design simple, high-contrast art and export around 128x128 pixels for best legibility.
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