Importing a SVG file creates too many faces I am trying to import a simple SVG shape into Blender to extrude and bevel it, but the result looks very complex / has too many faces.



I've found other tutorials for SVG import that had the same problems, but no precise answer or explanation as to how to avoid this.

I am trying to import the outside path to bevel it as seen on this illustration:
The SVG importer likely generates a 2D curve initially, so in future you might be better off to avoid converting to a Mesh first. Some steps below can be skipped if you do that.

Like this:



There's a few ways to do this, the simplest might be to simply ignore the fact that you have a lot of faces, and convert straight into 2D Curve




Convert the Mesh in Object mode to Curve using alt+C. 
Set to 2D Curve type.

Use the Geometry panel to adjust offset / extrude and bevel depth. The Curve object has a lot of the same features as the Font Object type.