FAQ

This page answers common questions about using Axialis IconVectors.

General 

What file formats does IconVectors support?

IconVectors uses SVG as its native editable format.

Open / Save: SVG
Export:
- Minified SVG
- XAML (WPF/UWP)
- WPF Geometry
- VectorDrawable (Android)
- SwiftUI
- Developer formats (for example VueTS / ReactTS / C++)
- Bitmap images (PNG, BMP, GIF, JPEG, TIFF, TGA, ICO, ICNS, etc.)

Note

SVG is the only format that remains fully editable in IconVectors. Other formats are available through Export.

Can I open SVG files created in other tools?

Yes. You can open and edit SVG files created with tools such as Inkscape, Adobe Illustrator, Figma, and similar applications.

To open an SVG document:

File ‣ Open… — Ctrl+O

To open an SVG in a second window:

File ‣ Open in a New Window… — Ctrl+Alt+O

How is IconVectors different from general-purpose vector editors?

IconVectors is designed for icon production and developer handoff:

A streamlined editor optimized for small vector assets
A live Source Code Viewer (SVG, minified SVG, symbol, XAML, WPF Geometry, VectorDrawable, SwiftUI, developer formats)
Export tools for bitmap generation and multiple output targets
Pixel-friendly workflow: grid, snapping, and pixel-level preview

Does IconVectors support multiple documents or windows?

Yes.

Open a second Icon Editor instance: View ‣ New Icon Editor Window — Shift+Ctrl+N
Open an independent Explorer instance with no SVG document open: View ‣ New Explorer Window — Shift+F5

This is useful to:

Work on two icons side-by-side
Copy/paste or drag elements between documents

Where are sample icons stored?

Sample documents are typically installed under:

Documents\Axialis IconVectors

Working with documents 

How do I create a new icon?

Use:

File ‣ New — Ctrl+N

If you prefer to start every time with a blank document already created:

Open Edit ‣ Preferences… — F2
In the General tab, enable Automatically Create a New Document at Startup

How do I save my work?

Save: File ‣ Save — Ctrl+S
Save As: File ‣ Save As… — Shift+Ctrl+S

Tip

Use Save As when you want to keep a clean “master” SVG and create variants.

Does IconVectors auto-save or recover documents?

IconVectors can write recovery information automatically so you can restore work after an unexpected shutdown.

To configure the interval:

Edit ‣ Preferences… — F2
General tab → Automatically Save Recovery Every

Note

Auto-recovery is designed for crash recovery. It does not replace saving your document regularly.

How do I change the icon size or canvas size?

Resize icon: Icon ‣ Resize Icon… — Ctrl+Y
Resize canvas: Icon ‣ Resize Canvas… — Shift+Ctrl+Y
Fit icon to canvas: Icon ‣ Fit Icon to Canvas… — Alt+Ctrl+Y

How do I undo or redo actions?

Undo: Ctrl+Z
Redo: Shift+Ctrl+Z

How do I show the grid and snap to it?

Toggle grid display: View ‣ Grid — G
Toggle snap-to-grid: View ‣ Snap to Grid — Shift+Ctrl+R

Tip

Use grid + snap early when drawing pixel-aligned icons. It makes it easier to keep edges crisp.

How do I enable automatic canvas centering?

Enable:

View ‣ Auto-center Canvas — Shift+Alt+C

When enabled, the canvas is automatically centered when the main window is resized and when Focus Mode is toggled.

How do I enter Focus Mode?

Use:

View ‣ Focus Mode — Tab

Focus Mode hides/restores non-essential panels and toolbars for a larger drawing area.

How do I preview the icon on light or dark background?

Use the Preview Panel:

Toggle the panel: View ‣ Preview Panel — Ctrl+F8

The Preview Panel is live (updates while you draw) and lets you:

Switch Pixel / Vector rendering
Change preview Scale
Toggle Light / Dark background
Export the preview as a bitmap
Drag & drop the preview icon to another app (exports a temporary SVG)

How do I view the generated code (SVG/XAML/WPF Geometry/VectorDrawable/SwiftUI/React/Vue)?

Open the live Source Code Viewer:

View ‣ Source Code — F3

The code updates as you draw and edit.

Editing and selection 

How do I select objects more easily?

If selection feels “too strict” or “too loose”, switch the selection method:

Open Edit ‣ Preferences… — F2
Go to the Icon Editor tab
In Element selection by, choose:
- Wireframe (outline proximity) — easier to pick thin strokes and outlines
- Visible pixels (fill and/or stroke) — selection based on what you see

Tip

You can also select objects from the Layers panel when they are hard to click on the canvas.

How do I duplicate an element?

You have several options:

Duplicate command: Edit ‣ Duplicate — Ctrl+D
Quick duplicate while moving: hold Alt and drag the element

How do I move, scale or rotate with numeric precision?

Use the element transform commands:

Move: Element ‣ Move… — Ctrl+M
Scale: Element ‣ Scale… — Ctrl+E
Rotate: Element ‣ Rotate… — Ctrl+T
Reflect: Element ‣ Reflect… — Ctrl+F

How do I align/center objects?

To center selected elements relative to the icon/canvas:

Center horizontally: Element ‣ Center ‣ Center Horizontally — Ctrl+Alt+X
Center vertically: Element ‣ Center ‣ Center Vertically — Shift+Alt+X
Center both: Element ‣ Center ‣ Center Both — Alt+X

When several elements are selected, use Element ‣ Center ‣ Center on Largest (Ctrl+Alt+C) to keep the largest selected element in place and center the other selected elements on it.

How do I group and ungroup elements?

Group: Element ‣ Group — Ctrl+G
Ungroup: Element ‣ Ungroup — Shift+Ctrl+G

How do I lock layers or groups?

Use the lock column in the Layers panel (next to the visibility eye column):

Click the lock area to lock/unlock an element.
Clicking lock on a group propagates to children/sub-groups.
A parent shows a lock icon only if all descendants are locked.

Locked elements stay visible but cannot be selected or modified with the mouse.

How do I change the stacking order?

Bring to top: Element ‣ Bring to Top — Ctrl+Home
Bring up: Element ‣ Bring Up — Ctrl+Page Up
Send down: Element ‣ Send Down — Ctrl+Page Down
Send to bottom: Element ‣ Send to Bottom — Ctrl+End

How do I round corners in the Path Edition Tool?

Use the Path Edition Tool on a path and look for the rounding handle inside a corner angle:

Click and drag the handle to set the curve size.
Double-click the handle to enter an exact value (in pixels).
If several anchor points are selected, the same rounding is applied to all of them.

Rounded corners remain editable: the handle stays visible for later adjustments.

Paths and boolean operations 

How do I convert a shape into a path?

Some operations (node editing, boolean operations, outline stroke, etc.) require a path.

Convert a selected element to a path:

Path ‣ Convert to Path — Ctrl+B

How do I combine shapes (boolean path operations)?

Union: Path ‣ Union Path — Ctrl+U
Subtract: Path ‣ Subtract Path — Ctrl+I
Intersect: Path ‣ Intersect Path — Shift+Ctrl+U
Exclude: Path ‣ Exclude Path — Shift+Ctrl+I

Note

For best results, convert shapes to paths first (Path ‣ Convert to Path, Ctrl+B).

What are compound paths?

A compound path is a set of sub-paths treated as a single shape. It is useful for creating holes/cutouts (for example a ring, or a “donut” shape).

Make compound path: Path ‣ Make Compound Path — Ctrl+Q
Release compound path: Path ‣ Release Compound Path — Shift+Ctrl+Q

How do I create a stroke outline as a filled path?

Path ‣ Outline Stroke — Ctrl+J

This converts the stroke into a closed filled path, which can then be edited or combined with other paths.

How do I create an offset path?

Path ‣ Offset Path — Ctrl+K

Offset paths are useful to expand/contract shapes, create borders, or build “inset” icon details.

Importing artwork 

How do I insert another SVG into my current icon?

Use Place Files:

File ‣ Place Files — Shift+Ctrl+P

This opens a standard file selection dialog where you can select one or more SVG files.

When placed:

A group is created for each file
Each file is automatically scaled to the current document size

Tip

You can also drag & drop SVG files from your file explorer into the editor to place them.

How do I trace a bitmap image to vector?

Use Place & Trace Bitmap:

File ‣ Place & Trace Bitmap

IconVectors imports a bitmap image and traces it into a vector path element.

Important

This feature works best with monochrome images (black & white, single-color). Multi-color images may produce unpredictable results.

Tip

Use a high-resolution bitmap for better tracing quality. You can also drag & drop a bitmap from your file explorer into the editor to trace and insert it.

Exporting and developer output 

How do I copy SVG code to the clipboard?

Copy (standard): Edit ‣ Copy — Ctrl+C
Copy minified code: Edit ‣ Copy Minified Code — Shift+Ctrl+C

How do I export a minified SVG file?

File ‣ Export ‣ Export Minified — Shift+Ctrl+M

To control numeric precision and indentation:

Edit ‣ Preferences… — F2
Go to SVG Code tab
Adjust Decimals, Indent Code, and Minified Code / Decimals

How do I export to XAML?

File ‣ Export ‣ Export to XAML — Shift+Ctrl+X

How do I export the icon to a bitmap (PNG, ICO, etc.)?

File ‣ Export ‣ Export to Bitmap — Ctrl+F3

Note

If you export to formats without an alpha channel, you may need to choose a background or transparency color.

How do I export multiple bitmap sizes at once?

File ‣ Export ‣ Export to Multiple Bitmaps — Shift+Ctrl+F3

This is the preferred workflow when you need multiple sizes (1x/2x/3x, or custom pixel sizes) generated into a folder.

To export several saved SVG source files, use Explorer ‣ Batch Processing ‣ Make PNG, ICO Bitmap Icons… instead. It generates transparent PNGs at the chosen sizes and/or one multi-size 32-bit ICO per source. See Batch export to PNG and ICO for the preview, replacement options and supported-input limits. MCP supports both this batch operation and single-document ICO export.

How can I reduce SVG file size across a selection?

Use Explorer ‣ Batch Processing ‣ Optimize SVG Files…. The default options compact formatting, hexadecimal paints and path numbers while preserving significant text, metadata and references. Review byte savings and before/after previews; only smaller results are written. Path rounding is optional and can alter artwork. See Optimizing SVG files.

How can I make selected SVG colors follow a theme?

Use Explorer ‣ Batch Processing ‣ Convert to currentColor… for all supported solid fills/strokes or one detected RGB color. Paint alpha is preserved. Existing SVG color declarations remain and can prevent external theme inheritance; review their warnings. Preview color changes display only. See Converting paints to currentColor for input limits and recovery behavior. Both operations modify source files without Editor Undo, so back up or commit important files before applying.

Can I center, fit, rotate or flip several SVGs at once?

Use Explorer ‣ Batch Processing ‣ Center and Fit… to center supported artwork or scale it proportionally inside equal SVG-unit margins. Fitting includes strokes; the conservative bounds can leave extra space. Use Explorer ‣ Batch Processing ‣ Rotate / Flip… for 90° left/right, 180°, custom signed decimal rotations and horizontal/vertical mirrors about the existing canvas center. Custom positive angles rotate clockwise, negative angles counterclockwise. Neither changes canvas dimensions, so a rotated icon may be clipped (even on a square canvas with a custom angle).

Both let you modify originals or create SVG copies. Review the before/after images, file results and destinations first. These filesystem operations have no Editor Undo; unsupported SVGs are reported rather than partly rewritten. See Centering and fitting artwork and Rotating and flipping artwork.

MCP and AI integration 

What is the MCP feature in IconVectors?

IconVectors includes a local Model Context Protocol (MCP) integration so an AI client can control the running editor programmatically. Through MCP, the client can create, draw, inspect, edit, render, export SVG vector icons, navigate Explorer folders, and run batch operations. Editor changes use the document model and Undo system; Explorer batches write files and are not part of Editor Undo. The IconVectors 2.10 catalog contains 166 tools, including all Explorer batch operations. Names require no client-specific renaming in the supported guides. Inspect the connected application and sidecar catalog for the capabilities available in your installation.

See MCP Integration.

Which AI clients work with IconVectors MCP?

The current design is a local stdio MCP server. The documented client integrations are:

Other local MCP hosts may also be able to start IconVectorsMcp.exe. Hosted web/API connectors and cloud coding agents cannot directly reach this local desktop stdio/loopback integration.

How do I use IconVectors with Codex / OpenAI?

Start IconVectors.exe first, then configure Codex to launch IconVectorsMcp.exe --port 61337 (or your custom port). The complete setup, verification prompts, and OpenAI-specific notes are documented in Using IconVectors with Codex / OpenAI.

How do I use IconVectors with VS Code / GitHub Copilot?

Start IconVectors.exe first, then configure .vscode/mcp.json or the VS Code user MCP configuration so local Copilot Agent mode can launch IconVectorsMcp.exe --port 61337. VS Code permits at most 128 enabled tools per chat request, so select a task-focused subset of the 166-tool catalog. The full setup is documented in Using IconVectors with VS Code / GitHub Copilot.

How do I use IconVectors with Cursor?

Start IconVectors.exe first, then configure a stdio MCP server entry in .cursor/mcp.json or in your user profile %USERPROFILE%\.cursor\mcp.json so Cursor can launch IconVectorsMcp.exe --port 61337. The full setup is documented in Using IconVectors with Cursor.

How do I use IconVectors with Claude / Anthropic?

Start IconVectors.exe first, then either install the supplied Axialis-IconVectors-Claude.mcpb bundle in Claude Desktop on Windows, or add IconVectorsMcp.exe in Claude Code with claude mcp add. See Using IconVectors with Claude / Anthropic for the full setup, project trust, Tool Search, and skill locations. The .mcpb file is stored in the application folder beside IconVectors.exe.

Where are the ready-made MCP helper files installed?

If your installation includes the optional MCP helper files, the recommended location is:

%APPDATA%\Axialis\IconVectors\MCP

On a typical system, this expands to something like:

C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Roaming\Axialis\IconVectors\MCP

Recommended setup guides:

codex-implementation-instructions.md
claude-implementation-instructions.md
cursor-implementation-instructions.md
vscode-copilot-implementation-instructions.md
gemini-cli-implementation-instructions.md
kiro-implementation-instructions.md
cline-implementation-instructions.md
github-copilot-cli-implementation-instructions.md

Recommended companion files:

iconvectors-mcp-command-reference.md
iconvectors-mcp\SKILL.md and its references directory
codex-AGENTS.md.template
claude-CLAUDE.md.template
vscode-copilot-AGENTS.md.template
cursor-agent-instructions.template.md

The setup guides are written for end users. Open the guide that matches your AI client, then copy its configuration block into the client’s own config file or setup UI.

To open the folder directly from the application, use:

Help ‣ Open MCP Files Folder

Which files are useful to give to the AI agent?

The most useful optional files are:

iconvectors-mcp-command-reference.md - human-readable reference for all 166 current MCP tools
the host-specific setup guide and instruction template for your AI client
the complete iconvectors-mcp skill folder, including references
iconvectors-mcp-tools.json - exact low-level JSON schemas for advanced users

Each client page lists its supported skill and persistent-instruction locations. Use the skill for the detailed workflow and keep AGENTS.md, CLAUDE.md, GEMINI.md, steering, or Copilot instructions concise.

Where can I find the list of available MCP commands?

See MCP Integration. The MCP Integration page summarizes the 166-tool surface and explains how to use the installed human command reference and machine schema without duplicating the full catalog.

Can ChatGPT or the OpenAI/Anthropic APIs connect directly to my local IconVectors installation?

Not directly with the current local-only setup.

Local desktop/CLI hosts can launch IconVectorsMcp.exe directly.
Hosted connectors and API-level MCP integrations generally expect a remote HTTP MCP endpoint.
A separate, explicitly secured remote architecture would be required; the IconVectors desktop product does not publish one.

See MCP Integration and Client setup guides.

Preferences and UI 

How do I open Preferences?

Edit ‣ Preferences… — F2

Text and fonts 

How do I insert text?

Use the Text Tool (T):

Select the Text Tool.
Click on the canvas to set the text baseline.
Choose a font and enter your text.
Click OK to insert it.

Note

Text is converted to paths (one glyph per character). To change the wording or font, delete the group and insert new text.

Color palettes 

Where are the color palettes?

Toggle it from the menu:

View ‣ Colors

Choose the PALETTES tab for saved palettes or COLORS for the compact defined-color picker.

How do I add the current color to a palette?

Open the fill or stroke color menu in the Control Bar and use Add Color to Palette. The swatch name is the HTML color value.

How do I add all colors used in the icon?

Use:

Icon ‣ Add All Icon Colors to Palette

How do I recolor an icon with a selected palette?

Use one of:

Icon ‣ Recolor with Palette
PALETTES page menu –> Recolor Icon

Each icon color is replaced with the closest color from the selected palette. The action is undoable.

How do I import or export palettes?

Open the palette menu in the Color Palettes panel:

Load Palette… — import .axpal or .aco from disk.
Save Palette… — export the selected palette as .axpal.

To open the palette storage folder in the system file manager, use:

Help ‣ Open Color Palettes Folder

How do I change the interface language or theme?

Open Edit ‣ Preferences… — F2
In the General tab:
- Choose Application Language
- Choose Color Theme (System / Light / Dark)

How do I enable the transparency checkerboard?

Open Edit ‣ Preferences… — F2
Go to Icon Editor tab
Enable Draw Transparency As Checkerboard

How do I enable GPU acceleration?

Open Edit ‣ Preferences… — F2
Go to Icon Editor tab
Enable Use GPU Acceleration

How do I control SVG code formatting?

Open Edit ‣ Preferences… — F2
Go to the SVG Code tab

You can control:

Decimals (precision)
Indent Code (formatted output)
Responsive (for use with CSS)
Minified Code / Decimals

How do I disable automatic updates?

Open Edit ‣ Preferences… — F2
Go to the Updates tab
Toggle Automatically Update Axialis IconVectors

I am behind a corporate proxy. How do I enable updates/activation?

Open Edit ‣ Preferences… — F2
Go to Internet tab
Enable Use Proxy with Authentication
Enter Username and Password

Troubleshooting 

My panels are missing or the layout is messed up. How do I reset it?

View ‣ Restore UI Default Positions

Also remember that some panels can be toggled from the View menu (for example the Preview Panel).

The preview looks blurry. How can I check pixel-perfect rendering?

In the Preview Panel:

Switch to Pixel mode (local toolbar)
Choose an appropriate Scale

Pixel mode shows the icon at native resolution and uses a pixelated zoom when scaled.

I can’t select an object by clicking it. What should I do?

Try one or more of the following:

Select the element from the Layers panel
Change selection method:
- Edit ‣ Preferences… — F2
- Icon Editor tab → Element selection by

Why does bitmap tracing give poor results?

Bitmap tracing is optimized for simple shapes.

To improve results:

Use monochrome images (single-color, black/white)
Use a high-resolution source image
Avoid anti-aliased multicolor artwork when possible

Launch IconVectors
When prompted, sign in with your Axialis ID credentials

Note

An internet connection is required for activation.

Can I activate the product offline?

No. Activation requires internet access. Once the software is activated, you can work offline.

How do I check for updates?

Help ‣ Check for Updates

You can also enable/disable automatic updates at startup in:

Edit ‣ Preferences… — F2 → Updates tab

Help ‣ Help — F1