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)
- 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… — Shift+Ctrl+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, 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 window: View ‣ New Window… — Shift+Ctrl+N

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

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 center the canvas?

View ‣ Center Canvas — Alt+C

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

How do I view the generated SVG/XAML/React/Vue code?

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 Horizontally — Ctrl+/
Center vertically: Element ‣ Center Vertically — Shift+Ctrl+/

How do I group and ungroup elements?

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

How do I change the stacking order?

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

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 Path — 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.

Preferences and UI 

How do I open Preferences?

Edit ‣ Preferences… — F2

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 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 Auto-Update 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 → Auto-Update tab

Help ‣ Help — F1