Convert SVG to Android VectorDrawable

Android Studio's Vector Asset Studio only imports a subset of SVG, so icons with filters, masks, or stray transforms either fail to import or render wrong as a VectorDrawable. This guide gets you a clean import: export a minified, paths-only SVG from Axialis IconVectors, run it through Vector Asset Studio to generate a VectorDrawable XML, and add PNG fallbacks only where a legacy target needs them.

Prep your SVG for Android

1. Open or create your icon in IconVectors:
   • File → Open… (Ctrl+O) or New Icon (Ctrl+N).
   • Design on a square grid (e.g., 24×24) and keep shapes crisp at small sizes.

   

2. Flatten & simplify (as needed)
   • Remove filters/masks/clipping. Vector Asset Studio imports a subset of SVG.
   • If you used complex strokes (dashes, wide outlines), consider converting them to filled paths for predictable results.
   • Ensure the root has a clean viewBox (e.g., 0 0 24 24).
3. Export Minified SVG

   Choose File → Export → Export Minified (Shift+Ctrl+M) and save ic_check_24.svg. This strips metadata and preserves the geometry.

Import with Vector Asset Studio (Android Studio)

1. Open Vector Asset Studio
   • Resource Manager → + → Vector Asset, then pick Local file (SVG) and select your exported SVG.
   • Or use File → New → Vector Asset from the Project view.
2. Review the preview & name
   • Set a descriptive name (e.g., ic_check_24) and verify the tint/fill if you rely on a single color.
   • Fix warnings: simplify gradients, remove unsupported attributes, or re-export with strokes outlined.
3. Finish to generate a VectorDrawable

   Android Studio creates res/drawable/ic_check_24.xml. A minimal VectorDrawable looks like this:

   <vector xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
       android:width="24dp"
       android:height="24dp"
       android:viewportWidth="24"
       android:viewportHeight="24">
     <path
         android:fillColor="#000"
         android:pathData="M4,12 L9,17 L20,6" 
         android:strokeColor="#000"
         android:strokeWidth="2" 
         android:fillAlpha="0" />
   </vector>

Use the drawable in layouts

• ImageView:

  <ImageView
    android:layout_width="24dp"
    android:layout_height="24dp"
    android:src="@drawable/ic_check_24" />

• Tint with theme color (Material):

  <ImageView
    android:layout_width="24dp"
    android:layout_height="24dp"
    android:src="@drawable/ic_check_24"
    android:tint="?attr/colorPrimary" />

Optional: PNG fallbacks

• If you support very old devices or specific toolchains, export small PNG sizes from the same SVG via File → Export → Export to Multiple Bitmaps (Shift+F3) and place them under density folders (e.g., mipmap- or drawable-).
• Keep the vector as the primary asset; use PNGs only where strictly required.