Importing Vector Artwork (SVG)

1m 56sPublished Sep 8, 2025

SummaryVersion Notes (Draft)

This lesson demonstrates how to bring external vector graphics (SVG) into Rive. You can import artwork by copying layers directly from design tools like Figma/Illustrator or by uploading SVG files. The course covers converting SVGs into native shape layers, generating dedicated artboards, best practices for layer naming, and optimizing file size by managing imported assets.

Native Geometry: Imported SVGs are converted into editable vector paths, allowing you to manipulate vertices, fills, and strokes just like any other procedural shape.
Naming Workflow: Consistent naming in your source design software is crucial for managing complex hierarchies once they are brought into Rive for animation.
File Size Management: Deleting converted SVG assets from the panel is a pro tip for keeping your Rive files lightweight and highly performant.

📌 Key Points

Import SVGs via Assets panel, edit colors/vertices, clean up excess points.

📝 Notes

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Step by Step

00:04

Import via Copy-Paste

You can copy vector layers in Figma or Illustrator and paste them directly into Rive, which automatically generates an SVG.
00:16

Import via Drag-and-Drop

If you have a standalone SVG file, simply drag it into the Assets Panel to upload it to your project.
00:24

Viewing Asset Details

Selecting the SVG in the assets panel allows you to check its dimensions, file size, and creation metadata.
00:33

Adding to Artboard

Drag the SVG from the assets panel onto your artboard. Depending on the original scale, you might need to adjust its size to fit properly.
00:51

Generating an Artboard

Alternatively, right-click the SVG in the assets panel and select Generate Artboard. This creates a new artboard perfectly sized for that SVG.
01:06

Layer Structure & Naming

Once imported, the SVG appears as a group of shape layers. Ensure layers are properly named in Figma or Illustrator beforehand for a cleaner hierarchy in Rive.
01:32

Performance Optimization

After placing an SVG on an artboard, it becomes native geometry. You can delete the source SVG from the assets panel to reduce file size without losing the artwork on your canvas.