Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What file formats does IconVectors support?

Axialis IconVectors opens and saves SVG files. It can also export to:

Note: You can only open SVG files — all other formats are for export only.

Can I open SVG files created in other tools?

Yes. IconVectors is fully compatible with SVG files created in apps like Inkscape, Adobe Illustrator, Figma, and others.

How is IconVectors different from Inkscape or Illustrator?

IconVectors is focused on icon design — small, developer‑ready vector assets. It offers:

Can I use IconVectors with Visual Studio, VS Code, or WebStorm?

Yes. You can copy/paste SVG, React, Vue, or XAML code from the Live Code Viewer or via clipboard commands for quick integration in your IDE.

Does IconVectors support multiple windows or tabs?

Yes. Use View ‣ New Window to open additional windows. You can edit icons side‑by‑side, copy layers/elements between documents, and boost productivity with multi‑icon workflows.

Can I undo or redo actions?

Yes. Use Ctrl+Z to Undo and Shift+Ctrl+Z to Redo. Almost all operations, including drawing, transforming, and color changes, are undoable.

Does IconVectors auto‑save or recover documents?

Yes. Your document is saved in the background at regular intervals. If the application crashes, you’ll be asked to restore your work at next launch. Configure the interval under Edit ‣ Preferences ‣ General.

How do I install the SVG thumbnail extension?

Enable the Shell Extension during setup or re‑run the installer with the appropriate option to enable SVG thumbnails in Windows File Explorer.

Where are my files saved?

You choose the location when saving or exporting files. Sample icons are located in Documents\Axialis IconVectors.

Can I save projects in a format other than SVG?

SVG is the only editable format. All other formats are for export only. However, exported files (like PNG or XAML) can be reused in development projects.

Can I apply colors or gradients to icons?

Yes. Use the Fill and Stroke menus to apply flat colors or open the color/gradient dialogs. You can work with RGB/HSV/CMYK and web hex values in the color picker.

Can I duplicate elements quickly?

Yes. Hold Alt and move the selected item (drag or use arrow keys) to duplicate it.

How can I restore the workspace layout?

Use View ‣ Restore UI Default Positions if panels get hidden or misplaced.

Can I group or ungroup elements?

Yes. Use Element ‣ Group (Ctrl+G) to group and Element ‣ Ungroup (Shift+Ctrl+G) to ungroup.

What are compound paths?

A compound path is a group of sub‑paths treated as a single shape, useful for creating holes or cutouts (for example, a ring). See the documentation for details and examples.

Can I activate the app offline?

No. Activation requires an internet connection and a valid Axialis account with a product key. Once activated, offline use is supported.

Is there a trial period?

Yes. IconVectors is fully unlocked for 30 days. After that, saving/exporting is disabled until you activate your license.

Can I install the app on multiple computers?

Yes. You may install on multiple computers (e.g., desktop and laptop) as long as you’re the primary user. One license per user is required.

How are updates delivered?

Updates are free for one year after purchase. Use Help ‣ Check for Updates. After one year, renew your license to continue receiving updates.

Can I customize keyboard shortcuts?

Not currently. Shortcuts are fixed, but a customizable system is planned for future versions.

Which operating systems does IconVectors support?

Windows and macOS. Icons are SVG‑based and exported assets integrate with many development frameworks.

What is the Live Code Viewer?

The real‑time code panel (View ‣ Source Code) shows clean, ready‑to‑paste code: SVG, minified SVG, SVG Symbol, XAML, ReactTS, VueTS, and C++. It includes syntax highlighting and copy/formatting options.

How do I export minified SVG?

Choose File ‣ Export ‣ Export Minified to shave bytes by reducing decimals and removing whitespace/comments.

How do I export to XAML?

Choose File ‣ Export ‣ Export to XAML to generate vector markup for WPF/UWP applications.

How do I export bitmaps and multiple sizes?

Use Export to Bitmap for a single image, or Export to Multiple Bitmaps to batch‑generate sizes (e.g., 1x/2x/3x) and formats (PNG, ICO, ICNS, etc.). You can set background/transparency and output folders.

Can I copy code to the clipboard (React/Vue/XAML/SVG)?

Yes. Use the Live Code Viewer copy button, or Edit ‣ Copy / Edit ‣ Copy Minified Code to paste directly into your codebase.

How does IconVectors handle SVG transforms on import?

Transforms are applied to the actual geometry when loading SVGs. This avoids complex transform="..." attributes and improves rendering reliability across frameworks.

What’s the difference between Resize Icon and Resize Canvas?

Resize Icon changes both the canvas and the artwork dimensions. Resize Canvas changes the canvas size only, keeping artwork unchanged.

Can I generate dark, hot, or disabled variants automatically?

Yes. Use the Icon menu: Generate UI State Variants, Make Hot Version, Make Disabled Version, and Make Dark Theme Version to build consistent state/theme assets.

Can I add a badge overlay to an icon?

Yes. Use Icon ‣ Add Badge Overlay… to insert an external SVG badge, then scale and position it.

How do I create a cutout under a badge?

Use Icon ‣ Make a Badge Overlay Cutout to clear space beneath the badge for better readability.

Can I add a shadow under a badge overlay?

Yes. Use Icon ‣ Add Shadow Under Badge to add a subtle shadow that separates the badge from the base icon.

How do I simplify a path to reduce nodes?

Use Path ‣ Simplify Path… and adjust the threshold to reduce anchors while preserving the icon’s shape.

How do I convert a stroke to a filled shape?

Use Path ‣ Outline Stroke Path to convert the visible stroke outline into a fill‑only shape (useful for boolean ops and exports).

How do I offset a path inward or outward?

Use Path ‣ Offset Path…. Positive values expand (inflate) the shape; negative values contract (deflate) it.