VectorDrawable

VectorDrawable is an XML-based format for representing vector graphics in Android. It enables scalable, resolution-independent images that can be drawn directly by the UI framework, reducing the need for multiple raster assets. Introduced in Android 5.0 (API level 21), VectorDrawable is commonly used for icons and simple illustrations. For older devices, the Android Support Library provides VectorDrawableCompat, and AnimatedVectorDrawable offers animation of vector properties.

A vector drawable resource defines a root element with width, height, and a viewport that maps the drawing coordinates to the rendered size. Inside, it can contain groups and path elements. The path element describes shapes using the SVG-like pathData attribute, combining commands such as moveto, lineto, and curves. Paths can specify fillColor, strokeColor, strokeWidth, and basic stroke properties. Transformations can be applied to groups via rotation, pivot, translation, and scaling, enabling hierarchical drawing.

Vector drawables are placed in res/drawable as XML files and referenced from views (for example, in ImageView). On platforms that support it, you can enable vector drawables for resource loading by enabling useSupportLibrary and using app:srcCompat to preserve backward compatibility. Android Studio provides tooling to convert SVG assets to vector drawables, and the Android Gradle plugin supports vector assets in the app module.

Limitations: VectorDrawable supports a subset of SVG features, focusing on solid fills and strokes. It does not support all SVG features such as gradients, masking, or filters on all API levels. More complex illustrations may require bitmap resources or raster assets. AnimatedVectorDrawable allows animating path and other attributes within vector drawables.