DocumentationSubstance 3D

Vector graphic (.svg & .ai)

Last update: Thu Feb 26 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Image showing an svg file projected on a mesh next to a list of parameters

Vector graphic files (both .svg and Illustrator .ai) can be imported like regular images inside Painter. A few settings are available to adjust the look of the graphic and make it fit better the rest of the texturing.

SVG and AI files are automatically converted into pixel images when used inside the Layer Stack (depending on the setting selected). This is a non destructive process, changing the resolution or updating the source file will update the final result accordingly.

Properties

After importing an vectorial file and loading it inside a layer or tool properties, a set of parameters will be available:

Section
Setting
Description
Artboard
Artboard
Select which artboard included in the file is used. Note: This setting is only available with Illustrator (.ai) files.
Resolution
Resolution

Define at which size the svg will be converted into a bitmap image (pixels) when used for the texturing inside the Layer Stack.   Possible values:

  • Auto: the resolution is determined by the resolution of the current Texture Set (when used in fill layer/effect) or to 512 pixels when using in a brush tool.
  • Asset: the resolution is determined by the pixel size defined inside the SVG file itself.
  • Custom: the resolution is determined by the resolution setting just under in the interface.

svg resolution setting

Crop area
Crop to

Define how the SVG shapes will be limited to the rendered area.   Possible values:

  • Asset bounds: the area is defined by the bounds defined inside the SVG file.
  • Custom: the area is defined by explicit values via the settings of the interface just below.
Square aspect ratio
If the crop area is defined by Asset bounds, this setting ensure the original ratio is preserved, avoiding any incorrect stretching when rendering the SVG as a square image.   This setting can make some elements unexpectedly visible. To avoid this issue, disable this setting and instead adjust the UV settings manually when inside a fill layer/effect.
Top left Bottom right
If the crop are is set to Custom area, these settings allow to defined the area manually by specifying the top left and bottom right corners.
Scope
Scope
Define which elements inside the SVG file are included before rendering it.   It defaults to Document, which mean all the content of the SVG file is used. Use the Change button to adjust which elements to include.

Scope window

When editing the scope of a vector graphic (see the setting above) a window will appear with a list of elements to select to specify what to include or exclude from the final rendered image.

Use the Show thumbnails checbox to display an image for each element.

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