Vector Drawing

Vector Drawing

This skill guides creation of vector-based artworks using SVG—scalable, resolution-independent graphics. Apply it when the user asks for SVG output, vector graphics, logos, icons, illustrations, or any artwork that must scale cleanly.

Disclaimer (for the user)

This is an experimental skill; outcomes are not guaranteed. Use at your own risk. For the full disclaimer, see the repository README.

Canonical specification

The official standard is SVG 2 (W3C). Use it as the authority for syntax and behavior; do not copy the spec verbatim into outputs. Build understanding from it and express it as instructions.

• Specification: https://www.w3.org/TR/SVG2/
• Key sections: Structure, Basic Shapes, Paths, Painting, Coordinate Systems and Transforms, Clipping and Masking, Gradients and Patterns, Text, Reuse (defs/use).

Core subset for AI-generated artwork

For most vector art, this subset is enough:

• svg — Root and canvas.
• viewBox — Coordinate system and aspect ratio.
• path — Arbitrary shapes and outlines.
• g — Grouping and inheritance.
• fill — Interior color or pattern.
• stroke — Outline color and width.
• transform — Move, scale, rotate, skew.
• clipPath — Hard-edged visibility.
• mask — Soft or gradient visibility.
• defs — Define reusable content.
• use — Reuse content by reference.

Master these before reaching for shapes, text, or filters.

Reference Index (skill flow)

When generating or editing SVG artwork, apply concepts in this order and read the referenced file when you need that topic.

1. Document structure and svg/viewBox basics: reference/structure.md
2. Basic shapes (rectangles, circles, lines, etc.): reference/shapes.md
3. Paths and path commands for arbitrary shapes: reference/paths.md
4. Styling (fill, stroke, painting rules): reference/styling.md
5. Grouping and hierarchy with g: reference/grouping.md
6. Transforms and coordinate manipulation (transform): reference/transforms.md
7. Clipping and masking (clipPath, mask): reference/clipping-masking.md
8. Gradients and patterns: reference/gradients.md
9. Composition, reuse, and defs/use: reference/composition.md

When to use

• User asks for SVG, vector graphics, or scalable artwork
• Task is logos, icons, illustrations, diagrams, or print-ready art
• Output must stay sharp at any size or resolution

Quick principles

• Structure first: use path, g, defs clearly; keep markup readable.
• Prefer the core subset unless the design needs text, filters, or advanced features.
• Accessibility: add <title> and aria-* where meaning is conveyed by the graphic.

Output Contract

SVG outputs produced with this skill should:

• render correctly as valid SVG 2 markup
• be structurally readable (clear grouping, paths, and viewBox usage)
• rely on the core subset of elements unless advanced features are clearly needed
• avoid embedding raster images unless explicitly requested