WPF What is the correct way of using SVG files as icons in WPF

Question

Can someone describe a recommended Step by Step procedure for doing this?

EDIT:

Step1. Convert SVG to XAML... thats easy

Step2. Now what?

Answer 1

You can use the resulting xaml from the SVG as a drawing brush on a rectangle. Something like this:

<Rectangle>
   <Rectangle.Fill>
      --- insert the converted xaml's geometry here ---
   </Rectangle.Fill>
</Rectangle>

Answer 2

Your technique will depend on what XAML object your SVG to XAML converter produces. Does it produce a Drawing? An Image? A Grid? A Canvas? A Path? A Geometry? In each case your technique will be different.

In the examples below I will assume you are using your icon on a button, which is the most common scenario, but note that the same techniques will work for any ContentControl.

Using a Drawing as an icon

To use a Drawing, paint an approriately-sized rectangle with a DrawingBrush:

<Button>
  <Rectangle Width="100" Height="100">
    <Rectangle.Fill>
      <DrawingBrush>
        <DrawingBrush.Drawing>

          <Drawing ... /> <!-- Converted from SVG -->

        </DrawingBrush.Drawing>
      </DrawingBrush>
    </Rectangle.Fill>
  </Rectangle>
</Button>

Using an Image as an icon

An image can be used directly:

<Button>
  <Image ... />  <!-- Converted from SVG -->
</Button>

Using a Grid as an icon

A grid can be used directly:

<Button>
  <Grid ... />  <!-- Converted from SVG -->
</Button>

Or you can include it in a Viewbox if you need to control the size:

<Button>
  <Viewbox ...>
    <Grid ... />  <!-- Converted from SVG -->
  </Viewbox>
</Button>

Using a Canvas as an icon

This is like using an image or grid, but since a canvas has no fixed size you need to specify the height and width (unless these are already set by the SVG converter):

<Button>
  <Canvas Height="100" Width="100">  <!-- Converted from SVG, with additions -->
  </Canvas>
</Button>

Using a Path as an icon

You can use a Path, but you must set the stroke or fill explicitly:

<Button>
  <Path Stroke="Red" Data="..." /> <!-- Converted from SVG, with additions -->
</Button>

or

<Button>
  <Path Fill="Blue" Data="..." /> <!-- Converted from SVG, with additions -->
</Button>

Using a Geometry as an icon

You can use a Path to draw your geometry. If it should be stroked, set the Stroke:

<Button>
  <Path Stroke="Red" Width="100" Height="100">
    <Path.Data>
      <Geometry ... /> <!-- Converted from SVG -->
    </Path.Data>
  </Path>
</Button>

or if it should be filled, set the Fill:

<Button>
  <Path Fill="Blue" Width="100" Height="100">
    <Path.Data>
      <Geometry ... /> <!-- Converted from SVG -->
    </Path.Data>
  </Path>
</Button>

How to data bind

If you're doing the SVG -> XAML conversion in code and want the resulting XAML to appear using data binding, use one of the following:

Binding a Drawing:

<Button>
  <Rectangle Width="100" Height="100">
    <Rectangle.Fill>
      <DrawingBrush Drawing="{Binding Drawing, Source={StaticResource ...}}" />
    </Rectangle.Fill>
  </Rectangle>
</Button>

Binding an Image:

<Button Content="{Binding Image}" />

Binding a Grid:

<Button Content="{Binding Grid}" />

Binding a Grid in a Viewbox:

<Button>
  <Viewbox ...>
    <ContentPresenter Content="{Binding Grid}" />
  </Viewbox>
</Button>

Binding a Canvas:

<Button>
  <ContentPresenter Height="100" Width="100" Content="{Binding Canvas}" />
</Button>

Binding a Path:

<Button Content="{Binding Path}" />  <!-- Fill or stroke must be set in code unless set by the SVG converter -->

Binding a Geometry:

<Button>
  <Path Width="100" Height="100" Data="{Binding Geometry}" />
</Button>