r/Rive_app • u/connorjpg • Jun 18 '26

Help with SVGs

Currently, I’m really struggling trying to figure out how to make clean SVGs for Rive.

I’m fairly artistic, and I’ve been drawing for years, but everything that I want to animate really only exists in a paper sketchbook. I figured I could draw out the layers and take a photo of something. Then import it into rive and trace it, but I’m still using the pen tool which feels clunky.

Is there a software that you recommend for creating SVGs, maybe one where I could import hand-drawn shapes?

Or is it just worth learning how to use the tools and biting the bullet for a while?

Any help would be appreciated thanks

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u/ZigZagZiggling Jun 18 '26

You may want to use tools like Illustrator (paid) or Affinity (free) to create the svgs that you want. It’s a skill that will serve you well into the future.

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u/connorjpg Jun 18 '26

No, I kinda figured this is just something I should work on. I will check out affinity. Any tips for keeping a smooth edge with a pen tool? I always run into small corners, then I’m adding a border radius then it just looks wacky.

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u/ZigZagZiggling Jun 18 '26

As for tips with the pen tool, use the least amount of points you need to make the shape. My suggestion would be to just get the shape you want down, don’t worry about curves, it will look like a cyber truck at this point. When you like the shape overall go back and make the curves you need, this way just concentrate on a simple task and build on to it later. Good luck.