What is an imageset?
An Xcode imageset is a named resource directory containing image files and a Contents.json description. It belongs inside an Assets.xcassets catalog. The application uses the resource name, while the catalog describes which file supplies each scale or representation.
The iOS image asset exporter creates that folder structure from artwork you upload or a result you have already unlocked. It can package a simple vector SVG or render transparent PNG variants. It does not turn a photograph into vector paths simply by putting it inside a catalog.
Choose vector for simple, scalable artwork
Choose Vector SVG when the source is an SVG built from solid paths and simple shapes. The exporter flattens supported geometry and writes an imageset with Preserve Vector Data enabled. SVG image assets require iOS 13 or later.
The converter uses a deliberately restricted vector subset. Text should be outlined first, and gradients, masks, clipping and other effects require PNG output in this tool. Unsupported features produce an error so you can choose an appropriate alternative. Sanitization may remove unsafe content; read any warnings before importing the files.
A vector file preserves scalable geometry, but it does not automatically improve the design. An overcomplicated trace with thousands of tiny shapes can be less useful than a clean bitmap. Check the image at the sizes your interface actually uses, especially where thin strokes or small lettering are involved.
Choose PNG for fixed-size image resources
PNG variants accept SVG, PNG, JPEG and WebP sources. For an SVG, the service renders the sanitized artwork first; raster uploads are decoded, normalized and stripped of metadata. Alpha transparency is retained. This is useful when a compatible rendered effect matters more than editable geometry.
The width control is in points, not the final pixel count. At a width of 64 points, the exporter produces these files:
| Scale | Width in pixels | Filename |
|---|---|---|
| 1× | 64 | artwork@1x.png |
| 2× | 128 | artwork@2x.png |
| 3× | 192 | artwork@3x.png |
Height follows the original aspect ratio. A source twice as tall as it is wide produces a 64 by 128 pixel image at 1×. Choose a smaller point width if a tall source would exceed the export's height bound. The width setting does not resize a vector imageset, which retains its viewBox.
Import without replacing your catalog
Unzip the download and locate Assets.xcassets/artwork.imageset, or the equivalent directory using your chosen resource name. Drag that imageset into your existing catalog. Do not replace the entire catalog: it may contain colors, icons and other resources your app already needs.
In SwiftUI, a resource named artwork can be referenced with Image("artwork"). Apply your interface's desired layout and scaling behavior in the app. Check the imported asset in Xcode and on a device, including transparent edges against both bright and dark surfaces.
An imageset is not an SF Symbol and does not inherit that symbol format's authoring behavior. It is also separate from the app's launcher icon. Use the Android and iOS app icon generator when you need an AppIcon asset catalog, or the Android VectorDrawable converter for an Android interface drawable.