Svg files for SL360 on the roadmap?

Hey Kevin. I agree that it is still not easy to import vector assets into Storyline, but it is possible. I've noticed that if I export a SVG shape from Illustrator that contains a clipping mask, or if the shape uses groups or layers in Illustrator, then it will look fine when imported into PowerPoint, but will convert to a raster image if you import that PowerPoint into Storyline. The key is to only import single vector (SVG) shapes into PowerPoint then into Storyline. Once the shape is in Storyline you will notice that it is a vector shape graphic not an image. Then you can add colours and gradients the same way you would to any other shape in Storyline.

It's really painful to do, but not impossible. I think this should be something Articulate should focus on more. There are definitely people that have been wanting to see this in Storyline for years.

I've created a rough guide that I shared with my team on how to import SVG shapes from Adobe Illustrator to PowerPoint to Articulate Storyline. Articulate's resource that they have on the webpage about Importing SVG files is missing some crucial information. Hopefully this helps somebody:

Illustrator Notes:

1. Saving SVG files from Illustrator that contain more than one shape at a time often leads to issues when trying to bring into Storyline. To avoid this, only save one shape in Illustrator as an SVG at a time.
2. Remove any gradients from the shapes that you plan to import into Articulate
3. Check the layers. Make sure that there are no clipping masks, or groupings. The vector shape should be the only thing in a layer. So if you check your layers inside of Illustrator, it should be something like this: “Layer 1” —> “Component Path”. And not “Layer 1” —> “Clip Group” —> “Group” —> “Component Path”.
4. Export the shape as an SVG

Instructions to import an SVG graphic into PowerPoint for Windows:

1. Open PowerPoint on Windows (You need PowerPoint 2016, PowerPoint 2019, or Office 365. Earlier versions of PowerPoint don’t support SVGs.)
2. Create a new blank presentation, delete title and text placeholders
3. Go to Insert > Pictures > This Device, and find the SVG shape you exported from Illustrator
4. Do NOT right click on the SVG and select “Convert to Shape” in PowerPoint. This will result in a png image when imported into Articulate
5. You MAY have to change the SVG fill colour inside of PowerPoint in order for Articulate to recognize it. But if you did this in Illustrator it should work.
6. Save your PowerPoint with a SINGLE vector SVG shape inserted into it. Sometimes multiple shapes work, but I’ve had problems with this.

Importing PowerPoint into Storyline:

1. Create a new Storyline project, and import from PowerPoint.
2. Check to see if the vector/SVG shape is now available on the slide. If it worked, it will show the layer as a “Freeform” graphic. If it says anything other than that, then something had not been prepped properly, and it hasn’t been imported as a vector. Go back and review.
3. The aspect ratio will have changed after the vector is imported into Storyline. To correct this, open the original SVG in Illustrator to reference the width and height (Window —> Info panel) to get the correct dimensions and use those dimensions in Storyline. Once the aspect ratio is corrected, click on “Lock aspect ratio” in Storyline.
4. You can now copy and paste this vector graphic from your storyline slide into your main Storyline Project.

The problem I'm running into now is dealing with a very slow and laggy Storyline project file because I've imported around 50 vector objects on a slide in order to build something that requires many layers. Might be something to keep in mind.