from idea to vector

Skill

Describe an image. Get an SVG.

The create-svg skill asks your assistant to generate high-contrast artwork, then uses swift-potrace to trace it into smooth vector paths. It works best for silhouettes, flat logos, and bold wordmarks.

You’ll need an assistant that supports skills, image generation, and local commands. The result is monochrome. The skill checks the SVG and keeps the source image.

1. Install the skill

Copy this prompt into your assistant on the device where you want to create SVGs.

Installation prompt

Install the create-svg skill for this assistant on my device. Download https://richardstelling.com/swift-potrace/skills/create-svg/SKILL.md and save it as create-svg/SKILL.md in this assistant’s user-level skills directory, preserving its contents. Check that the skill is discoverable and that image generation is available through the harness or an installed image-creation skill. Check for the swift-potrace command; if it is missing or incompatible, follow https://richardstelling.com/swift-potrace/docs/ to install the build for my device. Tell me when it is ready and how to invoke it.

Want to read it first? View SKILL.md. Converter setup is in the installation docs.

2. Try a prompt

Paste either example after installation. In Codex, $create-svg names the skill; in other assistants, ask to use the create-svg skill by name.

A flat Apple logo

Logo prompt

Use $create-svg to create a stylized, flat Apple logo: a crisp black silhouette with a bite and a separate leaf on a plain white background. Generate the high-contrast image, then trace it with potrace and save the SVG as apple-logo.svg. Keep the source PNG too.

Cool Beans, stacked

Wordmark prompt

Use $create-svg to create a playful, bold wordmark with exactly “Cool” on the first line and “Beans” directly underneath. Center the two lines and use chunky, rounded black lettering on a plain white background, with no other text. Generate the high-contrast image, then trace it with potrace and save the SVG as cool-beans.svg. Keep the source PNG too.

Swap in your own subject or words. Solid black shapes, clear gaps, and thick lettering trace well. Check spelling and letter shapes in generated wordmarks before using them.