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How to Create SVGs with Google Gemini: AI-Powered Vector Graphics in 2025

SVG Genie Team••10 min read

Google's Gemini models have quietly become one of the best options for generating SVG graphics with AI. While most people know Gemini for chat and image generation, its ability to output clean, usable vector code is a game-changer for designers and developers.

In this guide, we'll explore how to use Google Gemini to create SVGs, what models work best, and how to get professional-quality results.

Why Gemini for SVG Generation?

Most AI image generators output raster formats—PNGs and JPEGs that don't scale. Gemini is different because it can generate actual SVG code:

Multimodal Understanding: Gemini interprets complex design briefs, understands stylistic preferences, and generates vectors that match specific parameters.

Code Generation Strength: Unlike pure image models, Gemini excels at structured output. SVG is essentially XML code, and Gemini's coding capabilities translate directly to cleaner vector output.

Conversational Iteration: You can refine your SVG through dialogue. "Make the lines thicker," "change the color to blue," "simplify the shape"—Gemini handles these edits naturally.

World Knowledge: Gemini leverages its training to understand what objects should look like, resulting in more accurate representations than models trained purely on images.

The Evolution of Gemini's Image Capabilities

Gemini 2.0 Flash

Google first introduced native image output in Gemini 2.0 Flash in late 2024. This version allowed developers to generate images directly through the API, combining text understanding with visual output in a single model.

Key capabilities included:

  • Single-model text and image generation
  • Natural language image editing
  • Multi-turn refinement through conversation
  • Low latency and cost-effectiveness

Gemini 2.5 Flash Image

Based on user feedback requesting higher quality and more creative control, Google released Gemini 2.5 Flash Image (internally codenamed "nano-banana"). This update brought:

  • Higher quality image output
  • Image blending (combining multiple images)
  • Character consistency for storytelling
  • Targeted transformations via natural language
  • Better prompt adherence

Gemini 3.0 and Beyond

The latest Gemini 3.0 models have shown remarkable improvement in SVG generation specifically. Early testing reveals:

  • Near pixel-perfect SVG graphics
  • Complex UI component generation
  • Improved understanding of vector-specific concepts
  • Better path optimization

SVG generation has become a benchmark for model quality—it requires understanding spatial relationships, maintaining proportions, and outputting valid code simultaneously.

How to Generate SVGs with Gemini

Method 1: Google AI Studio (Free)

The easiest way to experiment is through Google AI Studio:

  1. Go to AI Studio
  2. Select a Gemini model (try the latest experimental versions)
  3. Use a prompt specifically requesting SVG output

Example prompt:

Create an SVG icon of a rocket ship. The design should be minimal and modern, suitable for a tech startup logo. Output only the SVG code, no explanation.

Pro tip: Experimental models like gemini-exp-1206 often have better SVG capabilities than stable releases.

Method 2: Gemini API

For integration into applications:

import { GoogleGenerativeAI } from "@google/generative-ai";

const genAI = new GoogleGenerativeAI(process.env.GEMINI_API_KEY);

async function generateSVG(prompt) {
  const model = genAI.getGenerativeModel({ model: "gemini-2.5-flash" });

  const result = await model.generateContent(`
    Generate an SVG based on this description: ${prompt}

    Requirements:
    - Output valid SVG code only
    - Use a viewBox of "0 0 100 100"
    - Keep paths simple and optimized
    - Use currentColor for fills where appropriate
  `);

  return result.response.text();
}

// Usage
const svg = await generateSVG("A minimalist coffee cup icon");

Method 3: Use SVG Genie

SVG Genie leverages the latest AI models—including Gemini—to generate production-ready SVGs. The advantage over raw API access:

  • Optimized prompts: We've tested thousands of prompt variations to get the best SVG output
  • Post-processing: Automatic cleanup, optimization, and validation
  • Multiple models: Access to Gemini alongside other leading models
  • Instant results: No API setup or coding required

Simply describe what you want, and get a clean, optimized SVG ready for use.

Prompting Strategies for Better SVGs

Be Specific About Style

❌ "Create a house icon"

✅ "Create a minimalist line-art house icon with a simple roof, door, and one window. Use 2px stroke width, no fill, rounded line caps."

Specify Technical Requirements

"Generate an SVG with:
- viewBox: 0 0 24 24
- Single path element where possible
- No transforms or groups
- Optimized for small file size"

Request Iteration

Gemini excels at refinement:

Turn 1: "Create an SVG of a lightbulb"
Turn 2: "Make the filament more detailed"
Turn 3: "Add a subtle glow effect around the bulb"
Turn 4: "Simplify the base"

Use Reference Comparisons

"Create an icon similar in style to Feather Icons or Lucide—minimal, consistent stroke width, rounded corners."

Common Issues and Fixes

Issue: Overly Complex Paths

Gemini sometimes generates paths with too many points.

Fix: Add to your prompt: "Simplify paths to use minimal anchor points while maintaining the shape."

Or post-process with SVG Minify.

Issue: Invalid SVG Code

Occasionally output includes markdown formatting or extra text.

Fix: Be explicit: "Output ONLY the SVG code. No markdown, no explanation, no code blocks."

Issue: Inconsistent Sizing

Icons come out at different sizes.

Fix: Always specify viewBox: "Use viewBox='0 0 24 24' for all icons."

Issue: Poor Proportions

Complex objects may have distorted proportions.

Fix: Break it down: "First describe the object, then generate the SVG based on that description."

Gemini vs. Other AI Models for SVG

| Model | SVG Quality | Consistency | Best For | |-------|-------------|-------------|----------| | Gemini 3.0 | Excellent | High | Complex icons, UI elements | | Gemini 2.5 Flash | Good | Medium | Quick iterations, simple icons | | Claude | Very Good | High | Detailed illustrations | | GPT-4 | Good | Medium | General purpose |

Gemini's advantage is the combination of visual understanding and code generation in one model. It "sees" what an object should look like and translates that into efficient SVG paths.

Real-World Applications

Icon Sets

Generate consistent icon families:

"Create a set of 5 icons for a finance app: wallet, chart, transfer, card, and settings. All icons should share:
- 24x24 viewBox
- 2px stroke width
- Rounded line caps
- No fills
- Consistent visual weight"

Logo Concepts

Rapid logo exploration:

"Generate a logo mark for a sustainable energy company called 'GreenFlow'. Style: modern, geometric, incorporates leaf and energy/flow concepts. Single color, works at small sizes."

UI Components

Create interface elements:

"Generate an SVG illustration for an empty state showing 'No messages'. Include a stylized envelope with subtle decorative elements. Friendly, approachable style."

Data Visualization Elements

Custom chart components:

"Create an SVG template for a circular progress indicator. Include a background track and a foreground arc that can be adjusted via stroke-dasharray."

Optimizing Gemini-Generated SVGs

Raw AI output often needs cleanup. Here's a post-processing workflow:

1. Validate the SVG

Check that the output is valid XML:

function isValidSVG(svgString) {
  const parser = new DOMParser();
  const doc = parser.parseFromString(svgString, 'image/svg+xml');
  return !doc.querySelector('parsererror');
}

2. Optimize Paths

Use SVG Minify to:

  • Remove unnecessary attributes
  • Optimize path data
  • Reduce decimal precision
  • Strip metadata

3. Standardize Structure

Ensure consistent viewBox, remove inline styles, add accessibility attributes:

function standardizeSVG(svgString) {
  // Parse, clean, and return standardized SVG
  // Add role="img" and aria-label
  // Normalize viewBox
  // Convert inline styles to attributes
}

4. Test at Multiple Sizes

Verify the SVG looks good at 16px, 24px, 48px, and 100px+ sizes.

The Future of AI SVG Generation

SVG generation is becoming a key benchmark for AI model quality. Why?

  • It requires spatial reasoning
  • It demands valid code output
  • It tests visual understanding
  • Results are immediately verifiable

As models improve, we're seeing:

  • Better path optimization (fewer points, same quality)
  • More consistent style matching
  • Improved handling of complex shapes
  • Native understanding of SVG-specific concepts like stroke-dasharray

Google's continued investment in Gemini's multimodal capabilities suggests SVG generation will only get better.

Get Started Today

Ready to create SVGs with AI?

Quick start: Try SVG Genie for instant, optimized results using the latest models including Gemini. No API keys, no code—just describe what you want.

For developers: Experiment with Gemini in Google AI Studio or integrate via the Gemini API.

For optimization: Use our SVG Minify and SVG Editor to clean up and refine AI-generated vectors.

The combination of AI generation and proper optimization tools gives you the best of both worlds: rapid creation and production-ready output.

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