Using a XAML file as a vector Image Source

c#, vector-graphics, wpf, xaml

Solution

You can simply reference your vector graphics as StaticResources:

<Image Source="{StaticResource MyImage}" />

Store the images in a ResourceDictionary as DrawImage's. Expression Blend can help you generate this stuff:

<ResourceDictionary
   xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/winfx/2006/xaml/presentation" 
   xmlns:x="http://schemas.microsoft.com/winfx/2006/xaml">

   <DrawingImage x:Key="MyImage">
      <DrawingImage.Drawing>
         <DrawingGroup>
            <DrawingGroup.Children>
               <GeometryDrawing Brush="Black" Geometry="M 333.393,... 100.327 Z "/>
               <GeometryDrawing Brush="Black" Geometry="F1 M 202.309,... Z "/>
                      :
            </DrawingGroup.Children>
         </DrawingGroup>
     </DrawingImage.Drawing>
   </DrawingImage>

</ResourceDictionary>

Problem

I would like to be able to use vector graphics, preferably defined in XAML, as the Source of an Image control, just like I can currently use a raster image like a PNG. That way I could easily mix and match between bitmap and vector images, like this: ``` <StackPanel> <Image Source="Images/Namespace.png"/> <Image Source="Images/Module.xaml"/> </StackPanel> ``` Module.xaml would most likely have `<DrawingImage>` as its root element instead of `<UserControl>`. Actually, what I'm really going for is this, so my ViewModel could select either a raster or vector image at its discretion: ``` <Image Source="{Binding ImageUri}"/> ``` Is this possible? Can Image.Source load XAML classes from a given URI? Or is it only able to load bitmap resources?

Original source