Polotno SDK gives developers full control over all visual elements: shapes, icons, arrows, and stickers can be enabled, disabled, or replaced entirely. You can integrate Unsplash, connect proprietary libraries, or inject SVG assets dynamically, giving users the freedom to build structured, on-brand designs while you retain control of the creative system.
Key features
Shape and vector support
Add or modify ready-made shapes like rectangles, circles, and polygons, or introduce your own SVG-based shapes. All shapes support resizing, rotation, color fills, and gradients.
A multi-color SVG opens a palette popover listing every color in the file. Users can retint one color, use "Recolor all" to tint the whole asset at once, or reset to the original with the resetColors() model action. Useful for icon sets and brand illustrations that need to follow a campaign palette.
Lines, arrows, and annotations
Provide arrows, connectors, and annotation tools for diagrams, flowcharts, or visual documents. Styles, endpoints, and stroke weights are fully customizable via schema or UI controls.
Icon integration
Integrate brand icon packs or vector sets to match your visual language. All icons behave as vectors and can be recolored or transformed without losing quality.
Unsplash and image APIs
Enable the built-in Unsplash integration for easy stock access, or replace it with your own asset source, from an internal API to a CDN or DAM system. Every asset provider can be customized to your data structure and permissions logic. See Pexels photos for a worked example of adding another stock source as a custom panel.
QR codes and barcodes
Generate scannable codes on the canvas and drive them from data, so a ticket, label, or business card can carry a unique code per record. Both are covered by demos: QR codes and bar codes. A ready-made QR code side panel installs as source into your repo.
Charts
Line, bar, and pie charts render on the canvas as SVG elements, with the underlying chart data stored on the element's custom property so it stays editable and regenerable. See charts rendering.
Custom asset libraries
Hook up your own media libraries (icons, shapes, or decorative assets) as a side-panel tab, modal, or custom button. Polotno gives you the flexibility to define where and how users browse and insert assets.
Schema-driven management
Each asset is stored as a structured JSON object within the project schema, including metadata like ID, source, and transformation data. This makes it easy to automate generation, sync assets across projects, or build analytics on usage.
Example use cases
- Ad builders – Provide brand-safe shapes and stickers for quick layout design.
- Presentation and diagram tools – Add editable arrows and connectors for data visualization.
- Marketing and design platforms – Integrate internal icon sets for consistent visuals.
- E-commerce or print systems – Supply reusable frames, labels, and vector overlays.
- Creative automation workflows – Programmatically generate layouts with branded graphics.
Developer benefits
- Enable, disable, or replace built-in asset collections.
- Integrate Unsplash or private APIs for controlled media sourcing.
- Connect any vector or icon pack to align with brand visuals.
- Programmatically manage and track assets via schema.
- Works in both self-hosted and cloud rendering environments.
FAQs
Can I disable Polotno’s default shape and icon sets?
Yes. You can turn them off and replace them with your own custom assets.
Can I connect my own media API or DAM system?
Yes. Polotno supports any REST or GraphQL API for custom asset loading.
Does Unsplash come pre-enabled?
Yes, but it's optional. You can modify or remove it entirely and point the panel at your own source.
Are imported SVGs editable?
Yes. Colors and transformations remain editable after insertion.
Can I define my own asset browser UI?
Yes. You can build your own side panel, modal, or tab for asset selection and insertion.
