Shapes and Paths

Rive builds vector (art made of points and lines that stays crisp at any size, unlike photos which are made of pixels) graphics using two layer types that work together: shape layers and path layers.

Shape Layer

A shape layer controls how a vector looks — its fill color, stroke (the outline drawn along a path's edge), and blend mode (a setting that controls how a shape's colors mix with elements behind it). Think of it as the paint and style applied to a vector outline.

Path Layer

A path layer defines the actual outline of a shape. Expand a shape layer in the Hierarchy (the panel that lists all layers) to see its paths.

You can move paths between shapes by dragging them in the Hierarchy.

Path Properties

Each path type exposes its own properties. A rectangle path shows corner radius; an ellipse shows its radii. Learn more in Procedural Shapes.

Navigation Shortcuts

Use these keys to move up and down the Hierarchy without touching the panel.

Key	Action
Enter	Select a child layer (e.g. shape → path)
Esc	Select the parent layer (e.g. path → shape)