Here’s an example vector asset which we’re actually using in AppCompat:

res/drawable/ic_search.xml

<vector xmlns:android="..."
        android:width="24dp"
        android:height="24dp"
        android:viewportWidth="24.0"
        android:viewportHeight="24.0"
        android:tint="?attr/colorControlNormal">

    <path
        android:pathData="..."
        android:fillColor="@android:color/white"/>

</vector>

Using this drawable, an example ImageView declaration would be:

<ImageView
    android:layout_width="wrap_content"
    android:layout_height="wrap_content"
    app:srcCompat="@drawable/ic_search"/>

You can also set it at run-time:

ImageView iv = (ImageView) findViewById(...);
iv.setImageResource(R.drawable.ic_search);

The same attribute and calls work for ImageButton too.

Here is a simple VectorDrawable in this vectordrawable.xml file.

<vector xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
     android:height="64dp"
     android:width="64dp"
     android:viewportHeight="600"
     android:viewportWidth="600" >
     <group
         android:name="rotationGroup"
         android:pivotX="300.0"
         android:pivotY="300.0"
         android:rotation="45.0" >
         <path
             android:name="v"
             android:fillColor="#000000"
             android:pathData="M300,70 l 0,-70 70,70 0,0 -70,70z" />
     </group>
 </vector>

You can import an SVG file as a VectorDrawable in Android Studio, follow these steps :

"Right-click" on the res folder and select new > Vector Asset.

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Select the Local File option and browse to your .svg file. Change the options to your liking and hit next. Done.

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Parameters

Remarks

Update build.gradle file.

dependencies {
    ...
   compile 'com.android.support:appcompat-v7:23.2.1'
}

If you are using v2.0 or above of the Gradle plugin, then add following code.

// Gradle Plugin 2.0+  
 android {  
   defaultConfig {  
     vectorDrawables.useSupportLibrary = true  
    }  
 }

If you are using v1.5 or below of the Gradle plugin, then add following code.

// Gradle Plugin 1.5  
 android {  
   defaultConfig {  
     generatedDensities = []  
  }  

  // This is handled for you by the 2.0+ Gradle Plugin  
  aaptOptions {  
    additionalParameters "--no-version-vectors"  
  }  
 }

Read Android Support Library 23.2 Release Notes (opens new window) for more info.

NOTE : Even with AppCompat, Vector Drawables wont work outside of your app in older android versions. For instance, you cannot pass vector drawables as Notification icons as they are handled by the system and not the app. See this answer (opens new window) for a workaround.