The SVG Asset Linking feature in CI HUB Connector Pro (ExCoP) allows designers to place SVG files as linked assets.
This functionality is now available in Figma, bringing SVG handling in line with other supported formats like images and vector files. By enabling linking, SVG assets remain connected to their source in your DAM system and can be updated automatically.
Two ways to link SVGs in Figma
There are two supported workflows for linking SVGs in Figma:
1. Placing a new SVG from the CI HUB panel
When you place an SVG directly from the CI HUB panel:
- The SVG is inserted into your design
- Linking happens automatically
- The asset immediately appears in the ExCoP panel
This is the fastest and recommended way to work with SVG assets.
2. Linking an SVG that already exists in the Figma document
If an SVG is already in your design (e.g., added manually), you can still link it:
- Select the SVG elements in your Figma design
- Click the “+” (Add File) button
- Choose files from active Figma document
- Select your SVGs from the dropdown
- Optionally rename them (or keep original names)
- Click OK
This workflow does two things:
- Uploads the SVG to your DAM
- Adds the link information to the SVG frame in Figma
Once completed:
- The SVG appears in the ExCoP panel
- It can be managed and updated like any other linked asset
Important note
SVGs that are manually placed into your design (e.g., drag & drop) do not appear in the ExCoP panel automatically.
However, they can be linked at any time using the upload from active document workflow described above.
Special case: SVG already in Figma and already in DAM
If your SVG:
- already exists in your Figma document
- and already exists in your DAM
…and you want to avoid uploading it again (to prevent duplicate files in the DAM), you can:
- Remove the SVG from your Figma document
- Reinsert it via the CI HUB panel
This ensures:
- The asset is properly linked
- No duplicate file is created in the DAM
Key Benefits
1. Automatic Updates
When an SVG is updated in your DAM system, you can refresh it directly in your design file—no need to re-import or manually replace assets.
2. Centralized Asset Management
All linked SVGs appear in the ExCoP panel, allowing you to:
- Track usage
- Identify outdated assets
- Update multiple instances quickly
3. Improved Consistency
Ensure all designs use the latest approved versions of icons and vector assets across teams and projects.
4. Reduced Manual Work
Eliminate repetitive tasks like:
- Replacing icons manually
- Searching for updated files
- Fixing inconsistencies across documents
How It Works
When placing from the CI HUB panel:
- Select an SVG asset from your DAM via CI HUB
- Place it into your design
- The asset is inserted as a linked object
- The asset becomes visible in the ExCoP panel
When linking from the active document:
- Select an existing SVG in your design
- Upload it using files from active Figma document
- The SVG is uploaded to the DAM
- Link information is added to the SVG in Figma
- The asset becomes visible in the ExCoP panel
Updating assets
When a new version is available:
- ExCoP notifies you
- You can update the asset with one click
