How to add a background to a Vector Asset that I want to use as my app's icon?

Question

I used the Vector Asset to create an Icon that I want for my app. I set it in the manifest file and it works. However it has a transparent background. I would like to fill that transparent background with a solid color.

Here is the XML file:

<vector xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
       android:viewportHeight="24.0"
       android:viewportWidth="24.0" 
       android:height="48dp"
       android:width="48dp" >

    <path android:fillColor="#FF000000" android:pathData="M12,17c1.1,0 2,-0.9 2,-2s-0.9,-2 -2,-2 -2,0.9 -2,2 0.9,2 2,2zM18,8h-1L17,6c0,-2.76 -2.24,-5 -5,-5S7,3.24 7,6v2L6,8c-1.1,0 -2,0.9 -2,2v10c0,1.1 0.9,2 2,2h12c1.1,0 2,-0.9 2,-2L20,10c0,-1.1 -0.9,-2 -2,-2zM8.9,6c0,-1.71 1.39,-3.1 3.1,-3.1s3.1,1.39 3.1,3.1v2L8.9,8L8.9,6zM18,20L6,20L6,10h12v10z"/>
</vector>

How can I set background color to this?

Answer 1

Since there is no direct way to make a background to a VectorDrawable! So the alternative way is to use a group to arrive to the same Appearance (like a background).

The logic is to make another path before your own vector drawable path so that it may act as a background (No one will notice the difference!) when added together in a group.

For your case this image (with an amber background)!

Was made by adjusting your code like this:

<vector xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
    android:width="48dp"
    android:height="48dp"
    android:viewportWidth="24.0"
    android:viewportHeight="24.0">
  <group>
    <path android:name="square"
        android:fillColor="#FFFF6F00"
        android:pathData="M0,0 L24,0 L24,24 L0,24 z" />
    <path android:fillColor="#FF000000"
        android:pathData="M12,17c1.1,0 2,-0.9 2,-2s-0.9,-2 -2,-2 -2,0.9 -2,2 0.9,2 2,2zM18,8h-1L17,6c0,-2.76 -2.24,-5 -5,-5S7,3.24 7,6v2L6,8c-1.1,0 -2,0.9 -2,2v10c0,1.1 0.9,2 2,2h12c1.1,0 2,-0.9 2,-2L20,10c0,-1.1 -0.9,-2 -2,-2zM8.9,6c0,-1.71 1.39,-3.1 3.1,-3.1s3.1,1.39 3.1,3.1v2L8.9,8L8.9,6zM18,20L6,20L6,10h12v10z"/>

  </group>
</vector>

So from there you can change the shape (to circular may be) or color (amber to blue) to fit your needs.