What it does
Assembly is a vector design app for iPhone and iPad. It builds illustrations from combined shapes, editable curves and reusable custom pieces, with SVG and image exports. The app is free to download, while Assembly Pro adds paid features through an automatically renewing subscription.
Turn a reference into your own vector shapes
Assembly uses manual tracing rather than automatic raster conversion. Start a project, open Artboard in the left menu and choose Load Photo. The canvas adopts the photograph’s proportions.
Place shapes over its main forms, combine or cut them, then use the selected shape’s edit control to refine Bézier points. When the redraw is finished, clear the photograph from the artboard settings. Groups can be saved as custom shapes for later projects.
SVG and PDF output retain vector artwork. PNG can use a transparent background, and the developer lists raster export up to 8192 by 8192 pixels.
Pro trial and renewal
The seven-day Pro trial renews into a weekly subscription unless cancelled. The developer lists US$2.99 weekly, US$4.99 monthly or US$29.99 annually. Manage renewal through Apple account settings.
Strengths
- Boolean combinations and point editing build custom forms
- Custom shape packs retain reusable drawing components
- SVG exchange supports desktop editing
Watch out for
- Raster images require manual tracing
- The Pro trial automatically renews into a weekly plan
Best for
- Shape-based illustration on iPad or iPhone
- Redrawing simple references as editable vectors
Sources
- Assembly developer listing: editing, export and subscription terms (Oct 27, 2026)
- Assembly manual vector tracing procedure (Oct 27, 2026)