How to create SVG files for Cricut? the SVG extension stands for “Scalable Vector Graphic”. This file format is used in the SCAL (Sure Cuts A Lot) software used with the Cricut cutting machine. To create an SVG graphic for use with Cricut, design a graphic or import an existing image into a proprietary graphics creation program such as Adobe Photoshop or PaintShop Pro. You can also do the same task with the freeware graphic editor Inkscape.
How to create an SVG file for Cricut in Design Space
1. Premade projects from Cricut Design Space
In the Cricut Design Space, you have a large selection of Premade finished projects.
You can click “Craft” right away and you’re good to go! Alternatively, you can also customize and individualize most projects in the workspace beforehand.
I plotted these paper gift tags here.
There’s even a free guide here.
Such projects are particularly suitable for beginners to get used to the plotter and get a feel for the materials and techniques.
But I still like to use these ready-made projects, especially when things have to be done quickly. When I’m on the go or waiting, I like to scroll through the app (new projects are always being added!) and save a few in my favorites.
Export SVG files:
In order to be able to cut the whole thing well, we actually need a vector file – for example, an SVG file. However, I cannot easily calculate them out of ProCreate. I then usually export it as a PSD file and convert the layer into shapes using a graphics program. There’s a hack to get around this though: If you export each individual layer of your drawing as PNG with a transparent background, you can upload those files individually to Cricut Design Space and merge them back together in the workspace.
Here you can also make the cutouts if you want to plot in multiple colors.
2. Create projects with templates and font
In the workspace, you can access an incredible number of image templates via the “Images” button.
I think the designs are really great and there is an incredibly large selection. You can combine the shapes with fonts then you will get good results.
With the basic shapes circle, triangle, rectangle, You can also create your own designs very quickly. After a few tries, you get a good feeling for it and can quickly create simple motifs with it.
How to create an SVG file for Cricut in Adobe Photoshop
Step 1
Open an existing JPEG or PNG image in Adobe Photoshop, or click New and open a new canvas.
step 2
In the “Toolbox” on the left side of the canvas, click “Pen”, “Brush” or another drawing tool. Draw your design on the canvas using one or more drawing tools. If you are importing an existing graphic, click the New Layer button in the Layers palette to open a new drawing layer over the graphic. Draw over the existing image to recreate the image in vector format.
step 3
Click on the imported image layer and press the “DELETE” key to delete the image layer after recreating the original image in the vector layer.
step 4
Click on the “File” option in the top navigation bar and then click on the “Export” option.
step 5
Enter a name for the new SVG file in the “Filename” input field.
step 6
Click the Files of type drop-down box, then click the Scalable Vector Graphics (.svg) option. Click on “Save”. The file is saved as an SVG file and is now ready to be imported into SCAL software and used in Cricut.
How to create an SVG file for Cricut in Inkscape
Step 1
Right-click the JPEG, PNG, or other images, and then click Open With on the shortcut menu. Click on the “Inkscape” option. The graphic will open in the Inkscape program. To create a new drawing, click the “File” option and then click “New” on the top navigation bar. A blank canvas will open.
step 2
Click on the imported image and then click “Edit” in the top navigation bar. Click “Create Bitmap Copy”. A copy of the image is created and layered onto the original image. When creating a new image, use “Pen”, “Brush” and other drawing tools on the left toolbar.
step 3
Move the bitmap layer left or right (to access the original) and click on the original graphic. Press the “DEL” button to delete it.
step 4
Click the remaining image to select it, then click View.
step 5
Click View Mode, then click Outline. An outline of the original image is automatically created.
step 6
Click the Path option in the top navigation bar, then click Track Bitmap. The Trace Bitmap dialog opens.
step 7
Click the Refresh button, then click OK in the Trace Bitmap dialog box.
step 8
Click on the red X in the graphic and move the X of the image. Press “DEL” to delete the red X.
step 9
If necessary, recreate the rest of the original image using the drawing tools on the toolbar.
step 10
Click on the “File” option and then click on “Save”. The Save File dialog opens.
step 11
Enter a name for the new SVG file in the “Filename” input field.
step 12
Click on the “Save as type” drop-down box and then click on the “Inkscape SVG (.svg)” option. Click on “Save”. The image is saved as an SVG file and is now ready to be imported into SCAL software and used with the Cricut machine.
