A vector graphic (SVG) is a type of image format. Unlike other varieties, SVG formats do not rely on individual pixels to build the images you see. Instead, they use "vector" data.
By using the SVG format with your Cricut machine or any other cutting machine, you get images that can be scaled to any resolution without the design degrading. In this article, we are going to look at what an SVG file is, and how to use it with the Cricut Design Space software! 😉
What is an SVG file?
The letters SVG stand for "scalable vector graphic". An SVG file is a vector graphic format that is nothing more than simple plain text files describing lines, curves, shapes, colors and text. An SVG is extremely versatile when it comes to being read by software like Cricut Design Space and Silhouette Studio.
As we have already mentioned, the SVG file does not rely on pixels like a photo file (JPG or PNG). This makes it resolution independent and infinitely scalable. So once you have imported the SVG format into a software, you can change the size of the logo endlessly without altering its quality. It's magic ✨! An SVG image is clear and sharp, whatever its size.
Another advantage of SVG cut files is their small size. This makes them perfect for downloads and easy to store electronically. 👍 All these factors make the SVG file format perfect for cut files to use on your cutting machine.
Uploading SVG files to Cricut Design Space
Here are the steps to follow to upload an SVG file to the Cricut software. It's easy, quick and fun!
You will also see how to resize the logo to the right size for your project.
Open the Cricut Design Space software
Click on "New project".
On the bottom left side, then click on "Upload".
Once in the upload section, click on "Upload image".
Browse to the location where you stored your SVG image file.
Once you have located your file, click on it to open it in Design Space.
All you have to do now is click on "Add to canvas" to use it in your future creations! 🤩
How do you turn a PNG image into an SVG for Cricut?
You now know how to upload an SVG to Cricut Design Space.
We are now going to look at how to turn a PNG image into the SVG format. For this tutorial, we are going to use the trace feature on Inkscape to take the logo from PNG to SVG. You can also use other software such as Illustrator or even Photoshop...
So let's see how to create SVG files for Cricut using Inkscape!
How do you create SVG files for Cricut in Inkscape?
One of the advantages of Inkscape is that the main format for this software is already the SVG file type! This makes it an excellent choice for converting images to the SVG format and working with vector graphics. ✅
To carry out this task, we are going to use the Saturn logo that you can see in the image below.
Of course, you can also use any project you are currently working on.
Step 1️⃣
Open the PNG file of your choice in the Inkscape software
Step 2️⃣
You will now have to trace the logo so that no more pixels appear on the design. To do this, click on "Path" ➡ "Trace Bitmap" ➡ Left click with the mouse on your logo ➡ Finally, click on "Apply"
A new logo will appear, delete the old PNG logo and leave the new one. You will notice that it has no pixels, because it has been traced.
Step 3️⃣
We are going to save the design to our computer. Click on "File" ➡ Rename the file ➡ Choose the SVG format ➡ Click on "Save"
You now have an SVG file that you can import into the Cricut Design Space.
How do you convert a PNG file into an SVG for Cricut using the Design Space software?
The second way to convert a JPG or a PNG into an SVG to use it with Cricut is to do it directly in the Cricut Design Space software. This software is free, and you need it to use your Cricut.
Step 1️⃣
In Design Space, click on "Upload" in the left sidebar. Then upload your JPG or PNG image. Choose an image complexity according to the descriptions given by Cricut.
Step 2️⃣
You will then be taken to an editing screen where you will have three editing options: the magic wand, an eraser brush and a crop tool. In the image below, use the magic wand then click on the white background of your logo in order to remove it. 🖱️
Click individually on each area of your logo with a white background to remove.
Step 3️⃣
When you have finished removing the parts of your image that you don't want, you have the choice to select a print then cut image or a cut image.
The print then cut image keeps the color, because you will use it to print it then cut it. For example, if you make stickers with your Cricut.
But it's the cut image that we want for our project. No need to worry about the color disappearing because the design can be divided into several parts in order to cut the right colors on the cutting machine. Click on the cut option, then on Save! The new file has appeared on the Design Space canvas. ✔️
Tracing is finished!
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many ways to create SVG files for Cricut. These methods have many advantages, like the free scaling of imagery 🖼️. It also makes your files more compatible with Cricut Design Space, while helping to shorten the image cutting process. ✂️
Feel like working on your next Cricut project and looking for SVG images for Cricut? In that case, you might want to take a look at our Vector Designs Shop.
We offer a wide selection of vector graphics that you can download at a very low price. Feel free to try out as many as you like! What's great about these graphics is that they are all offered in SVG, PNG and DXF formats (3 formats that are compatible with Cricut and Silhouette Cameo machines). 😀
Need new designs for your next DIY project or simply some inspiration? Then take a look! ⤵️
