7 Ways to Make SVG Files for Cricut

This is an overview of how to make SVG for the Cricut covering a few of the most common use cases.

Let’s start with some basics…

What is an SVG file?

SVG stands for Scalable Vector Graphics. It is a type of vector file that most cutting machines use to determine what direction to send the blade.

There are other vector file formats but SVG is the most common and is the one that Cricut uses for all its machines.

Why can’t you use regular JPG or PNG images to cut?

Most digital images you see are bitmap images. Bitmap images are composed of pixels (or dots). The image file records the image with information on each pixel.

This is useful for most printers because that is how it processes information to print. It wants to know what color to use for each dot in the image.

Unfortunately, the blade in the Cricut needs additional information. It needs directional (or vector) information. It wants to know what path to take to make the cut.

SVG files are image files that contain directional information or paths information about the image.

How to SVG files from JPEG or PNG images

So what’s the big deal, why can’t we just convert a bitmap image to a vector image easily?

Well, the simple answer is it takes a lot of math. It is an extremely difficult math problem to figure out how to convert dots to directions.

It is also subjective what a good conversion means in different contexts.

Some times you want to vectorize the entire image. Other times you want to preserve the details of the image and just create a cut path around the outline of the image. And then there are times when you want to group certain elements of the image together but not others.

Let’s go through some of the most popular scenarios.

How to make an SVG – Simple Approximation Vectorization

This first example, you might have seen on various platforms. It is the vectorization of photos or detailed images. It is probably the least applicable to Cricut crafts but it is an important foundational component.

The end results like a paint-by-number version of the original image. The blobs of color can be smaller or larger depending on the settings and software used to perform the vectorization.

how to make an svg

This version of the vectorized image contains fewer paths. It is simpler and creates a certain aesthetic you may or may not want.

This scenario is most common for print designs, the SVG for this photo can be scaled infinitely large in a way that doesn’t look “grainy” poster size.

How to create SVG files for Cricut

I find most Cricut crafters only want to do this for vinyl projects. I have a detailed tutorial on how to vectorize photographs within Design Space here.

make svg file for cricut

Here is another example of a simple graphic from a visual perspective, that is text. In this scenario, you just want the vectorization to most accurately describe the outline of the image.

It actually is the same process that you would use in both scenarios. In both these scenarios, you can actually do the vectorization within Cricut Design Space.

Cricut Design Space does have some native vectorization capabilities. They are not great, but I find it covers a lot of use cases for Cricut crafters.

how to make svg files for cricut

This is the simplist scenario for converting the original JPEG to an SVG within Design Space.

You simply upload the JPEG image. Because there is high contrast between the colors and the back is uniform, you can select “Simple” in the upload process.

Then just Select and Erase the background by clicking anywhere on the background. Then select a Save as a Cut Image.

While the print and cut image choice might look similar, you don’t want to use that because you won’t be able to change the vector shapes afterwards.

There are scenarios when you want to preserve the pixel information within the cut paths though through the Print and Cut option.

Cutting Around a Photo in Cricut Design Space

how to make svg files for cricut

There may be other times when you just want to preserve the details of a photo and just cut around the photo.

Or maybe you want to just import it and then cut it in a different shape. This is the process to do both.

To cut around a photo in Cricut Design Space, start with Upload Image.

After selecting your image, select “complex” so Design Space knows to preserve the resolution of the image.

Then do nothing on the next page when it asks you what you want to keep and erase.

On the following screen, “Save as a Cut image”.

It’s not too bad. Cricut Design Space just makes it not very intuitive when they use imprecise terms like simple, moderate, and complex.

If you are interested in cutting different shapes around a photo, check out my Cricut Design Space for Beginners Full tutorial here.

How to Scan and Cut Images in Cricut Design Space

how to create svg files for cricut

This Paw Patrol example is one I know many parents might be interested in. But before I say anymore, please don’t go do this for commercial purposes, that would be violating copyright laws.

So my kids have many many Paw Patrol items. I actually just took a photo of a page in one of their books and used the print and cut function to make a bunch of stickers to entertain them. Please don’t go taking screenshots of Paw Patrol images online and then start selling t-shirts with the image.

This photo example didn’t actually involve vectorizing the internals of the image, it just created a vector path around the image and preserved the pixel information inside the photo.

How to Export Designs out of Cricut

Did you spend an afternoon designing the perfect card that you just want to share with your fellow Cricut crafting friends?

And then you realize Cricut doesn’t actually let you export any of the designs you make in the app.

Well, I have a small hack I share with all my people. I’ve included this quick tutorial in my resource library.

Get access to all my project templates and printables.

Join my templates and tutorials newletter and get access to 200+ FREE SVG cut files and printable templates.

    Unsubscribe at any time.

    How to turn images into cut files in Design Space

    Best for… quick conversion of simple graphics and when you want to preserve the photo details and just want to cut around it.

    Cons: Has limited actual vectorization capabilities and is terrible for virtually every other use case.

    how to create svg files for cricut

    This is a more complex scenario than my animal images earlier because the “background” is not one continuous piece.

    The basic premise for turning images to cut files in Design Space is helping it decide the “background” and the part you want to keep. You do this by manually labeling the “foreground” and the “background”.

    Let’s take this Harry Potter Inspired graphics set. I have saved it with high resolution.

    To turn this into an SVG file in Design Space, you need to first upload the image using the “Upload” tool.

    Then select your file. Using the “Select & Erase” tool in the upper left-hand corner of the screen. Then mark the background.

    (if you want this FREE set of Harry Potter Inspired graphics, they are available in my resource library)

    This works well for high-resolution images that don’t have a lot of small sharp corners and has high contrast with the colors used. This is why when you try to vectorize a “v” in a small image, the points are not sharp and the labeling tool seems too chubby. At the end of the day, the original image just didn’t have enough pixels to describe the “v” so that Design Space can estimate the path.

    This is what I mean by limited capabilities. Other more dedicated image process software has more “smarts” to estimate the “correct” path with limited pixels.

    How to turn more complex photos into vinyl SVG cut files for the Cricut

    how to create svg files for cricut

    If you are interested in making these intricate vinyl decals of a photo like, this is totally doable within Cricut Design Space. I have a full tutorial on how I turned this photo into a cut file with Cricut Design Space here.

    Moving on…

    Say you want to make individual cutouts in vinyl of Chase from Paw Patrol. That requires a lot more accurate detailed path approximation than Cricut Design Space can handle. You will have to use more dedicated software outside of Design Space.

    How to make SVG files for Cricut in Illustrator

    Best for...complex SVG files that have multiple layers (colors) and require post vectorization editing.

    Cons: It is not super easy to use, there’s a learning curve and it actually is not the “smartest” at finding the path meaning it will require some manual editing.

    Probably the most well-known software for making SVG files is Adobe Illustrator.

    how to make svg files for cricut in illustrator

    The function to make SVG files out of bitmap images is “Image Trace”. You can access the tool panel by going to Window > Image Trace.

    I can write a whole book on other editing functions to do after tracing the image so I will stop here on Adobe Illustrator. In fact, I have:

    Interested in making your own SVGs?

    Learn how to use Inkscape and Adobe Illustrator with my ebook series Crafty Designs.

    How to make SVG files in Inkscape

    Best for...medium complexity images that require editing and for when you just want something free.
    Cons: It sucks at finding the path and has terrible usability. But it’s free.

    Of all the times I have used Inkscape, there is only one scenario where I will recommend it. It is to make an Archimedean Spiral.

    A what?! Why would I ever need this?!

    Allow me to finally use a tiny bit my double Masters for once on a crafts subject… there are some types of rolled flower templates that require a tight circular spiral.

    A tight circular spiral is called an Archimedean Spiral. The base spiral template in Inkscape this an Archimedean Spiral. The base spiral template in Adobe Illustrator is a Logarithmic Spiral. These two differ by the decay rate. A Logarithmic Spiral has….logarithmic decay, it “spirals out” much faster.

    Thank you for indulging me in this rant…

    Back on path to tracing paths Inkscape. (heehee, sorry, I couldn’t help myself)

    So Inkscape does have uses outside its Archimedean Spiral.

    If you want step by step instructions on how to vectorize an image in Inkscape, check out my Inkscape Tutorial Article.

    If you are really set on learning this free software, check out my ebook on how to use Inkscape to design Cutting Craft Designs above.

    Best paid SVG converter – Vector Magic

    Best For… fastest, easiest and most accurate SVG converter for simple to complex images
    Cons: limited editing functionality post vectorization.

    I use Vector Magic about 90% of the time because it requires no manual labeling on my part and no tutorial to use.

    I can vectorize an image… a screenshot, a photo, any digital image in about less time it takes me to type this sentence.

    how to make svg files

    Let just use my Harry Potter inspired graphics for example. I took a screenshot of the image (Ctrl+Alt+PrintScreen).

    I then went to vectormagic.com

    I pasted the image into the browser (Ctrl + v).

    It automatically starts vectorizing. I then download.

    THAT IS IT!!! I used 4 keys on my keyboard. It required about 3 seconds of work on my part.

    There are options to tweak the settings to get different results. The default setting is automated to make things easier for everyone.

    Now, I’m not encouraging everyone to go out and violate copyright laws and start taking screenshots of everything. Please don’t go do that.

    Free SVG converters

    Best for… no scenario, it’s just free
    Cons: it sucks on all fronts. Just use Design Space if it is a simple image.

    This is really the bottom of the pit when it comes to vectorization. If I was to create a software product, I would hope the only thing going for it isn’t that it is free.

    Making your own SVG files

    There are a couple of options if you want to get into making your own SVG files.

    The first is to purchase Adobe Illustrator and learn how to use it.

    If your intention is not to start a second career in graphic design, then I suggest using Google Slides. It is free, it is available online so no need to download anything. It is the Google version of Microsoft PowerPoint (which is not free).

    After making your design, you can then use one of the options above to convert it to an SVG file.

    Note: there is an option to save Google Slides as an SVG format but don’t be fooled. It is not a true SVG file. It might be if you had only a couple of simple elements (like 1 circle and 1 triangle) but even then, it does not reliability save it as an SVG file.

    Related Articles:

    The Most Profitable Cricut Projects to Sell

    7 Cricut Projects with Scraps

    29 Beginners Cricut Projects with Free Templates

    cricut how to make svg files
    cricut beginners tutorial
    cricut beginners tutorial, make free svg, how to make photo cut outs

    6 thoughts on “7 Ways to Make SVG Files for Cricut”

    1. Micah Pineda, Sr.

      Trying to cut vinyl lettering on a Graphtec Plotter. I’m trying to save/Export simple text to an SVG File thru Adobe Illustrator, but, In several instances curved lines and circles have become straight lines between anchor points. How can I correct curves in SVG file.

      1. Hi there, I’m not familiar with the Graphtec Plotter but it looks like if it uses SVG format files, you will need to do the same process to convert text as you do for any other SVG in illustrator. I first type the letter and make adjustments to the font size/spacing/type etc. When you are done with all text editing you will need to create an outline around the letters. Fonts don’t save consistently in SVG across different platforms. To create an outline of the text, you need to select the text, then click on Type dropdown menu > Create Outline. Depending on your text, you may need to do some compounding/grouping/regrouping. I have an entire chapter dedicated to this in my ebook for using Illustrator for cutting crafts: https://domesticheights.com/cd-illustrator/

    2. Karen

      I designed a 3D truck and want to cut it out of cardstock using my cricut. This requires cutting some parts and folding others. How do I take my outline and designate what each part does? It is a flat image so right now it will only print. I am thinking I have to overlay the original image with lines, which is clumsy and hard to manage.

      1. Elf @DomesticHeights

        Hi Karen,
        Turning a 2D truck into a 3D truck would require some custom new design beyond just vectorizing the original 2D image.

    3. Lori

      Thank you. I am new and trying to us this is difficult. I have MS and hard to comprehend

      1. Elf @DomesticHeights

        Hi Lori,
        We hope you enjoy crafting with our templates 🙂
        Please feel free to write to us at info@domesticheights.com at any time you have a question.
        Happy Crafting!

    Leave a Comment

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Privacy Policy

    Scroll to Top