SVG Cut files are the graphic you load into a cutting machine (Cricut, Silhouette Cameo, etc.) in order to cut vinyl, leather, paper products, fabric…and tons more. An SVG’s size can be increased or decreased without a loss of quality. These graphics enable you to make anything from stencils and gift boxes to elaborate designs on t-shirts.
What, specifically, is a SVG Cut File?
SVG stands for Scalable Vector Graphic, which means it is a vector graphic that can be sized to whatever scale you can imagine without losing its sharpness. Ever tried blowing up a photograph just to have it turn out blurry? This will never happen with an SVG file. You can start with a small file (easy to send via the web and downloads quickly) and turn it into a very large beautiful banner.
Another giant perk to SVGs is they are EDITABLE. Once uploaded to the cutting program, such as Cricut Design Space, you can change just about anything to customize it to whatever you want… stroke or fill color. You also have the option of printing or cutting the design, depending upon the program and machine. ‘Each part of the separated meaning you can use different pieces of vinyl for different parts of the design. Another option is using leather for one part of the design and vinyl for the other or both. This is such a fun skill to have and even more fun if you have a cutting machine.
What do I need to cutout SVG files?
First you need a die cutting machine, such as Silhouette Cameo or Cricut Explore. Each machine have their strengths and weaknesses. Software applications are bundled with these devices that have the capability to import and cut SVG files. This includes Silhouette Studio and Cricut Design Space. There are lots of reviews and comparisons available on the Internet explaining the differences. Below are some of most commonly used consumer-level die cutting machines.
Cricut Cutting Machines (Works with Cricut Design Space)
- Cricut Maker https://amzn.to/2olS52R
- Cricut Explore Air 2 http://amzn.to/2zDreaA
- Older models (Cricut Explore Air, Cricut Explore One, Cricut Explore)
Silhouette Cutting Machines (requires at least Silhouette Studio Designer Edition upgrade: http://amzn.to/2ABqOhJ)
- Silhouette Cameo 3 https://amzn.to/2Lv5M8G
- Older models (Silhouette Cameo 1 & 2)
- Silhouette Portrait & Curio (will work with smaller files due to mat limitations. Functionally it works, but most files are designed for 12 x 12 mats)
