To use SVG files, unzip the download first, then open the file type your software supports: SVG for Cricut Design Space and Silhouette Studio Designer Edition, DXF for Silhouette Studio Basic Edition, and PNG for sublimation, DTF and print on demand. Knowing how to use SVG files mostly comes down to picking the right file from the folder for the machine or program in front of you. This hub guide shows which file goes where and links to our detailed step-by-step tutorials.
Key takeaways
- Always unzip (extract) the downloaded folder before uploading anything; cutting software cannot read a ZIP file.
- A standard design includes SVG, PNG, EPS and DXF, so there is a file for almost every cutter, laser and printer.
- Cricut Design Space opens SVG directly, while Silhouette Studio Basic Edition needs the DXF because it cannot open SVG.
- Use the PNG for sublimation, DTF, printable iron-on and print on demand; designs whose title ends in “PNG” include only that file.
- You may sell finished items you make, but you may not resell or share the digital files themselves.
Step 1: Unzip the download
Designs arrive as a ZIP folder. The ZIP is a container, not a design, and it is the number one reason an upload “does nothing.” Extract it once and keep the folder somewhere easy to find, such as a “Craft files” folder sorted by theme.
- Windows: right-click the ZIP file and choose Extract All, then click Extract.
- Mac: double-click the ZIP file; a regular folder appears next to it.
- iPhone or iPad: open the Files app, find the ZIP (usually in Downloads) and tap it once to expand it.
- Android: open your Files app, tap the ZIP and choose Extract.
After extracting, you will see separate files with the same name and different endings, such as .svg, .png, .eps and .dxf. Your download link is on the order confirmation page and in your email, so you can download again if a file goes missing. Our buying and downloading instructions walk through that part.
What each file in the folder is for
- SVG is a vector cut file with clean, scalable paths and separate color layers. It is the default choice for cutting machines.
- PNG is a 300 dpi image with a transparent background. Use it for printing, Print Then Cut stickers, sublimation and DTF.
- DXF is a vector format read by most cutting and laser programs, including software that does not accept SVG.
- EPS is a vector format for professional design programs such as Adobe Illustrator and CorelDRAW.
If you want the background on vector versus raster files, read what an SVG file is and why it suits Cricut. Embroidery designs are different: they come as machine embroidery files (for example DST or PES) that you load into your embroidery machine software instead.
Which file to use with each machine and program
| Machine or software | Best file | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cricut Design Space (desktop and app) | SVG | Also opens PNG, JPG and DXF; use PNG for Print Then Cut. |
| Silhouette Studio Basic Edition | DXF | Basic Edition cannot open SVG; colors may need to be reassigned. |
| Silhouette Studio Designer Edition or higher | SVG | Opens SVG with its color layers intact. |
| Brother ScanNCut | SVG | Import into Brother’s CanvasWorkspace, then send to the machine. |
| Laser software (for example LightBurn or xTool Creative Space) | SVG or DXF | Check the line settings for cut versus engrave. |
| Sublimation and DTF printing | PNG | Print from your usual design or print software. |
| Print on demand platforms | PNG | Most platforms ask for a high-resolution PNG. |
| Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, Inkscape | SVG or EPS | Inkscape is free and opens SVG natively. |
Cricut Design Space
In Design Space, start a new project, click Upload, then Upload Image, then Browse and choose the .svg file. Menu names can change between app versions, but the Upload button has stayed in the left-hand panel on desktop. For the full click-by-click process on Windows, Mac, iPhone and Android, follow how to upload SVG files to Cricut. Once the design is on the canvas, how to use SVG files in Cricut Design Space after uploading explains Ungroup, Attach, Weld and the other tools.
Silhouette Studio: Basic vs Designer Edition
The free Basic Edition opens DXF but not SVG, which is why the DXF is included. Open it with File, then Open, and pick the .dxf file. DXF files do not carry fill colors, so the design may appear as outlines; that is normal and it still cuts correctly. With Designer Edition or a higher upgrade, you can open the SVG directly and keep the color layers.
Brother ScanNCut
Import the SVG into CanvasWorkspace, Brother’s design software, where you can size it and transfer it to the machine. Keep tiny details in mind on smaller cutting areas.
Laser cutters and engravers
Most laser programs import SVG and DXF. Each color or layer can be assigned cut, score or engrave settings, so review the layers before running a job and do a test on scrap material.
Sublimation, DTF and print on demand
Printing workflows need an image, not cut lines. Use the 300 dpi transparent PNG, size it in your print software and follow your printer or transfer supplier’s instructions for mirroring and settings. Designs whose title ends in “PNG” are made for exactly these uses and do not include SVG cut files.
How to use SVG files in your first project
- Unzip the folder and pick the file from the table above.
- Upload or open it in your software.
- Resize it to fit the blank; our resizing guide includes a size chart for shirts, mugs and decals.
- Choose the right material setting, and mirror the design if you are cutting iron-on (HTV).
- Cut, weed and apply the design.
If something looks wrong, such as a blank upload or a design that cuts as one piece, check the fixes in how to troubleshoot SVG files in Cricut Design Space.
License basics and where to find designs
Wow SVG designs may be used for personal and commercial projects, so you can sell the shirts, mugs and decals you make with them. Reselling, sharing or redistributing the digital files themselves is not allowed. To practice before buying, try the free SVG files; most other designs cost $2.50 each, with themes ranging from funny quotes to birthday designs. Questions about a file can go to support@wowsvg.com, and the team can fix corrupt files or download problems.
Designs to practice with
Want to try these steps on a real file? These designs from our shop are simple to cut and weed, and each one includes SVG, PNG, EPS and DXF files.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won’t my SVG file open in my cutting software?
The most common cause is that the folder is still zipped, so extract it first. If you use Silhouette Studio Basic Edition, open the DXF instead, because Basic Edition cannot open SVG files.
Which file should I use for Cricut Print Then Cut?
Use the PNG file and choose the print option when Design Space asks how to use the image. The SVG is meant for cutting, while the PNG keeps the full printed artwork.
Can I use SVG files on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The Cricut Design Space app on iPhone, iPad and Android can upload SVG files, as long as you unzip the download in your Files app first.
Do the files work with laser engravers?
Yes, most laser software imports SVG or DXF. Assign cut or engrave settings to each layer and run a test on scrap material before your final piece.
Can I sell products made with these files?
Yes, you can sell finished products you make with Wow SVG designs. You cannot resell, share or redistribute the digital files.
