How to Use SVGs​
SVG & Cut Files FAQs

What is an SVG file all about?

An SVG file is a ‘Scalable Vector Graphic’ file. It’s a file that’s commonly used in cutting machines as it’s a digital file type that can be resized in the programme without loss of clarity – this means you can use it large or small and it won’t go ‘fuzzy’ or ‘pixelated’ (how small you can go will be determined by how intricate the design is and the material you’re using to how delicate the machine can cut without your material breaking).

Most but not all cutting machines will work with SVG files – some don’t and that’s why I’ve provided other file types, such as DXF, EPS and a PNG.

The PNG can be printed out on an ordinary printer and used either as a printed design, for example by sublimation, or to cut the design by hand if you don’t want to use a cutting machine for your crafting. It’s provided in separate layer files plus one file of the complete layered design, so as to help you with your crafting, whatever you want to make. There's some more help with how to print PNGs to a specific size in the Card Templates section further down the page.

As well as the cutting machine itself, you will usually need to access the machine's own software programme on your computer – eg. Cricut’s Design Space or Silhouette Studio.

Here are the formats some common machines accept.

Cricut machines:

• SVG
• DXF
• JPG/PNG

Silhouette machines:

• DXF (Studio – free version of software)
• SVG (Designer & Business edition – paid versions of software)
• JPG/PNG

Brother ScanNCut:

• SVG
• DXF
• JPG/PNG

Sure Cuts a Lot:

• SVG
• EPS
• JPG/PNG

If in doubt, consult the help pages for your own machine.

Greetings Cards SVG Templates

How do I use the score & cut function on Cricut with the card templates?

I have a tutorial for how to set the lines to score correctly on your Cricut here - I also cover which scoring tool to choose, and how to score manually if you don't have a scoring tool for your Cricut.

How do I set up the card templates in Silhouette Studio?

If you're working with Silhouette Studio, I have some brief instructions for working with the card templates here...

How do I fold & assemble my card?

I have a tutorial to help you with making your card here...

Card template sizes

Usually, using the SVG in Cricut Design Space will load the design at the size intended in the template (to make a 12 x 12cm card - approximately 4.75 x 4.75 inches). If you're using another file format in another cutting machine program, or if you want to resize the PNG files to cut by hand, please resize the elements to the following to get this size of card (12 x 12cm or 4.75 x 4.75 inches) and envelope to fit:

Standard square card - please also check additional card formats at the bottom of this section if your card has additional elements or is not a square! Print & cut cards also have their own section (further down the page).

• Envelope - size to 26.92 x 15.21 cm (10.6 x 5.99 inches)
• Inner card - size to 23.38 x 11.66cm (9.2 x 4.59 inches)
• Outer card - size to 23.88 x 11.96 cm (9.4 x 4.71 inches)

Resizing PNG files - it can be tricky, sometimes, to get PNG files to print the exact size you want them, I've found that inserting the image files (PNGs) into a Word document and then using the Word tools to resize to the size you want will normally enable you to get the correct size. Please remember to set your printer to print to actual size if you have that as an option.

In Word, go to:

• Insert - Pictures - find your PNG images on your computer and add them.
• Click on the first image to bring up the image tools. Use 'Size' (far right) and type in the measurements. Repeat for each element.
• You may need to rotate your image, or change the page orientation to get it to fit on the page size.
• Also think about making page margins narrower, if necessary, to make the elements fit.

Additional elements for the card templates - some of the card templates also have additional elements (alongside one or more of the 3 basic elements above - envelope, inner card, outer card) - I'll list the sizes of the additional elements here to help you if you need to resize and want to get the same size as my template...

Wedding cards (layered topper style - bride/groom, groom/groom, bride/bride)

• Lacy square - 10.08 x 10.08 cm (3.97 x 3.97 inches)
• Plain square - 9.69 x 9.69 cm (3.81 x 3.81 inches)
• Figures (bride/groom) - 3.58 x 7.86 cm (1.41 x 3.1 inches)
• Figure background (for B/G) - 3.87 x 8.15 cm (1.52 x 3.21 inches)
• Figures (bride/bride) - 4.87 x 7.8 cm (1.92 x 3.07 inches)
• Figure background (for B/B) - 5.17 x 8.1 cm (2.03 x 3.19 inches)
• Figures (groom/groom) - 3.15 x 7.63 cm (1.24 x 3.01 inches)
• Figure background (for G/G) - 3.45 x 7.93 cm (1.36 x 3.12 inches)

Never ending card (this design)

• Envelope - 26.92 x 15.21 cm (10.6 x 5.99 inches)
• Yellow elements (all - as provided - WITH score lines included) - 24.65 x 12.3 cm (9.71 x 4.84 inches)
• Yellow elements (all - as provided - WITHOUT score lines included) - 24.59 x 12.23 cm (9.68 x 4.81 inches)
• Orange elements (all - as provided) - 24.11 x 5.5 cm (2.17 x 9.49 inches)
• Teal elements (all - as provided) - 11.59 x 5.5 cm (4.56 x 2.17 inches)
• Green elements (all - as provided) - 11.26 x 11.56 cm (4.42 x 4.55 inches)
• Pink elements (as provided) - 5.53 x 22.91 cm (2.18 x 9.04 inches)
• Cream element (as provided) - 4.58 x 4.58 cm (1.8 x 1.8 inches)

Circle card (coming soon)

• Outer card - 23.65 x 12.03 cm (9.31 x 4.74 inches)
• Inner card - 23.08 x 11.74 cm (9.09 x 4.62 inches)
• Envelope - 26.92 x 15.21 cm (10.6 x 5.99 inches)

If you need any further measurements to help you use the card templates or any of the other designs, please just ask me either via my website or my Etsy store.

Silhouette Studio Instructions for the Card Templates

Here are some step-by-step instructions that I wrote for a customer to help them work with the card template in Silhouette Studio (free version)...

I used the DXF files and worked with each element separately, using the separate files for outer card, inner card and envelope.

For each file:

• File > Open > Select file

• Edit > Select All

• Object > Make a Compound Path

• Object > Rotate > Rotate by 90 degrees clockwise

• Grab a corner and resize to the sizes below by pulling out the corner diagonally. It’s sometimes easier to pull a little from the top right corner, until it nears the edge of the page, and then move to the bottom left corner to continue to increase until it’s the correct size – sizes just below – it doesn’t need to be precise, as I know it can sometimes be tricky to get the numbers perfectly exact so as long as it’s in the close ball park it will be okay as a little leeway is built into the template.

• Envelope - size to 26.92 x 15.21 cm (10.6 x 5.99 inches)

• Inner card - size to 23.38 x 11.66cm (9.2 x 4.59 inches)

• Outer card - size to 23.88 x 11.96 cm (9.4 x 4.71 inches)

• Edit > Select All (if necessary)

• Object > Release Compound Path

• Click away to deselect

• Select the score lines only (refer to the PDF that comes with your template if you’re unsure) – to select more than one score line at once, hold down the Shift key while you click on the score lines

• With the score line(s) selected, make sure that the solid line style is selected in the line-style drop-down menu (it should already be correct) (top left of screen)

• Then go to the line style icon on the right-hand side of your screen – this looks like three horizontal lines together, getting thicker at the bottom and with a dotted line on top – when this panel opens up click on the coloured lines icon (red, green blue) which is on the top left of this little panel

• Then click a colour that will help to distinguish the score line – I used blue

• Then go to ‘Send’ (top right corner of screen)

• Go to ‘Line’ (centre option just under the main teal top menu)

• Here, make sure each of the materials is set to ‘Cardstock’

• Then for the blue option, set your action to ‘Score’

• And for the black option, set your action to ‘Cut’

It should now be ready to send to your machine as usual.

Repeat for the other two parts of the card.

As I don’t have a Silhouette machine, I couldn’t test it out in physical form. When I use the Cricut, I have one extra step which is to ‘attach’ the score line back to the rest of the shape. From my investigations into scoring with Silhouette, this doesn’t seem like it’s necessary, but if it doesn’t work, let me know either via my contact page or via my Etsy store (if you bought the item on Etsy) and we can figure out what extra needs doing so it works for you.

Once your template is cut and scored you can continue with the craft tutorial to help you fold and assemble the card and envelope here...

Print Then Cut Card Templates & Other Print Then Cut Projects

These are the card templates available on this page - and the Christmas ornament templates on this page.

Where's my print-then-cut design?

Your print then cut template is in two parts in your files. The artwork design for the front of the card or decoration (the print-then-cut part) is in the file marked ‘PRINT THEN CUT DESIGN’ and is a JPG or PNG file which will need to be resized to the correct size.

The second part of the template is the cut file with the rest of the card and the envelope (or the decoration if you're making this project). You can select this/these file(s) from one of the files marked SVG, EPS, DXF or PNG files, whichever suits your cutting machine or if you’re cutting by hand.

How do I use the print-then-cut function for the templates?

There are full, detailed instructions for how to make the print-then-cut card templates at this page. This includes how to combine your Cricut and home printer to print (and cut) the print-then-cut part of the design as well as working with score lines for the rest of the card and actually putting it all together. This is intended primarily for Cricut users, but if you're a user of another brand of cutting machine, you may also find it helps you work through the steps for your own machine.

If you're making the Christmas decorations look at this page for instructions.

What type of cardstock should I print onto?

I've got good results printing onto photo paper which tends to give vibrant, clear prints - I've also experimented with other cardstock types including textured watercolour cardstock which gives a soft, nostalgic watercolour look to the right artwork. The most important thing is to choose a paper or cardstock that your printer can cope with - if you haven't got a rear tray for your printer, it may struggle with thicker cardstocks and glossy papers. I did some experiments with printing onto different cardstock and paper types and share my tests and results with you on this page...

Card template measurements

These measurements will make a finished card that's around 12 x 12 cm (approx 4.75 x 4.75 inches) with the envelope a little larger.

• Envelope - size to 26.92 x 15.21 cm (10.6 x 5.99 inches)
• Inner card - size to 23.38 x 11.66cm (9.2 x 4.59 inches)
• Outer card - size to 23.88 x 11.96 cm (9.4 x 4.71 inches)
• Topper square - size to 10.58 x 10.58 cm (4.17 x 4.17 inches)
• Print-then-cut design - size to 9.7 x 9.7 cm (3.82 x 3.82 inches)

Please do not increase the size of the JPG/PNG file for the print-then-cut design beyond the recommended measurements here, else the print quality may suffer.

Christmas decoration measurements

These measurements will make a finished Christmas decoration that's around 12.7 cm in diameter (approx. 4.17 inches):

• Artwork for print then cut - single circle - 9.5 x 9.5 cm (3.74 x 3.74 inches)
• Artwork for print then cut - both circles together - 9.5 x 20.16 cm (3.74 x 7.94 inches)
• All circles together - 24.2 x 21.84 cm (9.53 x 8.6 inches)
• Small circle - 10.6 x 10.6 inches (4.17 x 4.17 inches)
• Large circle - 12.7 x 12.7 cm (5 x 5 inches)

Please do not increase the size of the PNG file for the print-then-cut design beyond the recommended measurements here, else the print quality may suffer.

Resizing PNG files

How to get PNG files to print out at the size you want:

Insert your PNG files into a Word document. Then, you can use the Word tools to resize to the correct size. Also see if you can set your printer to 'print to actual size'.

In Word, go to:

• Insert - Pictures - find your PNG images on your computer and add them.

• Click on the first image to bring up the image tools. Use 'Size' (far right) and type in the measurements. Repeat for each element.

• You may need to rotate your image, or change the page orientation to get it to fit on the page size.

• Also think about making page margins narrower, if necessary, to make the elements fit.

If you need any more help with your print-then-cut templates, please just ask me, via my Etsy store (for Etsy customers) or my contact page here.

Gift Box SVG Templates

How do I score my paper box template?

You can score manually (with a knitting needle or similar and a metal rule) - if you want to do this while still cutting with a cutting machine, you will need to delete the score lines in your cutting machine program.

If you want to use the cut and score function on your cutting machine, you will need to set each of the score lines to score and then attach them to the correct cut shape. If you're using Cricut, I have full instructions for how to do this here. You may also find it helpful to follow if you're using another type of cutting machine.

How do I fold & assemble the gift box?

I have a full craft tutorial to help you fold and assemble your gift box project here.

Gift Box Template Sizes

If you use the SVG file in Cricut Design Space, it will usually load at the size I created it, so that you can make a gift box to the same size as the template (or resize it if you wish).

If you're using a different file format or another make of cutting machine, or using the PNG* to cut by hand (*in which case, also see section on resizing PNGs in Word just below) you may need to resize the template elements. You can use the following sizes to help you:

Basic square gift box template (this one) plus all patterned gift box templates with the same square shape (here)

• LID - 19.87 x 19.9 cm (7.82 x 7.83 inches)
• BASE - 19.11 x 19.11 cm (7.52 x 7.52 inches)
• LID INSERT(S) - 7.81 x 7.81 cm (3.07 x 3.07 inches)
• BASE INSERT - 7.44 x 7.44 cm (2.93 x 2.93 inches)

This makes a box approximately 8 x 8 x 2cm (3.15 x 3.15 x 0.79 inches)

Gift card box template (this one)

• LID - 24.35 x 19.88 cm (9.59 x 7.83 inches)
• BASE - 23.4 x 19.11 cm (9.21 x 7.52 inches)
• LID INSERT - 12.18 x 7.73 cm (4.8 x 3.04 inches)
• BASE INSERT - 11.72 x 7.44 cm (4.61 x 2.93 inches)
• GIFT CARD INSERT - (WITHOUT score lines included) - 19.18 x 11.72 cm (7.55 x 4.61 inches) 
• GIFT CARD INSERT - (WITH score lines included) - 19.18 x 12.09 cm (7.55 x 4.76 inches)

If you're using the PNG file, the score lines are included in the shapes.

This makes a box approximately 12.5 x 8 x 2 cm in size (that's approximately 4.92 x 3.15 x 0.79 inches).

Resizing PNG Files

Sometimes it's a little awkward to get PNG files to print out at the exact size you want.

I like to insert the image files (PNGs) into a Word document. Then, it's easy to use the Word tools to resize to the correct size. You must also remember to set your printer to print to actual size if you have that as an option.

In Word, go to:

• Insert - Pictures - find your PNG images on your computer and add them.

• Click on the first image to bring up the image tools. Use 'Size' (far right) and type in the measurements. Repeat for each element.

• You may need to rotate your image, or change the page orientation to get it to fit on the page size.

• Also think about making page margins narrower, if necessary, to make the elements fit.

If you need any further measurements to help you use the gift box templates or any of the other designs, please just ask me either via my website or my Etsy store (Etsy customers only).

3D Paper Gingerbread House Template

How do I score and make the 3D paper gingerbread house?

There are full instructions to help you score and make the gingerbread house project on this page. The instructions are intended for Cricut users, but if you use another type of cutting machine, the instructions may help you to understand the process and apply it to your own machine. There is also a part of the instructions where we assemble the house together, too. Find all that here...

Paper gingerbread house measurements

The following measurements are as loaded into Cricut Design Space and include the score lines for each element.

• Front and back house panels (each) - 19.77 x 13.43 cm (or 7.78 x 5.29 inches)
• Side house panels (each) - 9.28 x 16.22 cm (or 3.65 x 6.34 inches)
• Roof panel - 17.04 x 15.37 cm (or 6.71 x 6.05 inches)

Resizing the PNG Files

It can sometimes be awkward to use PNG files and get them to print at an exact size. I've found it easiest to use Word to insert the PNG file into the document and then use Word's tools to resize. Remember to use the 'print to actual size' function on your printer, too, if you have this.

In Word, go to:

• Insert - Pictures - find your PNG images on your computer and add them.

• Click on the first image to bring up the image tools. Use 'Size' (far right) and type in the measurements. Repeat for each element.

• You may need to rotate your image, or change the page orientation to get it to fit on the page size.

• Also think about making page margins narrower, if necessary, to make the elements fit.

If you have any difficulties using the template, or need any further measurements, get in touch with me either via my contact page here or via my Etsy store (Etsy customers only) - and I'll do my best to help you out.

Papercraft Flowers (3D)

All of the 3D papercraft flower templates will have detailed photo tutorials on my website. There should be a PDF file in your set of files that will direct you to the relevant page. I may also send you a message with the relevant page after purchase too (excluding vacation times & weekends). If you're feeling stuck, check the main floral designs page and then find your flower template with instructions from there.

3D Flower Template Measurements

If you use the SVG file in Cricut Design Space, it will usually load at the size I created it, so that you can make a flower to the same size as the template (or resize it if you wish).

If you're using a different file format or another make of cutting machine, or using the PNG* to cut by hand (*in which case, also see section on resizing PNGs in Word just below) you may need to resize the template elements. You can use the following sizes to help you:

Papercraft Daffodil Template - from this page

• Back petals (large) - 7.66 x 7.28 cm (3.01 x 2.86 inches)
• Front petals (small) - 7.98 x 7.33 cm (3.14 x 2.89 inches)
• Green triangle - 4.42 x 5.57 cm (1.74 x 2.19 inches)
• Trumpet - 7.48 x 4.8 cm (2.94 x 1.89 inches)
• Sepal (shaped like a little onion) - 3.3 x 7.64 cm (1.3 x 3.01 inches)
• Stamen strip (inner, with stamens) - 3.46 x 13.09 cm (1.36 x 5.15 inches)
• Stamen strip (outer, with tabs) - 2.6 x 11.78 cm (1.02 x 4.64 inches)
• Shortest leaf - 21.07 x 1.5 cm (8.3 x 0.59 inches)
• Middle leaf - 23.01 x 1.5 cm (9.06 x 0.59 inches)
• Longest leaf - 24.74 x 1.5 cm (9.74 x 0.59 inches)

Easy Paper Flower Template - from this page

• Petal 1 - 13.95 x 13.54 cm (5.49 x 5.33 inches)
• Petal 2 - 12.48 x 12.14 cm (4.92 x 4.78 inches)
• Petal 3 - 10.35 x 10.07 cm (4.07 x 3.97 inches)
• Petal 4 - 8.68 x 8.42 cm (3.42 x 3.32 inches)
• Petal 5 - 7.31 x 7.09 cm (2.88 x 2.79 inches)
• Circle - 4.16 x 4.16 cm (1.64 x 1.64 inches)
• All petals - 27.46 x 30.56 cm (10.81 x 12.03 inches)
• Leaf 1 - 5.29 x 12 cm (2.08 x 4.72 inches)
• Leaf 2 - 4.78 x 10.87 cm (1.88 x 4.28 inches)
• Leaf 3 - 4.12 x 9.17 cm (1.62 x 3.61 inches)
• Leaf 4 - 3.59 x 8.03 cm (1.42 x 3.16 inches)
• Sepal piece - 11.5 x 7.56 cm (4.53 x 2.98 inches)
• All leaves - 18.16 x 30.62 cm (7.15 x 12.07 inches)
• Large flower centre - 6.07 x 6.06 cm (2.39 x 2.39 inches)
• Small flower centre - 4.5 x 4.52 cm (1.77 x 1.78 inches)
• Both flower centres - 11.98 x 6.06 cm (4.73 x 2.39 inches)

Resizing PNG Files

Sometimes it's just a bit tricky to get PNG files to print out at the exact size you want.

If I'm struggling, I insert the image files (PNGs) into a Word document. Then, you can use the Word tools to resize to the correct size. You need to remember to set your printer to print to actual size if you have that as an option.

In Word, go to:

• Insert - Pictures - find your PNG images on your computer and add them.

• Click on the first image to bring up the image tools. Use 'Size' (far right) and type in the measurements. Repeat for each element.

• You may need to rotate your image, or change the page orientation to get it to fit on the page size.

• Also think about making page margins narrower, if necessary, to make the elements fit.

If you need any further measurements to help you use the gift box templates or any of the other designs, please just ask me either via my website or my Etsy store (for Etsy customers).

Black Friday deal from Creative Fabrica

Are you a keen crafter? Then you might like Creative Fabrica's All Access Pass which allows you to save money by using thousands of designs, fonts, and PNGs for hobby and commercial crafts. 

For Black Friday, you can also get a free 'Siser' gift with your All Access pass...

Check it out here...

If you sign up to Creative Fabrica after clicking on my links above, I will receive a small referral fee. This helps me to be able to keep producing my own designs for you. The price you pay is always the same.

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