Patch It Up Pro
SVG Cut File Specifications for Laser, Vinyl, and Print Production
Short answer: A production SVG should use real vector paths at the intended physical size, with fonts converted to outlines when text editing is not required. Remove hidden objects, duplicate paths, clipping surprises, unsupported effects, and open contours before sending the file to a cutter or laser workflow.
Quick specifications
- Geometry
- Vector paths, not embedded screenshots
- Size
- Set in inches or millimeters at final scale
- Text
- Outline fonts for a fixed production handoff
- Contours
- Closed where the production method requires closed shapes
- Strokes
- Expand if the receiving software interprets stroke width inconsistently
- Effects
- Flatten or expand unsupported masks, filters, and appearances
SVG preflight
SVG preflight| Check | Good | Problem |
|---|
| Path count | Only intentional geometry | Duplicates cause double cutting |
| Fonts | Outlined or packaged by agreement | Missing fonts change layout |
| Scale | Known physical dimensions | Pixels or viewBox ambiguity |
| Contours | Joined and closed as needed | Open gaps fail fills/cuts |
| Layers | Named by process/color | Hidden or ambiguous operations |
Production recommendations
- Use operation colors consistently: If your shop maps colors to cut, score, engrave, or print, include the legend in the job ticket.
- Remove duplicate geometry: Overlapping paths can cause a blade or laser to run the same line twice.
- Open in the target software: A valid browser SVG can still import differently into RIP, cutter, or laser software.
Frequently asked questions
- Is SVG always vector?
- The SVG container can include embedded raster images, so a file ending in .svg is not proof that all artwork is vector.
- Should strokes be expanded?
- Expand strokes when physical stroke width is part of the shape or when the target software does not preserve appearance. Keep centerline strokes only when the operation expects centerlines.
- Why does my cutter cut twice?
- Duplicate paths, stacked copies, or an outline plus expanded shape can create two coincident cut lines. Use outline/wireframe view to inspect geometry.