The SVG file extension stands for "Scalable Vector Graphic." This file format is utilized in the Sure Cuts A Lot (SCAL) software that is used with the Cricut cutting machine. To create an SVG graphic for use with the Cricut, design a graphic or import an existing image into a proprietary graphics creation program such as Adobe Photoshop or PaintShop Pro. You can also accomplish the same task with the freeware graphics editor Inkscape.
Create SVG File in Adobe Photoshop
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Step 1
Open an existing JPEG or PNG image in Adobe Photoshop, or click "New" and open a new graphic canvas.
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Step 2
Click the "Pen," "Brush" or any other drawing tool from the "Toolbox" on the left side of the canvas. Draw your design onto the canvas using one or more drawing tools. If importing an existing graphic, click the "New Layer" button in the Layers palette to open a new drawing layer over the graphic. Draw over the existing image to recreate the image in vector format.
Step 3
Click on the imported image layer and press the "DEL" key to delete the image layer after you have recreated the original image in the vector layer.
Step 4
Click the "File" option on the top navigation bar, and then click the "Export" option.
Step 5
Type a name for the new SVG file in the "File Name" input box.
Step 6
Click the "Save as Type" drop-down box and then click the "Scalable Vector Graphic (.svg)" option. Click "Save." The file is saved as an SVG file and can now be imported into the SCAL software and used in Cricut.
Create SVG File in Inkscape
Step 1
Right-click on the JPEG, PNG or other image and then click "Open With" from the context menu. Click the "Inkscape" option. The graphic opens in the Inkscape program. To create a new drawing, click the "File" option and then click "New" from the top navigation bar. A blank canvas opens.
Step 2
Click the imported image, and then click "Edit" from the top navigation bar. Click "Make a Bitmap Copy." A copy of the image is created and layered on to of the original image. If creating a new image, use the "Pen," "Brush" and other drawing tools available in the left toolbar.
Step 3
Move the bitmap layer to the left or right (to access the original) and then click on the original graphic. Press the "DEL" key to delete it.
Step 4
Click the remaining image to select and then click "View."
Step 5
Click "Display Mode" and then click "Outline." An outline of the original image is automatically generated.
Step 6
Click the "Path" option on the top navigation bar, and then click "Trace Bitmap." The Trace Bitmap dialog box opens.
Step 7
Click the "Update" button and then click "OK" in the Trace Bitmap dialog box.
Step 8
Click on the red X in the graphic and move the X off the image. Press "DEL" to delete the red X.
Step 9
Recreate the remainder of the original image using the drawing tools from the toolbar, if needed.
Step 10
Click the "File" option and then click "Save." The File Save dialog box opens.
Step 11
Type a name for the new SVG file in the "File Name" input box.
Step 12
Click the "Save as Type" drop-down box and then click the "Inkscape SVG (.svg)" option. Click "Save." The image is saved as an SVG and may now be imported into the SCAL software and used with the Cricut machine.