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How to use SVGs - Everything you need to know about Lotti Brown's SVG cut files for papercutting and crafting - how to access them and use them, available file formats, compatibility, commercial use, downloading, measurements, help with using them, and more...
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:
Silhouette machines:
Brother ScanNCut:
Sure Cuts a Lot:
If in doubt, consult the help pages for your own machine.
The files are available in my own webstore here or via my Etsy store here... There will also be a link on any website page or blog post where I share the details of each design for you, so that you can access the file easily.
They're available worldwide and for instant download.
Prices in my own webstore are displayed in £ (GBP) but will be processed in $ USD. If you'd like to see the conversion, click over to Paypal payment (where available) and the USD price will be displayed at the bottom. Please add your country to the drop-down menu to see any additional sales tax charges required by your tax authorities.
Please remember that due to the digital nature of the product, once you download your digital files, no refund can be given.
Please remember that due to the digital nature of the product, once you download your digital files, no refund can be given.
Please remember that due to the digital nature of the product, once you download your digital files, no refund can be given.
To be able to use your files, you will need to unzip them. Most computers will have unzipping software already built in such as WinZip or WinRar. There are also free unzipping programmes that you can access such as PeaZip or 7-zip.
In most cases, right clicking on your zipped folder will access a menu of options. Choose ‘Extract all’ and select where to save your files to. Then just ‘Extract’ and your files will be ready to use.
Find more help for unzipping at: https://www.wikihow.com/Unzip-a-File
First, open up the Cricut Design Space programme - then...
If you have just an image without the layers that you were expecting, are you trying to open the SVG file straight from your computer and not through whichever programme, (like Cricut Design Space) that you want to use the file in?
There is a quirk with SVG files (as SVG can be used for many different purposes, not just cut files) that computers can sometimes see them as an HTML file and try to open them as such.
If you open the SVG file from within your design programme, it should work correctly. Use the method just above if you're working in Cricut Design Space. There are some instructions for opening the file in Silhouette Studio, ScanNCut and Sure Cuts a Lot just a little bit further down if you keep scrolling...
First open up the Silhouette Studio programme - then...
If you’re working with DXF files in Silhouette Studio, you will see that in most cases I’ve provided a separate layer file for each colour to make separating the layers easier for you. Some simpler designs may only have one layer, while more complex ones may have more than two.
To resize the design in Silhouette Studio (while keeping all the pieces together!)
The design is now all bonded together and the separate parts can’t move around or get lost. You can grab a corner and drag it in or out to make the design larger or smaller.
Open up the ScanNCut Canvas Workspace (instructions given for Desktop version) - then...
Open up the Sure Cuts a Lot design programme - then...
PNG files are for if you want to print the design, or if you want to print a template to use to cut by hand. I know from experience that it can sometimes be a little awkward to get the PNG to print at the exact size you want (or perhaps it's just my awkward printer!).
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 get you the results you want. If you'd like to try this, you can follow the directions just below...
In Word, go to:
A small amount of my designs are available with PDF templates. To use these, please select either the A4 or Letter-sized file included and then use the 'print to actual size' function in your printer menu, for the best results.
Any of the designs that aren't just completely straight forward will have a tutorial of some kind on the site, to help you make it. If you need a tutorial, there should normally be a PDF included with your files, or available to download, that will have one or more links to the relevant page(s) on my website. The PDF file will called something like 'READ_ME_FIRST' or 'IMPORTANT_READ_ME' or similar so that you can identify it.
You should also be able to find the link to any tutorial in the description.
You can also find the relevant tutorial page by looking in the design pages on the site (start with 'SVG Designs' on the top menu) to find the page that I made about the design. If I thought it needed any instruction, there will be a tutorial there or links to the relevant instruction pages.
Please note that many of the greetings cards share the same tutorials as the method is the same (some of these cards will link directly to their product listing from the main card template page) - the tutorials for most of these cards are in the green section below, or on the main 'SVG Card Templates' page.
Some cards will have a separate tutorial as the method of making is a little different - you will be able to find this if you:
Please also browse the sections below as there's more help there on lots of different topics - keep scrolling to see...
If you're not sure, please browse through the site using the menu options to help you find the design, and you should be able to find the information you need. You can always contact me here or through my Etsy store (Etsy customers only) if you're stuck with how to make a particular design you've purchased or can't find the tutorial information.
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.
If you're working with Silhouette Studio, I have some brief instructions for working with the card templates here...
I have a tutorial to help you with making your card here...
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).
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:
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)
Never ending card (this design)
Circle card (coming soon)
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.
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:
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...
These are the card templates available on this page - and the Christmas ornament templates on this page.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
These measurements will make a finished Christmas decoration that's around 12.7 cm in diameter (approx. 4.17 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.
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:
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.
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.
I have a full craft tutorial to help you fold and assemble your gift box project here.
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)
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)
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).
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:
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).
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...
The following measurements are as loaded into Cricut Design Space and include the score lines for each element.
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:
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.
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.
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
Easy Paper Flower Template - from this page
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:
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).
The files are available to use both personally (for personal craft projects, gifts etc) and for commercial use for small businesses (up to 200 uses) on physical products only.
Here’s what you can and can’t do with the files:
YOU CAN:
Use the image files to create physical products for personal or commercial use (commercial use is intended for small-business use only – up to 200 units in total) - such as papercutting or papercrafts, vinyl crafts, T-shirts, sweaters and other clothing, mugs, signs, cushions, cards, phonecases, home décor and all similar.
YOU CAN:
Alter or personalize the image by recolouring, resizing, cropping, or adding additional elements.
YOU CAN NOT:
Use the image files to create digital end products of any type.
YOU CAN NOT:
Make the image file available digitally in any format, share, sell, give away, or redistribute the image in any format which allows others to download, extract or redistribute the image, whether you have made your own alterations or not.
YOU CAN NOT:
Use the image on print-on-demand, create-on-demand, or similar services including Redbubble, Society6, Café Press or similar.
YOU CAN NOT:
Claim the image or design as your own work or claim any copyright in the work, whether you have made your own alterations or not.
YOU CAN NOT:
Use the image as part of a trademark, design mark, service mark, trade-name or similar unless the image is significantly altered and not the predominant feature of a new design.
IMPORTANT
Please read the full licensing terms at www.lottibrowndesigns.com/svg-license.html. If you have any questions, or if you’re unsure if your intended use is permitted, please just ask.
There are lots of sections of my website to explore, with designs, projects, and help with a Cricut, too. Here are some I think you might like or find useful...
I’m happy to take your questions and queries about using my files but I’m afraid that I can’t provide technical help or instruction with your cutting machine or design programme. I have found the official help pages for a particular cutting machine are usually a good place to start if you need technical help. If you've got a question for me, contact me here or through my Etsy store if you've made an Etsy purchase.
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