How to Use SVGs​
SVG & Cut Files FAQs

Print Friendly and PDF

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...

Understanding SVGs

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.

Understanding SVG file formatsUnderstanding SVG files

Where to Buy my SVG Cut Files

Where can I buy the design files?

The files are available 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.

How to Use SVGs - Downloading & Unzipping

How do I download the files?

  • The files will be available to download through the Etsy programme as soon as your payment has finished processing, usually within a couple of minutes.
  • Please note that you will need to download your files via a web browser (on your computer or mobile/cell phone) and not via the Etsy app which, unfortunately, does not currently support digital downloading.
  • The link to download the files will be in your confirmation email from Etsy. If you have an Etsy account, you will also be able access your download from ‘Your account’ (top right). Look for ‘Purchases and Reviews’ and then look for your purchase. Alongside the purchase on the far right, you will see a link to download the files again.
  • If your purchase is missing from your account, you may have purchased under a different account, or as a guest. Here is a useful article from Etsy which shows you how to tell if you you purchased as a guest or with a different email address, and how to claim a guest order to add it to your account - find out here...
  • The files are provided as .zip files. This is a ‘zipped up’ folder that contains all the files within the folder. So that you just need to make one download to your computer and you can keep all the files together easily.
  • When you download your files, make sure that you save them to a folder that you can easily remember and locate on your computer.

Please remember that due to the digital nature of the product, once you download your digital files, no refund can be given.

How do I unzip the files?

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

How to Use the SVGs​
Opening up the Files

How do I open the file in Cricut Design Space?

First, open up the Cricut Design Space programme - then...

  • Select ‘New Project’
  • Click on ‘Upload’ (bottom of the left hand menu)
  • Under the ‘Image’ section of the page, click on ‘Upload Image’
  • Click ‘Browse’ (center of the screen)
  • Then navigate to the folder where you’ve saved your file. Select it and press ‘Open’
  • You will see your file appear on the screen. Press ‘Upload’ (left-hand side)
  • Your file should now be showing in the bottom half of the screen under ‘Recent Uploads’. Click on it to select it. Then press ‘Add to Canvas’ (bottom right)
  • Wait a little for your file to load and it should appear on your design space ready for you to resize and work with.


I'm having trouble working with the file in Cricut Design Space?

  • If you're trying to work with a file showing layers on the right-hand side panel, and you're having trouble selecting a particular part to work with, try 'Ungrouping' - the left-hand side icon at the top of the layers panel is the one to Group/Ungroup - make sure the file is selected (click on it and see it turn green in the panel) before you try to use it or nothing will happen.
  • There are tutorials for many of the more complex files on my website - take a look at the section further down the page 'Are There Tutorials to Help Me Make Your Designs?' which has details of how to find them.

How do I open the file in Silhouette Studio?

First open up the Silhouette Studio programme - then...

  • Go to ‘File’ (top left)
  • In the drop-down menu, select ‘Open’
  • Then navigate to the folder where you’ve saved your file. Select it, and press ‘OK’ and your file will open ready for you to work with – there may be a short wait while your file uploads.

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!)

  • Go to ‘Edit’ (top left) - in the drop-down menu, select ‘Select All’ (or just press Ctrl+A)
  • Go to ‘Object’ (top menu bar), then select ‘Make a Compound Path’ (or just press Ctrl+E)

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.


How do I open the file in ScanNCut?

Open up the ScanNCut Canvas Workspace (instructions given for Desktop version) - then...

  • Go to ‘File’ (top left)
  • Then ‘Import from your computer’
  • Navigate to your file and select it. Then press ‘Open’ and your file will appear ready for you to work with.


How do I open the file in Sure Cuts a Lot?

Open up the Sure Cuts a Lot design programme - then...

  • Go to ‘File’ (top left)
  • Then ‘Import’
  • Navigate to your file and select it. Click ‘Open’ and your file is ready for you to work with.


Using PNG files

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:

  • 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.

Are There Tutorials to Help Me Make Your Designs?

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 on Etsy, 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 Etsy description, or I may send you a message on Etsy after purchase, directing you to the relevant page(s) (week days only and excluding vacation times).

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 Etsy 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:

  • click on the design on the main SVG Card Templates page 
  • it should also be on the Etsy listing
  • you should receive information with your purchase directing you to the tutorial(s)
  • and I may also message you through the Etsy message system after your purchase to let you know (weekdays only and excluding vacation times)

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 if you're stuck with how to make a particular design you've purchased or can't find the tutorial information.

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 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:

  • 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)

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.


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.


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.

Restrictions on Use

Are there any restrictions on how I can use the SVG files? Can I use them to make things to sell?

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.

SVG license for personal or commercial use

Where to go next?

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...

Another question or query?

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.



Print Friendly and PDF

Want to keep in touch?

And get this beautiful cut file for free?

Sign up below for my free email newsletter to get:

  • News about my new designs
  • Occasional special offers just for subscribers
  • Free 'Home is Where the Heart is' layered cut file design (SVG, DXF, EPS & PNG formats - for personal use only)

My newsletter is usually sent out once a month (at the start of the month) and you can unsubscribe any time...

Sign up below...!

Home is where the heart is cut file SVGGet this beautiful 'Home is Where the Heart is' layered cut file for free - SVG, DXF, EPS & PNG formats (personal use only)
* indicates required

Please confirm you would like to hear from Lotti Brown

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. For information about our privacy practices, please visit our website.

We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here.



Recent Articles

RSS

  1. New Mystical Kitty Artwork

    May 26, 23 06:56 AM

    I've got something a bit different for you today! This is not an SVG file - but I thought you might like to know that I've created a new artwork to add to my Redbubble online artwork store. She's call…

    Read More

  2. Groovy Retro Birthday Card SVG Template

    May 25, 23 04:16 AM

    retro birthday card template 04
    Wish someone special a groovy happy birthday with this cool retro birthday card SVG template for Cricut and other cutting machines or cutting by hand...

    Read More

  3. Beautiful Hummingbird SVG Files

    May 23, 23 05:27 AM

    hummingbird floral scene svg 08
    Beautiful hummingbird SVG files (SVG, EPS, DXF, PNG) for Cricut and similar cutting machines or papercutting by hand....

    Read More

Feel inspired...

Follow me:

Share this page: