Learn how to upload an SVG into Cricut Design Space so you can make beautiful and fun projects for yourself, friends and family, or even start a business!
In this article I will cover how to unzip a downloaded file with different types of graphics in it and how to upload an SVG file that was in the zip file into Cricut Design Space. You might need to do this after purchasing a design from Etsy, Design Bundles or a blogger for example, after downloading it from their site.
In the end, you will know how to go through the process from unzipping design file to having it available in Cricut Design Space, ready to use for your project.
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What is an SVG File?
SVG stands for scalable vector graphics. What does that mean?
The important word in the acronym SVG is “vector”. It is the same “vector” as the one we learned about in math. SVGs use math so that the picture looks the same no matter how big it gets or how much we zoom in on it.
Have you ever tried to make a JPG image bigger and it looks terrible? You might even see the little squares if you make it really big. It’s because it is a bitmapped. JPGs are raster images instead of vector images.
Graphics that are bitmapped don’t do well when they get bigger and are non-scalable–they can’t get bigger without losing quality. But SVGs don’t have that problem. Vectors look exactly the same at any size–they are scalable. You can make an SVG design that is tiny very big and it will look exactly the same–it won’t have those jagged edges or little squares at all! This is because of the vector math it uses to keep the picture exactly the same at any size.
Now that you know the basics of SVG files, let’s talk about how to upload an SVG file into Cricut Design Space.
What you will need
- Cricut Design Studio on laptop/computer (install from here).
- An SVG file outside of Cricut Design Space (you can use the Gerbera Daisy file below!)
- Internet access
The instructions instruction are illustrated on a Windows computer. Where applicable, I will indicate instructions for Mac.
Step 1: Locate the Zip File
Many times the SVG file will come in a zip file, along with the same design file in other formats. This zip file will need to be unzipped to get to the SVG file before you upload it into Cricut Design Space. It’s important to note where you save the zip file so we can find it to unzip it.
The first step in uploading an SVG file is to get access to it by unzipping the zip file. First, we will locate the zip file that you downloaded. Navigate to the file folder where you downloaded the file you received.
Step 2: Extract the file(s) From the Zip File
We need to get the files out of the zip file so we can upload the SVG design file into Cricut Design Space.
In Windows, right click on the zip file and select “Extract All…” A window will pop up asking you where to extract the file. It will default to the current location. Select “Extract”.
On Mac, double-click on the zipped file. The file will unzip and a new folder will be created with the unzipped files in it in the same location.
Step 3: Extracted Files
The extracted files are in a file folder in the same directory as the zip file now. If you go into the directory with the same name as the zip file, you should see each file that was zipped into the zip file. If you are using the Gerbera Daisy file, you will see several design files, including an SVG, DXF, PNG, and JPG file and a license file.
If you don’t see the .svg, .png, .jpg extensions after the name of the design files on Windows it’s because “file extensions” are hidden. The SVG file may look like a browser file. This is standard for Windows now. It’s not an HTML file; that just means that it will open in a browser if you were to double-click on it. We won’t be doing that though.
Step 4: Open Cricut Design Space
Let’s begin the process of uploading an SVG file into Cricut Design Space. Open Cricut Design Space and select New Project. Click on Upload on the bottom on the left-hand side of the screen.
This is where you will upload all design files that were not created in Cricut Design Space.
Step 5: Continue…
After selecting “Upload”, you will have a choice of what to upload: an image or a pattern. We will be uploading an image rather than a pattern fill, but note that you do have that option. Select the “Upload Image” button.
Also, when you start uploading images, your most recent uploads will show here. If you want to see all of your uploads, you can select the “View All” selection next to “Recent Uploads” on the middle left of the screen.
Step 6: Browse
Now we will select our SVG file. Select “Browse” to bring up the explorer selection window.
Navigate to the location of your SVG file. Either double-click on the SVG design file or select it and click on “Open”.
Step 7: Prepare to Upload
The SVG will open in the “Prepare to Upload” window with the image name given. You can change that here–it will only change it in Cricut Design Space, not the actual file name. You can also add tags to the image to make it easier to find when searching on images once you have accumulated a lot of them.
Once you have made your changes, if any, select “Upload”.
Step 8: Add the SVG to the Canvas
The SVG design file should now show in the list of uploaded files as the first on the far left.
Select the SVG file. A green outline will show as the border, indicating you have selected it. Additionally, a small icon will appear to the left of the “Cancel” button on the bottom right for each design you select. Select “Add to Canvas” to add the file(s) to your project.
Step 9: The SVG File on Your Canvas and Resizing It
If you have chosen to work with the Gerbera Daisy, this is what it will look like when it is added to your canvas. You can resize it however you like. Please make sure to select all of the objects on the canvas when resizing so that everything remains in proportion.
Deleting Design Files
You have the ability to delete your uploaded design files from Cricut Design Space. I delete them sometimes when I upload the wrong one and they are similar or almost identical to the one I meant to upload. I just don’t want to get confused when I upload the same file multiple times. This happens to me when I design them. You may find yourself in the same position now or in the near future.
To delete a design file you uploaded, go back into “Upload” on the far left. You’ll see a list of recent uploads. If your design file you uploaded isn’t there, select “View All”. Note the three dots in the upper right-hand corner of each design. Select the three dots on the design you want to delete. Make sure you have selected the correct design. You can’t undo this.
Select “Delete” to delete the design file.
Frequently Asked Questions
When I try to upload an SVG, Cricut just returns to the upload button and doesn’t upload my file. Why?
It’s possible the file is corrupted. I have had this happen several times. Try downloading and uploading the file again. Make sure it’s not open in another program. If it won’t upload into Cricut Design Space as an SVG file, see if it’s available as a PNG just to test to see if you can bring that file in. If it’s not available in PNG format or it doesn’t work in PNG either, contact the owner of the file and let them know the issue you are having.
I am getting an error about unsupported text. What do I do?
Text needs to be converted into an object when created in another graphics program before being uploaded into Cricut Design Space because there are font and compatibility considerations. SVG file designers and creators typically make objects out of text before creating SVG files that contain them. Sometimes we forget or it just doesn’t get done. You can ignore the error to see what gets imported when you upload the SVG, and whether it impacts the design. If it does impact the design, contact the designer of the SVG and explain the issue.
This SVG file looks like an HTML file. Is it? Or is it a graphics file?
Many times Windows will have a setting to open SVG files in Windows Edge or your browser of choice instead of a graphics application. It is indeed a graphics file, but it has the browser logo because it is set to open the SVG files in a browser. So don’t worry; you are getting the graphics file. If you were to double-click on the SVG file, it would just open in Microsoft Edge or another browser program on your computer so you could view it. It is still the SVG file.
Where can I create SVGs?
Many people use Adobe Illustrator or Adobe Photoshop. Some use a free program that is similar to Adobe Illustrator called Inkscape. Corel Draw is another option. There is an option that some aren’t aware of: Silhouette Studio. It is a compromise which is more complex than Cricut Design Space and not as complex as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. It’s a great option for those who want to get their feet wet with something a bit more robust.
You do not need to own a Silhouette machine to buy and use Silhouette Studio. To work with and export SVGs, you will need to purchase their Business Edition software. (And it’s not a yearly license; once you buy it, you’ve bought it.)
How do I download SVG files from inside Cricut Design Space to my computer?
Unfortunately, we can’t download or export any designs we create inside of Cricut Design Space. We can share our own designs that we make in Cricut Design Space between each other in the program, but we can’t export them from the program and send them back and forth between each other. That’s why SVGs are great. You can share yours and use them in whichever design program you wish.
Conclusion
You are ready to upload all your SVGs and make all the projects! If you have any questions or if I’ve left anything out, please leave a comment and let me know. I love hearing from you! Until then, happy, happy crafting!
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