Beautiful fun cut files you find and no way to open them?
Here is how to open those SVG files for free with the basic edition silhouette software.
Here I show you how to use SVG’s without upgrading your software. Sure it’s a workaround, but once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty fast and easy.
There are a few easy and free ways to convert SVG files to another format that works with the basic version of the silhouette software.
Why use SVG files?
First, why does using SVGs with your Silhouette make life easier?
If you have an image (in JPG or PNG format for example) and you open it up in Silhouette Studio, you’ll have to use the tracing feature to convert it into a cut file. If you were to skip this step, the Silhouette wouldn’t know where to cut.
Those of you who have used Silhouette Studio aware of just how challenging the trace feature can be. With SVG files, on the other hand, the Silhouette software automatically recognizes all the lines in the image as cut lines.
So if you want to use SVG files, all you have to do is download the original SVG file, and convert it into your desired format – for the silhouette, this is a DXF file.
If you have a Silhouette, then you have the basic software that arrives with it Silhouette Studio.
How To Open SVG Files In Silhouette Studio
So in order to open SVG files directly in Silhouette Studio, you must have the upgraded Designer Edition version of the software, but this is a pretty easy workaround. There are a few online file converters like Convertio or CloudConvert, but with this one, you don’t need to always be connected to the internet.
So Here We Go
Step 1: Download Inkscape Zto your computer. It’s free.
Step 2: Launch Inkscape
Step 3: Open the file you would like to convert. File menu, open, select your svg file.
Step 4: Now that you have your file open. Select File menu, save a copy:
Step 5: Name your new file and set the file type as Desktop Cutting Plotter or DXF.
SIMPLE AS THAT! Your file is ready for use in Silhouette Studio.
Open your Silhouette Studio Software. Go to File menu, open, all files, and select the file you just saved in Inkscape.
Tip: If you would like to use the file again at a later date you can save it in .studio format in your Silhouette Studio software.
What awesome SVG cut files have you used lately? Do you have another workaround that you use?
