What is an SVG file, and why is it useful for laser cutting?

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SVG stands for Scalable Vector Graphics.

SVG stands for Scalable Vector Graphics. It describes two-dimensional graphics (shapes, paths, images and text, and how they are styled) in XML. Because vector geometry is based on coordinates rather than a fixed pixel grid, an SVG can describe cut and score paths cleanly and can usually be resized without pixelation. An SVG file is text that describes shapes, paths and text, which a program draws on import Two panels joined by an arrow labeled import. On the left, a panel titled XML file shows four stacked rows labeled shape, path, text, and fill and stroke: the file stores these descriptions in XML, based on coordinates rather than a pixel grid. On the right, a panel titled what you see shows the result drawn on screen: a filled rectangle with an outline, a curved line, and a sample of letters. A note says fill is the inside and stroke is the outline. Below both panels, four rounded labels list what to confirm before fabrication: units and size, text, hidden or duplicate objects, and the imported result. XML file coordinates, not pixels shape path text fill and stroke import What you see after import Aa shape path text fill = inside, stroke = outline Before fabrication, confirm: units and size text hidden or duplicate objects imported result An SVG describes shapes, paths and text in XML, with coordinates instead of pixels, so cut and score paths stay clean when resized. But programs can read its scale and fonts differently, so the file is not automatically ready to cut. Check the imported result, and keep the original editable design. Don’t treat an SVG as ready to cut just because it opens. Programs don’t always read an SVG the same way: Inkscape’s default is 96 DPI and Adobe Illustrator’s is 72, so LightBurn lets you set which one to assume when importing SVGs, and it needs the file’s fonts installed or its text converted to paths. Before fabrication, confirm the physical dimensions, convert or preserve text according to the workflow, remove hidden and duplicate objects, and inspect the imported result. Keep the original editable design so corrections do not require editing the fabrication export.

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