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How to Upload an SVG to Cricut Design Space

Written by Kimberly Coffin · This post may contain affiliate links · 9 Comments

190 shares

Learn What an SVG File Is and How to Upload SVG to Design Space to Easily Create Custom Projects With This Step-by-Step Tutorial.

When I first got my Cricut machine, I was completely overwhelmed by the idea of this mysterious thing called an SVG file. I wasn’t quite sure what qualified as an SVG file or why I even needed to use one with my Cricut machine.

I spent endless hours researching them, finding websites with high-quality ones (spoiler alert, not all files are created equally), and learning how to make them myself. I’ve received countless messages from my readers asking all of the same exact questions that I had when I first got my Cricut.

Today, I’m going to demystify the SVG file for you! I'll teach you what an SVG file is, how to find a high-quality one, and finally how to upload it to Cricut Design Space.

How to Upload SVG Files to cricut | How to Upload SVG to Design Space by popular US craft blog, Sweet Red Poppy: collage image of shirts and art prints with SVG designs.

How to Upload SVG to Design Space

Bonus - at the end of this post, I’ll also show you how to upload a PNG or image to Design Space. 

What is an SVG?

SVG stands for Scalable Vector Graphics file. An SVG file is a design that can be used with a cutting machine. This file is an XML-based text format meaning that it doesn’t rely solely on the resolution. This allows the image to be scaled infinitely without losing quality. 

Normal photos like JPEG are made of tiny dots that are the result of compression. It’s a small file that can be uploaded quickly but the downside is that when the image is blown up it will appear as tiny different colored pixels that together create the full image.

How to Upload SVG to Design Space by popular US craft blog, Sweet Red Poppy: collage image of SVG files.

An SVG file on the other hand can be resized without ever losing quality. Numbers and coordinates are used to make up an SVG file instead of pixels resulting in crisp and clear images at any size. This allows the Cricut machine to easily cut along smooth pathways with precision.

Another difference between a normal photo and an SVG file is the ability to layer designs. SVG files can be made up of layered designs with different colors. This is perfect for telling your cutting software exactly what you want it to do with the file. 

SVG’s can be previewed in a web browser or can be opened in a program like Adobe Illustrator, Silhouette Studio, or Cricut’s Design Space. SVG files offer a level of precision that is unmatched by other files.

How to Upload SVG to Design Space by popular US craft blog, Sweet Red Poppy: image of shirts with SVG designs.

Step 1 - Download an SVG

To being, download an SVG. You can find a variety of SVG files online. When downloading files from the internet, be sure that you are using reputable sources.

Download 10 FREE SVG files HERE!

How to Upload SVG to Design Space by popular US craft blog, Sweet Red Poppy: screen shot of SVG designs.

Step 2 - Upload the SVG to Design Space

In Design Space, click on “Upload.” 

How to Upload SVG to Design Space by popular US craft blog, Sweet Red Poppy: screenshot image of where to upload an SVG file.

Here you have two options. You can either upload an image or a pattern fill. Images can be .jpg, .png, .gif, .bpm, .svg, or .dxf files. Pattern Fills can be .jpg, .gif, .png, or .bpm. 

At the bottom, you can view your recently uploaded images. 

To upload a downloaded SVG file, click on “Upload Image.”

If your SVG is downloaded as a zip file (a folder that ends in “.zip”), you will want to unzip it before moving onto the next step. To unzip a folder, simply double-click it.

How to Upload SVG to Design Space by popular US craft blog, Sweet Red Poppy: screenshot image of SVG files.

Then “Browse.”

How to Upload SVG to Design Space by popular US craft blog, Sweet Red Poppy: screenshot image of how how to upload an SVG file.

Click on “Downloads” and select your file. 

Once you have the correct file selected, click “Open.”

How to Upload SVG to Design Space by popular US craft blog, Sweet Red Poppy: screenshot image of how to upload an SVG file.

Now, you will see a preview of your file as well as the option to rename it and add tags. Adding tags makes your image easier to find later on. 

How to Upload SVG to Design Space by popular US craft blog, Sweet Red Poppy: collage image of how to upload an SVG file.

Once you have renamed your file and added any tags you want, click “Save.”

Step 3 - Insert SVG

Now, highlight your file under Recently Uploaded and click on “Insert Image” to insert your design into Canvas. 

How to Upload SVG to Design Space by popular US craft blog, Sweet Red Poppy: screenshot of SVG files.

How to Upload a PNG File to Cricut Design Space

Uploading a PNG file is very similar to uploading an SVG file, just with a few differences. 

Once you have your PNG downloaded, click on “Upload.”

Then, “Upload Image” and “Browse.”

Find your PNG file and hit “Open.” 

How to Upload SVG to Design Space by popular US craft blog, Sweet Red Poppy: collage image of how to upload SVG files.

This will bring you to a preview screen of your image. You will also have the option to choose if your image is “Simple”, “Moderately Complex” or “ Complex”. 

How to Upload SVG to Design Space by popular US craft blog, Sweet Red Poppy: screenshot image of how to upload an SVG file.

I always select “Complex” this ensures my image stays sharp and vibrant. 

When you hit “Continue,” you will be brought to this screen. Here you can select and erase any element of the PNG you do not want in your design. 

How to Upload SVG to Design Space by popular US craft blog, Sweet Red Poppy: screenshot image of an SVG file.

Once you are happy with your design, hit “Continue.”

Now, you have the option to either save your file as a Print then Cut image or a Cut image. Click on whichever option you are wanting and select save. 

How to Upload SVG to Design Space by popular US craft blog, Sweet Red Poppy: screenshot image of how to upload an SVG file.

To insert your image into Design Space, highlight the image and click “Insert Image.”

How to Upload SVG to Design Space by popular US craft blog, Sweet Red Poppy: screenshot image of how to upload svg files.

Now that you’ve learned how to upload your own files into Design Space, I can’t wait to see what you do. 

Download 10 FREE SVG files HERE!

Cricut Made Easy with Sweet Red Poppy

For more Cricut help, be sure to check out my Cricut course - Cricut Made Easy.

Cricut Made Easy is a video and written course that not only walks you through everything you need to know about Design Space but also everything you need to know to master crafting with your Cricut. Learn more about Cricut Made Easy HERE.

How to Upload SVG Files to cricut
Learn What an SVG File Is and How to Upload SVG Files to Cricut Design Space to Easily Create Custom Projects with this Step-by-Step Tutorial. |How to Upload SVG to Design Space by popular US craft blog, Sweet Red Poppy: Pinterest image of how to upload svg files to design space.

Do you have any other questions on How to Upload SVG to Design Space? Let me know in a comment below!

« How to Upload a Font to Cricut Design Space
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jan Walker says

    January 26, 2021 at 2:40 am

    x

    Reply
  2. Deborah K Dabney says

    February 05, 2021 at 2:21 pm

    Hello Sweet Red Poppy,
    First, I would like to start off saying how much I LOVE your website! It is so informative and COLORFUL!! I'm making a shirt for my sister's birthday. I'm using the Cricut polyester shirt. I want to put a design on the front and back of the shirt using infusible ink. Is this possible? Thank you so much for your help!

    Reply
  3. Maralu Craven says

    May 07, 2021 at 8:44 pm

    I received a Cricut Maker from my son as a birthday and Christmas present. I watched the videos and printed all the lessons that you presented by video. However, when I was doing this I still had many tools that I needed to complete the projects. I needed longer mats for the cutting of the paper flowers as well as paper that was suitable. However, when I got ready to do the project, I could not find the SVG file for the paper flowers. I watched the video and and the link was in the comments but I could not find the design. I am paying each month for Cricut Design and not I want to do more. By the way, I am 82 years old and I still want to learn.

    Reply
  4. JillyJo says

    November 13, 2021 at 8:14 pm

    You go girl!

    Reply
  5. Rose Wagner says

    January 15, 2022 at 11:29 am

    When I clicked the link for the 10 Free SVG's, it directed me to the Design Space section. Love the free SVG's--can't wait to put them on some new Gildan shirts.

    Happy Valentine's Day!

    Reply
  6. AliSchnei says

    January 24, 2022 at 2:45 am

    So Scoring only works with the Maker? I went out and bought a Scoring Wheel Tip and Drive housing... only to find out it will not work with my Explore Air 2. Ugh!!!!!!

    Reply
    • Rebecca Hansen says

      January 25, 2022 at 5:10 pm

      That's correct. The scoring stylus will work with the Explore Air, but the scoring wheel can only be used on the Cricut Maker. Sorry for the confusion!

      Reply
  7. Terri says

    January 29, 2022 at 11:31 pm

    I downloaded the Valentine SVGS can these be used in my business//craft shows?

    Reply
    • Rebecca Hansen says

      February 01, 2022 at 2:33 am

      Hi Terri, thank you for asking! If they will be used for a personal or small-scale business, that's fine! If they are for large-scale or mass production, we would ask you not to use them.

      Reply

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