How to convert SVG to DXF
- Drop in the SVGFrom Illustrator, Inkscape, Affinity, Figma, Canva or a Cricut design site.
- Check the shapesThe preview shows every path that will go into the DXF.
- Confirm the sizeShapes keep the real size stored in the SVG. Type a width or height to rescale.
- Download DXFDXF 2007 for current software or R12 for older CNC controllers.
What gets converted
| SVG element | Converted? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| <path> | Yes | Lines, Bézier curves and arcs become polylines within about 0.1 units of the true curve. |
| <rect> (incl. rounded), <circle>, <ellipse> | Yes | Converted to closed outlines. |
| <line>, <polyline>, <polygon> | Yes | Open lines stay open; the machine check flags them. |
| Groups and transforms | Yes | Nested translate, scale, rotate and matrix transforms are applied. |
| <text> | No | Convert text to paths first (Inkscape: Path → Object to Path; Illustrator: Type → Create Outlines). |
| Embedded bitmaps | No | Trace them with the image to DXF converter. |
| Stroke width | — | The path itself is converted, not the thickness of its stroke. To cut around a thick stroke, use Path → Stroke to Path first. |
Getting the size right
SVG units are a classic source of wrong-sized parts. This is how the converter decides the size:
- If the SVG declares a physical size — say
width="120mm"with a matching viewBox — every shape keeps its real dimensions: a 50 mm circle stays 50 mm, no matter how much empty canvas surrounds it. - If the width is in pixels or missing, we use the CSS standard of 96 px per inch. Inkscape uses 96; older Illustrator exports use 72, which makes files come out at 75% of the intended size.
- Either way, you can type the exact width or height you want before downloading.
Why convert SVG to DXF at all?
SVG is the language of the web and of vinyl cutters. CAD and industrial CAM — AutoCAD, SolidWorks, plasma and waterjet software — speak DXF. DXF also stores the drawing unit, so there's no guessing whether 100 means pixels, points or millimetres.
Open the DXF in your software
| Software | How to bring the DXF in | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| LightBurn | File → Import, pick the .dxf | Shapes land on one layer; assign Cut / Line / Fill per layer. |
| Inkscape | File → Open (or Import into an existing drawing) | Handy if you want to edit, then save again as DXF or SVG. |
| Fusion 360 | Insert → Insert DXF, choose a sketch plane | Closed outlines become profiles you can extrude or use in CAM. |
| AutoCAD, DraftSight, LibreCAD | Open the file directly | The drawing starts at 0,0 in the units you chose. |
| SolidWorks | File → Open, choose DXF, import to a new part as a sketch | Use DXF 2007; pick the same units as in the converter. |
| CAM for plasma / router (SheetCAM, VCarve, Aspire…) | Use the program's import for DXF or vectors | Closed contours let the CAM offset for kerf or bit diameter. |