Whether you are new to Cricut Design Space or this is the first time you are bringing in a file from outside the program, once you know the steps, it’s simple to do! 

Which File Do I Upload Into Cricut Design Space?

If you have purchased a digital file from Etsy, changes are you will get a .zip file with multiple file types in it. I always include 5 file types when I sell my files on Etsy. They are .svg, .png, .dxf, .eps, .jpeg. Why would I include all these files when you are just looking for the .svg to use with your Cricut? It’s not because I’m trying to confuse you, I promise. It’s because people buy these digital files to use on software besides a Cricut, so I need to offer multiple options. 

Need help unzipping? Read my blog post about how to unzip your Etsy files.

I’ll walk you through the different file types and what they can be used for:

SVG – (Scalable Vector Graphics)

A graphic image you can scale to size without losing quality.  SVG files are ready to use in your cutting software with no editing or cleaning. It doesn’t matter what color the .svg file is because you will determine the color when you select which color / pattern / material you will cut out using your cutting machine. If you are cutting something out with your Cricut and a normal printer isn’t invovled, this is the file type you want.

Used with: Silhouette Designer Edition, Cricut Design Space, Sure Cuts a Lot, and Make the Cut.

Used for: Cutting adhesive or heat transfer vinyl, stencil vinyl, making paper crafts (cards, flowers, banners, cake toppers etc.)

PNG – (Portable Network Graphics)

An image with a transparent background (you won’t see a white square around the clip art if you paste it on a colored background). This is the second most popular file type used with Cricut. If you intend to print the image on a normal printer first, you would use this file type. 

Used with: Cricut Design Space, All Silhouette Studio Editions.

Used for: Print then Cut (i.e. making stickers or printable vinyl). Sublimation.

EPS – (Encapsulated Postscript)

This format is created in graphic software like Adobe Illustrator and is an advanced vector based image. You would not use this file type with a Cricut.

Used with: CorelDraw, Inkscape, and Adobe Illustrator

DXF – (Drawing Exchange Format)

This format is widely used in Autocad software, but can also be used with a Silhouette. The free basic Silhouette Studio software does not support .svg files. You can only use .dxf files. The more complex the file, the harder it is to use as a .dxf version. 

Used with: Silhouette Studio Basic

Used for: This is a cut ready file, meaning that when you open it the design will have cut lines already on it, that can be used in the free basic Silhouette Studio software.

JPEG – (Joint Photographic Experts Group)

This format is the standard format you will find photos and clip art in. It has a solid background. For this reason .png is recommended for any print then cut or sublimation you are doing.

Used for: Printable transfers

Where is my .SVG File?

Don’t panic. It’s there. I promise.

If you are cutting adhesive or heat transfer vinyl (to make a shirt, mug, tote bag, etc.) or paper (to make banners, cards, paper crafts) you will need to upload the SVG file to your cutting software.

Depending on your computer defaults, the SVG file can show up differently.

The easiest and quickest way for your computer to open an SVG file to view it is with a web browser like Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Internet Explorer.

On my computer it shows up as an Internet Explorer file. The file type is SVG Document. This is fairly easy to find.

When your computer uses Chrome, Firefox or Edge to view the file, the file type of SVG Document is usually replaced by the web browser name.

No worries, it’s still a SVG file even if it doesn’t say it in type.  If you see one of these web browser logos, that’s your SVG file.

Now that we’ve located the .svg file, let’s upload it to Cricut Design Space!

How To Upload Your File To Cricut Design Space (PC)

• Open Cricut Design Space
• Select the Upload button in the lower left hand corner.
• Next, select the Upload Images
• From here, select the Browse

• Next, navigate on your computer to where you saved your file. Most often you will be looking for the SVG file (if you are cutting vinyl or paper crafts). You must pull the SVG file into Cricut for it to cut all the layers. 

• Double click on your file and it will open in Cricut. You will see a cut image on your screen. If you are trying to pull in the SVG file and you see options to select image type, you have selected the wrong file.

• Next, select the Upload button at the bottom right hand corner of the screen.

• Now, you will be taken back to the upload screen. Select your file and then select Insert Image.

• Now you are uploaded and ready to create! 

Featured Video:

How To Upload Your File To Cricut Design Space App On an iPhone or Android

For both iPhone and Android users, the upload process to your Cricut Design Space app is the same.

• First, open your Cricut app and select the Upload
• Next, select Browse Files and this will take you to your File app where you just saved your files. Need help unzipping? Read my blog post about how to unzip your Etsy files.
• Then, select your desired file. If you are cutting vinyl or paper, remember to select the SVG file. On my phone it shows up with the below icon. 

• Lastly, name your image and then select Insert. You are now ready to create.

I hope these tips have helped you start down that Cricut path to creating. Don’t give up. The more you do it, the easier it gets. You will be a pro in no time!