SVG vs DXF for laser cutting: which should you use?
This guide was drafted with AI assistance.
Pick SVG for names, logos and curves, and for colour-coded cut and engrave. Pick DXF for CAD parts with exact dimensions or when your software wants it. Meshcast exports both: SVG in millimetres with red cut and blue engrave, or DXF with CUT and ENGRAVE layers.
Design a name sign, ornament or topper, then download SVG or DXF. Preview is free.
Open the laser tools →The short answer
Use SVG for artwork, curves, text and anything with colours that map to laser settings. Use DXF when you are working with CAD software, need strict engineering units, or your machine software only accepts it. Most modern hobby laser programs open both, and for name signs, ornaments and toppers SVG is usually the smoother route.
Both are vector formats, so neither is a picture of the design: they describe lines and curves, which is exactly what a laser follows.
SVG and DXF side by side
| SVG | DXF | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Web and illustration (Inkscape, Illustrator) | CAD (AutoCAD and many CAD tools) |
| Curves | True Bezier curves and arcs | Arcs and splines, but many exporters convert curves to short straight segments |
| Colour | Per-shape stroke and fill colour | Colour by layer (ACI index) |
| Layers | Groups, not always read as layers | Native layers, widely respected |
| Units | Declared in the file, but often misread (see below) | Often unitless, the program assumes mm or inches |
| Best for | Names, logos, decorative shapes | Boxes, brackets, parts from CAD |
Which laser software prefers what
Support is broad, but habits differ, so check what yours handles best:
- LightBurn: opens both well. It reads SVG stroke colours into its colour-based layers, and DXF layer colours the same way.
- xTool Creative Space and Glowforge: built around SVG and image files. DXF is accepted in some versions, but SVG is the safe default.
- Inkscape and Illustrator: native SVG users. DXF export exists but may need settings checked.
- Fusion, Onshape, FreeCAD and other CAD: DXF is the natural exchange format, and good for dimensioned parts.
If a file misbehaves in one format, try the other before redrawing anything. A quick comparison import often shows whether the problem is the file or the program.
Colours and layers: telling the laser what to do
Lasers do not know whether a line should cut or mark. You tell them with colour or layer, and the software maps each to a power and speed. Meshcast follows a simple convention in SVG:
- Red
#ff0000lines are cut. - Blue
#0000fflines are engrave.
In DXF the same job is done with two named layers: CUT and ENGRAVE. Either way, you open the file, assign settings to each colour or layer once, and every later file reuses them. For the reasoning behind running engraving before cutting, see laser cut vs score vs engrave.
Units and scale
This is where most surprises happen. A DXF often carries no unit at all, so the program decides whether a 100 means 100 mm or 100 inches. An SVG declares its size, but programs differ in how they read it, and a file that assumes the wrong resolution imports too big or too small.
The fix is the same in both formats: after importing, measure something you know, such as the overall width, with the software's measuring tool. If it is wrong, fix the import units rather than scaling by eye. The whole problem has its own guide: why your SVG imports at the wrong size. Meshcast SVG files are written in millimetres, and DXF files are in millimetres as well.
Curves versus polylines
A circle in a clean SVG is a real curve. In some DXF exports, the same circle becomes dozens of tiny straight segments. The laser can follow either, but a polyline made of too few segments looks faceted on a smooth edge and can slow the machine with thousands of tiny moves.
- For smooth script lettering and organic outlines, SVG keeps true curves.
- For straight-edged parts with holes and slots, either format is fine.
- If you must use DXF for curved art, export with a fine curve tolerance and look closely at the preview before cutting.
When to pick which
- Starting from a name, a logo or an illustration: SVG.
- Designing a mechanical part with exact dimensions in CAD: DXF.
- Your laser program only lists one of them: use that one.
- A file imports at the wrong size or loses its colours: try the other format.
Meshcast laser tools export both. The name sign, cake topper and ornament makers give you an SVG or a DXF from the same design, so you can try both on your software in a minute. Designing and previewing are free, the first download is free, and more downloads use a free account with a weekly allowance. Starting from a photo instead? Convert a PNG or JPG to a one-colour SVG first. The full set of tools is on the laser hub.
A quick pre-cut checklist
Before you press start with any imported file, run through these checks. They catch most failed jobs in under a minute.
- Measure the overall width and height with your software's measuring tool and compare with what you designed.
- Confirm each colour or layer is assigned the right operation, and that cut lines are set to run last.
- Look for duplicate or overlapping lines, which make the laser cut the same path twice and char the edge.
- Check that open paths are closed where they should be, so a shape does not leave a tiny uncut bridge.
- Run the software's preview or frame the job on the bed before cutting real material.
A small offcut test costs a few minutes and saves a whole sheet.
FAQ
Is SVG or DXF better for laser cutting?
SVG is usually better for artwork, text and curves, and DXF is better for CAD parts with exact dimensions. Most laser programs open both, so use whichever imports correctly in yours.
Does LightBurn accept both SVG and DXF?
Yes. LightBurn opens both and maps stroke colours or DXF layer colours to its cut layers, so you assign power and speed once per colour.
How does a laser know what to cut and what to engrave?
By colour or layer. Meshcast SVG files use red for cut lines and blue for engrave lines, and its DXF files use layers named CUT and ENGRAVE. You assign settings to each in your laser software.
Why does my DXF import at the wrong size?
A DXF is often unitless, so the program guesses millimetres or inches. Measure a known dimension after importing and correct the import units rather than scaling by eye.
Can I turn a JPG or PNG into a file for my laser?
Yes. Trace the image into vector paths first, for example with the Meshcast image to SVG tool, then export the result as an SVG for your laser software.
Made by meshcast.app. More laser tools live on the laser hub.