Using SVG Files with Glowforge
Upload any SVG to the Glowforge App and prepare it for cutting, scoring, and engraving on your Glowforge laser.
Drop your image here
Supports PNG, JPG, BMP, WEBP up to 5MB
Uploading SVG to Glowforge App
Go to app.glowforge.com → click Upload. Glowforge accepts SVG and PDF files.
- Upload button → select .svg file
- Glowforge App shows a preview — verify path placement
- Drag the design on the camera view to position on your material
- Each SVG color layer shows as a separate operation strip on the left
Glowforge Operations from SVG
Glowforge automatically assigns operations based on SVG element type and color.
| SVG Element | Glowforge Operation |
|---|---|
| Closed path (stroke only) | Cut |
| Closed path (filled) | Engrave (vector) |
| Open path | Score |
| Bitmap/raster embedded | Engrave (bitmap) |
Preparing SVG for Glowforge
Follow these guidelines for best results:
- Use 1:1 scale — set your SVG dimensions in inches or mm to match final size
- 20x12 inch maximum canvas (Glowforge's working area)
- Cut lines: stroke-only paths with 0 fill
- Engrave areas: filled shapes (any fill color)
- Score lines: open paths
- Remove any white fills — they'll appear as engraves on the material
Glowforge SVG Design Tips
Maximize your Glowforge results:
- Use multiple colors to assign different power settings to different areas
- Overlap engrave areas and cut lines perfectly for print-and-cut-style projects
- Test speed/power settings on scrap wood or cardboard first
- Proofgrade materials have preset settings — use them as a starting point
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Glowforge cut any SVG file?
Most standard SVG files work. Very complex SVGs (thousands of paths) may be slow to process. Avoid SVG files with embedded fonts — convert text to paths before uploading.
What's the maximum SVG file size for Glowforge?
Glowforge recommends keeping SVG files under 500KB. Very large SVGs may time out during upload or processing.
How do I make text cut-ready for Glowforge?
Convert text to paths in Inkscape (Path > Object to Path) or Illustrator (Type > Create Outlines) before uploading. Glowforge can't use embedded fonts.
Can I use the free Glowforge app with any laser?
The Glowforge App is designed exclusively for Glowforge machines. For other lasers, use LightBurn (diode and CO2) or xTool Creative Space (xTool machines).
Why is my Glowforge cutting in the wrong place?
Set your SVG canvas to exactly 20×12 inches. The position of elements on the canvas corresponds to where they appear in the Glowforge camera view (relative to the lid camera).
Related guides
Ready to Convert Your Image to SVG?
Free online converter — no sign-up, no watermarks, results in under 3 seconds.
Convert Image to SVG — Free