SVG for Laser Cutter vs Cricut — Key Differences
The same SVG works for both laser cutters and Cricut machines, but laser SVG uses color coding to define operations (cut/engrave/score), while Cricut SVG uses colors for material layers.
Laser SVG Color Coding Convention
Laser software (Lightburn, XCS) interprets SVG colors as operation types.
- Red stroke (#FF0000): cut — laser cuts through the material
- Blue stroke (#0000FF): score — partial cut or score line
- Black fill: engrave — laser burns the filled area
- No fill, colored stroke: vector cut line
- This convention varies by software — always check your laser's documentation
Cricut SVG Color Layer Convention
Cricut uses SVG colors to separate material layers.
- Each distinct fill color = one cut layer in Design Space
- Red SVG = red HTV cut; blue SVG = blue HTV cut — no special meaning
- Cricut doesn't care about specific hex values — any distinct colors work
- Multi-layer HTV: each color in Design Space gets its own mat and vinyl color
- Cricut ignores stroke colors for cutting — uses fill color for layer separation
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same SVG file on both my Cricut and laser cutter?
Often yes, but you may need to adjust colors. A Cricut SVG with multi-color layers imports fine into most laser software — the laser treats each color as a separate operation. Check that the color assignments make sense as laser operations.
What SVG format does Glowforge use?
Glowforge accepts SVG and uses color to determine operations: different colors = different power/speed settings. Fill = engrave, stroke = cut. The Glowforge App shows each color as a separate operation in the print setup sidebar.
Does imagetosvg.com produce SVG that works in laser software?
Yes — imagetosvg.com SVG imports into Lightburn, XCS, and Glowforge. For laser engraving: use the B&W preset which produces a filled black SVG (ideal for engrave operations). For laser cutting: select a simple 1-color SVG and set as cut line in your laser software.
What's kerf compensation and do I need it in my SVG?
Kerf is the material removed by the laser beam during cutting — typically 0.1–0.3mm. For precise fit (like puzzle pieces or snap-fit boxes), offset your cut paths inward by half the kerf value. Most simple designs don't need kerf compensation unless precision fit is required.
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