What is an svg?
SVG stands for Scalable Vector Graphic. It’s a type of design file that maintains its quality at any size. It won’t become blurry or pixelated when it is enlarged, so it’s perfect for making images and paths that can be cut on a Cricut or Silhouette machine.
Where to download svgs
There are tons of great resources on the internet for where to get SVGs to use in your crafting or even your business.
But please note that not all SVGs are created equal, and you must pay attention to licensing details before running wild with designs you find.
For example, if an SVG designer has designated that the SVG is for personal use only, you can use it to make things for yourself, but you can’t sell those items. They may have stipulations that the design can be modified for your own use, but you can’t include it in a digital design that you will distribute yourself later.
Two of my favorite sites to find both free and paid designs are Design Bundles and Creative Fabrica. These sites give commercial licenses – so you can use designs to sell items you’ve made at fairs, on Etsy, to friends, etc. I also have an Etsy Shop where I sell SVGs. I’d love for you to check it out!
Sharing svgs
And if you have acquired SVGs, even free ones (like those I offer here on my site) you should never send or upload the SVG to other people. Always direct friends to the designer’s post where they share the design. This supports the designer’s work when you share them as the original source.
They have spent a lot of time learning the programs and concepts used in making these designs, plus the work to brainstorm, create, edit and perfect the SVG so that it works seamlessly for your project.
Besides being the legal thing to do, it puts a lot of good crafty karma out into the universe.
How can I upload an SVG to Cricut?
With some rules out of the way, it’s time to take those SVGs into Design Space and work with them! You can see detailed instructions with a video in this post about uploading an SVG to Cricut. But basically, you will download the file to your computer. Then open Design Space, start a new project and click the upload button.
This opens the files on your computer and you will go find the SVG where it downloaded to (your download folder for example.) If it came in a zipped folder, you’ll need to extract first. You’ll save the image in Design Space and then you can use it in your project to cut.
