Note: If the file still won't open in Silhouette properly, try using the 'Break Apart' function in Inkscape again in case the compound paths did not break completely.The quick and simple way to handle your files is to get a quality piece of software, such as reaConverter. This is what the new dxf looks like opened in Silhouette Studio - easy peasy. Chances are you'll be resizing it when you open it later. You can set Base Unit to whatever you're comfortable with - inches or pixels are usually the best choices. They're settings for AutoCAD software so they won't really effect the files for Silhouette Studio. Now's the time to change your file name if you want to, then click Save. You know you're on the right track if you see something like this:Ĭlick on File and Save As in the drop down menu:Ĭlick the drop down next to Save as Type in the window that pops up and select Desktop Cutting Plotter (AutoCAD DXF R14)(*.dxf) about half-way down. Those used to be blank spots in the middle of the design. If you compare the before and after you'll see that there are a bunch of extra boxes on the main part of the flower now.

Now your image will look something like this: The term Inkscape uses for compound path is 'break apart.' When a group of objects are welded together in Silhouette Studio they are called compound paths.Ī compound path tells the software what parts of the design to cut together and keeps them from being moved out of place. For more on that, see the DXF files post.Ĭlick on Object in the top menu and select Ungroup in the drop down menu.Ĭlick on Path in the top menu and select Break Apart in the drop down menu. The key to making a dxf work is to make sure that nothing is connected - no grouping or compound paths.

You can drag it from the file folder window straight into Inkscape to open it faster. Now that that's done, open the svg you would like to convert. You can find links and a walk-through here. It's a free program similar to Adobe Illustrator. What if I told you with a couple clicks you can make those files usable without upgrading your software? It really is that easy and I'll show you how.įirst up, you will need to download a copy of Inkscape. Have you ever found a great free file or a beautiful design on Etsy only to be disappointed that it doesn't come in.

Image to dxf converter software