How to Use an SVG on a Cricut

I thought I would share a tutorial today on how to use an SVG on a Cricut. The past few months we have offered several free SVG files and you may have struggled with actually getting them into Cricut Design Space.

I actually did a video for iOS, PC, as well as Android showing you each step to downloading and uploading those files. It is really easy once you see how to do it, but it can be a challenge on your first try.

So, here is how to use an SVG on a Cricut.

The following instructions will work for any Cricut machine that uses Cricut Design Space.

What is an SVG file?

First of all, if you have found this post and are not sure what exactly a SVG is and why you would want one, you are not alone. A SVG is the perfect type of file to use with your Cricut and any other cutting machine. It is universal for a wide variety of machines plus the best part is that it can be scaled without losing resolution. Want to learn more? Click here to read all about SVG files and why they are amazing.

Uploading an SVG to Cricut Design Space desktop

This is probably the most straight forward of the tutorials but I wanted to cover it anyway. If you are struggling with using those SVG files on your computer, this video is for you! Just follow along with the instructions and you will know how to use an SVG on a Cricut in no time at all.

Can’t watch the video or missed some of the steps? Read on for step by step instructions on how to use an SVG on a Cricut.

Step 1 – Locate the SVG File

Once you have your SVG file on your computer, make sure you know where it’s saved. Most SVG files come in a zipped folder. You’ll need to unzip the files in order to access them. This is probably the most important step in how to use an SVG on a Cricut. When you are in Cricut Design Space, you won’t be able to upload a design that is located in a zipped folder.

Step 2 – Upload into Cricut Design Space

Open Cricut Design Space and start a new project. From the canvas, click on “Upload” from the menu on the left sidebar of the canvas.

Step 3 – Drag or Choose your file

From here you can either drag your file from another window into the box, or click “Browse” to select your SVG to upload.

Step 4 – Select the SVG file

If you chose to “Browse”, navigate to the folder your SVG file is saved in and select the SVG. Then click “Open”. Remember, if your folder is still zipped, it will not show up in this window. Note: You can only upload one SVG file at a time.

Step 5 – Review the image

Once uploaded, Cricut Design Space shows you a preview of the SVG file. If everything looks right, you can click “Continue”, if not, click “Back” and you can repeat the process to select the correct file.

Step 6 – Complete the upload

The final step of how to use an SVG on a Cricut is to rename the image (if you’d like), and tag it so you can find it quickly at a later time (optional). Once you have everything named and filed how you’d like it, click “Upload”.

Step 7 – Make it your own

Your uploaded SVG is now ready for you to make your own. Wasn’t that easy? From here you can resize the SVG, adjust the colors, and really customize it. Make sure you save your project so you can make it again. If you like this cute rainbow SVG, it’s available for free!

Uploading an SVG to Cricut on iOS Devices

Now, what if you have an iPad or iPhone and want to use the Cricut app? We have you covered there as well. Just follow along with the video below to get those SVGs uploaded to your Cricut right on your mobile device. Crafting with your Cricut machine has never been easier!

Can’t watch the video or missed some of the steps? Read on for step by step instructions on how to use an SVG on a Cricut using the iOS app.

Step 1 – Open the Cricut Design Space app iOS

If you haven’t started using Cricut Design Space on iOS, try it out! It’s really easy to use your phone or iPad to utilize your Cricut machine. The first step in uploading an SVG to use is to go to a blank canvas. I did this by touching the + on the overview screen. Unlike the desktop version, the menu for the app is at the bottom of the canvas. Scroll across the menu to “Upload” at the bottom.

Step 2 – Locate the file

After selecting “Upload” you’ll pick where you are uploading your file from. This is where know where you saved your file is really important. You’ll also want to make sure that the folder where your file is located is unzipped, as Cricut will not be able to find a zipped file. In the photos below, I chose “Browse Files” and then I selected “Drive” because I knew that is where my file was.

Step 3 – Select the SVG File

Once you are in the right folder, select the file you wish to upload. Note: it’s sometimes hard to see which files are SVGs, so I like to rename the file to add “SVG” to the file name to make it a bit easier to find.

Step 4 – Preview the image

The final step in how to use an SVG on a Cricut using the iOS app is to preview the SVG file and name the image. If you accidentally chose the wrong file, you can press the back arrow to go back to the file selection screen. Once you are ready, click “Upload”.

Step 5 – Complete your project

Your uploaded SVG is now ready! You can ungroup the design, resize, anything you need. Wasn’t that easy? Make sure you save your project so you can make it again. Note: You can find this cute free SVG on my site!

How to Use an SVG in the Cricut Android App

We couldn’t leave out the Android users! There is a Cricut Design Space app for Android and yes you can use those SVG files right on your mobile device. Watch below to see how to do it!

Where to Get Free SVG Files

Now that you know how to use a SVG on a Cricut, where can you find those files to cut? Start with our free monthly SVGs! You can find a list of those by clicking here. You can also sign up for our SVG email list on that post where we send you our latest and greatest SVG finds!

More Free SVG options

Want more options? Here are a few of my favorite sources for both free and paid SVG files:

• Creative Fabrica Freebies
• Design Bundles Free Downloads
• So Fontsy Free Area
• Creative Fabrice Bundles
• Files from Design Bundles

Now that you know how to use a SVG on a Cricut, the possibilities really are endless! This opens up a whole new world of crafting possibilities for you! Y’all enjoy and start using those SVG files today. You will be able to create something amazing with your Cricut machine.

SVG File Tips

• Need to divide an SVG into layers? See how to do that here. You can also use Cricut Convert to Layers right in Cricut Design Space (Cricut Access required).
• Use the Contour feature to remove certain section of an SVG.
• Create an offset for your SVG right in Cricut Design Space.
• Transform graphics using the warp tool in Cricut Design Space.