How to Design SVG Files: A Guide for Crafters

Whether you’re making graphic tees, cards, or home decor crafts, learning to design SVG files can take your projects to the next level. Today, I’ll walk you through some key points you should know before designing SVG files. I’ll compare SVGs to other file types, introduce you to Leonardo from Siser®, and discuss why learning to design your own cut files is a great idea (And free trial offer!).

I’m guessing you are reading this because you want to start designing your own files for crafting. I’ll compare different programs you can use to design SVGs for professional results. If you stay until the end, I’ll share a link for a free trial on the Leonardo Pro from Siser.  

Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links – meaning if you click through and make a purchase I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. For more information, read our full affiliate disclosure here.

What is are SVG Cut Files?

The first thing we should chat about is that SVG stands for Scalable Vector Graphics. It’s a vector image format that allows you to create graphics that can be scaled to any size without losing quality.

This is a game-changer for crafters using cutting machines like Cricut, Silhouette, and the new Juliet and Romeo cutters from Siser®.

Over the course of my career as a graphic designer since the mid 1990s, when I’m creating logos and other professional, original clip art, my go-to for my own designs is an SVG file. I’ve used Adobe Illustrator almost the entire time and am amazed at the features Leonardo Pro offers. (more on that later further down this post).

Comparing SVG Files to PNG and JPG Files

• SVG Images: (Cricut Machine) These are vector graphics, meaning they are made up of paths defined by mathematical expressions. This makes them scalable and ideal for cutting machines. They maintain crisp edges and details at any size.
• PNG Files: These are raster graphics made up of pixels. They are great for detailed images and photos but can become blurry if scaled up. They have a larger file size compared to SVG files which can take up more room on your computer. (these can often look like a bitmap image)
• JPG Files: Another type of raster images, and similar to the PNG, JPG files are best for photos and files for web pages. They compress data to create smaller file sizes, but this can result in a loss of detail, especially when enlarged.

For Cricut, Juliet, Romeo and Silhouette crafters, SVG files are the go-to format because they are perfect for cutting machines and ensure the highest quality for your designs. (That’s why I want to share about a special with Leonardo.)

Why Learn to Make Your Own SVG Files?

I love designing SVG files, so much so that I made a business around this skill. Creating your own SVG files offers several benefits:

1. Personal Use: You can design unique graphics tailored to your specific projects. This allows you to create truly personalized items.
2. Commercial Use: Selling your own SVG designs can be a lucrative business. Many crafters make a substantial income by opening online shops and selling their unique designs.
3. Creative Control: You get complete creative control over your projects, from the initial design to the final product.

How to Get Started Designing SVG Files

Creating your own SVG designs doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow these simple steps to get started:

Choose Your Software: Select a graphic design software that supports SVG file creation. Leonardo Pro is a great choice, and if you use code WCMTLEO before 12/31/24, you’ll get a 1-month free trial of Leonardo.

Create Your Design: Use shape tools to draw simple shapes, combine them into compound paths, and add any text you need. Start with straight lines and simple designs, gradually moving to more complex creations as you gain confidence.

Save and Export: Once your design is complete, save it in the SVG format. This ensures it will be compatible with your cutting machine.

Tips for Designing SVG Files

• Keep It Simple: Start with simple SVG files. Simple shapes and designs are easier to cut and can be just as impactful.
• Think About the Cut: Consider how your cutting machine will handle the design. Avoid overly intricate details that might be difficult to cut if the design is small. This leaves your crafter annoyed – we want them happy and coming back for more.
• Test Your Designs: Before committing to a large project, test your SVG designs on a small scale to ensure they cut properly. 

Choosing the Right Program

Now that we have reviewed the SVG files and touched on how to design, let’s chat about what program to use. There are many options, and with over 25 years of experience as a designer, I have a few options to share.  

As of today I recommend Leonardo Pro. By selecting the right software, you can streamline your design process and create beautiful, high-quality SVG files for all your crafting needs.

Leonardo from Siser®: A Robust and Affordable SVG Design Tool

If you’re looking for powerful and affordable software to design SVG files, Leonardo from Siser® is a great choice. It’s a professional-grade program packed with features that make designing SVG files a breeze.

One of my favorite this is the tab for materials. It tells you settings for cutting, heat instructions and washing. It’s so helpful and in the Leonardo program.

Leonardo does have a free software version. You can create and cut your own vector files on Juliet and Romeo Siser® cutters. Upgrading to the pro will let you down them as a SVG file. 

Features of Leonardo Pro

• Shape Tools: Create simple shapes or complex designs with ease.
• Type Tool: Use fonts on your computer to help create designs. With options to get creative with your text on arch, curve or path option
• Text Editor: Add and customize text within your designs.
• Vector Image Creation: Draw and edit vector graphics directly within the program.
• Export Options: In the Pro version, you can easily export your designs in SVG, JPG, PNG, PDF, or TIFF format for use with Cricut Design Space or Silhouette Studio software.
• User-Friendly Interface: Designed with crafters in mind, Leonardo Pro is easy to navigate, even if you’re new to graphic design software.
• Trendy Warp Tool options, Flag, Tube, Circle, etc.
• Eraser Brush Tool
• It has a handy job notes/stats option.
• Compound Path: Combine multiple paths into a single, more complex shape.

where to Start Designing SVG Files

Use the free trial here to use Leonardo Pro.

Next, check out Siser’s built in tutorials. You can see there’s a tab for them the list goes on and on.

Compared to other graphic design software like Adobe Illustrator, Leonardo Pro is much more affordable without sacrificing functionality, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced designers for making clean, professional cuttable designs.

Selling Your SVG Designs

Once you’ve mastered designing SVG files, consider selling them. This can be a good side hustle or even a full time income for some. Here’s how to get started:

• Create an Online Shop: Platforms like Etsy shop and Creative Fabrica are perfect for selling digital files.
• Offer Commercial Licenses: Provide commercial use licenses so other crafters can use your designs in their projects.
• Market Your Designs: Use social media and other marketing strategies to reach a broader audience.

Add our monthly Creative Business Club to your Planner for additional support!

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Includes monthly Zoom sessions (replays available) to learn one new marketing technique you can apply each month.

Understanding Commercial Use vs. Personal Use When Designing SVG Files

As a new SVG designer, it’s important to understand the distinction between personal use and commercial use when creating and selling SVG files.

This not only helps you comply with legal requirements but also protects your creative work and the work of others. With that said, I’m not a lawyer so be sure to check legal if need more help clarifying.

SVGs for Personal Use

Personal use refers to using a design solely for non-commercial purposes. This means you can use the SVG file for:

• Personal Projects: Creating items for yourself or as gifts for friends and family.
• Non-Profit Activities: Using the design in a way that doesn’t generate income, such as for school projects or community events.

When you use an SVG file for personal purposes, you’re not making any money from the design. For example, if you create a graphic tee using an SVG file you designed, and you wear it yourself or gift it to someone, this counts as personal use.

SVG for Commercial Use

Commercial use involves using a design to make money. This can be a wide variety but here is a short version of what that includes:

• Selling Products: Using the SVG file to create physical items that you sell, such as t-shirts, mugs, cards, and home decor at craft fairs.
• Print on Demand Designs: Using the SVG file to upload to Print on Demand (POD) sites such as Printify, where someone else creates the physical product and ships it with your design. The most common items are t-shirts, mugs, cards, and home decor.
• Digital Products: Selling the SVG files themselves on platforms like Creative Fabrica, Etsy or on your own website (like I do here).
• Marketing and Advertising: Using the designs in materials intended to promote a product, service, or business (not SVG related but an option as an income bracket)

Licensing and Permissions

When you sell items created with SVG files or the SVG files themselves, you’re engaging in commercial use. It’s essential to ensure you have the proper rights to use and sell the designs commercially. These are set by each designer, so be sure you know the rules before you start. 

When using SVG files, always check the license associated with that designer. Here are some common terms you might encounter:

• Free for Personal Use: The design can be used without charge for personal projects but not for commercial purposes.
• Commercial License Required: You need to purchase a commercial license to use the design for any profit-making activity.
• Royalty-Free: Once you purchase the file, you can use it for commercial purposes without paying royalties.
• Attribution Required: You can use the design commercially but must give credit to the original designer.

If you’re creating your own SVG files, you can decide the terms of use. Clearly state whether your designs are for personal use only or if they can be used commercially. If allowing commercial use, consider selling a commercial license or offering royalty-free options.

Protecting Your SVG Designs

As a graphic designer, it’s important to protect your own designs:

• Watermark Previews: Use watermarked previews of your designs when displaying them online.
• Clear Licensing Terms: Clearly state the terms of use and licensing on your product listings.
• Digital Rights Management (DRM): Use DRM tools to prevent unauthorized copying and distribution of your designs.

Why Understanding This Matters

Knowing the difference between personal and commercial use helps you:

• Avoid Legal Issues: Ensures you’re not infringing on someone else’s copyright.
• Set Appropriate Pricing: Helps you price your designs correctly, depending on how they’re intended to be used.
• Build Trust: Establishes you as a professional who respects intellectual property rights.

By understanding and respecting the differences between personal use and commercial use, you can confidently create and sell your SVG designs, knowing you’re operating within legal and ethical boundaries.

Join the We Can Make That’s Free Crafting Facebook Group Here!

Now it’s your turn to go download Leonardo!

Learning to design your own SVG files opens up a world of creative possibilities. Whether you’re crafting for personal use or looking to start a business, mastering SVG design can elevate your projects and provide a new stream of income. With tools like Leonardo from Siser®, the process is more accessible and affordable than ever. Happy crafting designing!