Create SVG Cut File in Adobe Illustrator

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Creating a New File in Adobe Illustrator
3. Importing an Image
4. Using Adobe Illustrator's Image Trace Feature
5. Editing the Trace Paths
6. Removing the Background
7. Grouping and Creating Compound Paths
8. Saving and Exporting as an SVG Cut File
9. Testing the SVG Cut File in Cricut Design Space
10. Conclusion

Introduction

In this article, we will learn how to Create an SVG cut file using Adobe Illustrator. SVG files are widely used in the world of crafting, as they can be easily scaled without losing quality. We will cover the step-by-step process of importing an image, using the image trace feature, editing the trace paths, removing the background, grouping and creating compound paths, and finally saving and exporting the file as an SVG cut file. We will also test the file in Cricut Design Space to ensure it works correctly. So, let's get started!

1. Creating a New File in Adobe Illustrator

To start creating our SVG cut file, we need to open a new file in Adobe Illustrator. We can do this by going to File > New. We can choose any size for our file, but for this example, let's go with 8.5 inches by 8.5 inches. Once we click "Create," we will have a blank canvas to work with.

2. Importing an Image

Next, we need to import the image we want to turn into an SVG cut file. We can either create a drawing or doodle by HAND or use a stylus and an app like Procreate on a tablet. For this tutorial, we will use a PNG file that was created in Procreate. To import the image, go to File > Place. Browse for the file and select it. Click "Place," and You should be able to see the image on your artboard.

3. Using Adobe Illustrator's Image Trace Feature

Once the image is imported, it will appear as a flat image without editable elements. In order to separate each color and element, we need to use Adobe Illustrator's Image Trace feature. To access this feature, look for the Image Trace button on the right side of the screen. Click the drop-down arrow next to it and select the number of colors you want to trace. For this example, let's choose six colors. Click "OK" and wait for the tracing process to complete.

4. Editing the Trace Paths

After the tracing is done, we need to edit the trace paths to make each element separate and editable. By clicking on the image, you can see that it has created paths around all the elements. We need to ungroup these paths so that we can work with them individually. To do this, go to Object > Ungroup. Make sure that you can no longer select the "Ungroup" option, indicating that the paths are now separated.

5. Removing the Background

In order to remove the background, we need to delete the white area surrounding our image. Select the white area and hit the delete key. Now, you can see that we can select each element on its own and edit it separately.

6. Grouping and Creating Compound Paths

To keep our design organized and ready for exporting, we need to group and create compound paths for each color. Let's start with the purple flower. Select all the elements of the purple flower by holding the Shift key and clicking on each part. Once they are selected, go to the Pathfinder tool and click "Unite" to group them together. Then, go to Object > Compound Path > Make to create a compound path.

Repeat this process for the pink flower and the green leaves. Select each element, unite them, and create compound paths. This will ensure that each color is separate and can be cut out individually.

7. Saving and Exporting as an SVG Cut File

Now that we have our compound paths, it's time to save and export the file as an SVG cut file. Go to File > Save As and choose a name for your file. Make sure to save it as a vector file to preserve the quality. Once saved, go to File > Export > Export As. Choose SVG as the format and click "Export." The default options should be sufficient, so click "OK."

8. Testing the SVG Cut File in Cricut Design Space

To ensure that our SVG cut file works correctly, we will test it in Cricut Design Space. Open the software and create a new project. Click on "Upload" to browse for the SVG file we just created. Select the file and click "Open." Once uploaded, click on the image and select "Insert Image." You should see each color as a separate layer in the Layers panel.

9. Conclusion

In conclusion, creating an SVG cut file in Adobe Illustrator is a straightforward process. By importing an image, using the image trace feature, editing the trace paths, removing the background, and grouping the elements into compound paths, we can create a file that is ready for cutting using a Cricut or other cutting machine. Remember to test the file in Cricut Design Space to ensure everything is working correctly. Now you can unleash your creativity and make amazing crafts with your SVG cut files!