SVG for Carbide Create
Carbide Create is CAM software for Shapeoko and Nomad CNC routers. It imports SVG files for toolpath generation. SVG files must contain correct path types and dimensions to import cleanly without errors.
About SVG for Carbide Create
Carbide Create (used with Shapeoko, Nomad, and other Carbide 3D machines) accepts SVG files as design input for CNC routing toolpaths. The software reads SVG path geometry and generates pocket, contour, and V-carve toolpaths from the imported vector data.
SVG requirements for Carbide Create: Carbide Create works best with SVG files that use absolute path coordinates (not relative), contain no embedded images, and have document dimensions set in millimetres or inches. If the SVG was created in Inkscape, export as Plain SVG (not Inkscape SVG) to remove metadata that can confuse Carbide Create's importer.
Path preparation: Carbide Create distinguishes between open paths (for V-carve and engrave operations) and closed paths (for pocket and contour operations). Verify your paths are closed before importing. In Inkscape, select all paths and use Path > Check Paths to identify open endpoints.
Node count: Carbide Create can handle complex paths, but very high node counts (above 500 nodes per path) slow toolpath calculation. Simplify paths in Inkscape using Path > Simplify (Ctrl+L) before exporting SVG.
Converting an image to SVG for Carbide Create: upload your PNG or JPG logo to the vectorizer, download the SVG, open in Inkscape to simplify nodes and set correct document dimensions, then export Plain SVG for import into Carbide Create. This is the standard workflow for getting a logo or clipart image onto a CNC-routed sign.