SVG for VCarve
VCarve Pro and VCarve Desktop (Vectric) are the dominant CNC routing software packages worldwide, used with ShopBot, Avid CNC, Axiom, Laguna, and most other routers. SVG path quality directly determines the quality of the VCarve toolpath — open paths and dense nodes cause routing errors.
About SVG for VCarve
VCarve imports SVG files and converts vector paths to CNC toolpaths for profile cuts, pocket operations, v-carving, and 3D carving. Understanding what VCarve needs from an SVG prevents broken toolpaths and wasted material.
SVG requirements for VCarve: - Closed paths: VCarve requires fully closed vector paths to generate correct toolpath profiles. Open paths cause broken or incorrect toolpaths. Close all open endpoints before importing. - Clean node structure: excess anchor points create irregular toolpaths and rough machine finishes. Run Path > Simplify in Inkscape to reduce node density before importing. - No embedded text: all text must be converted to paths (Text > Object to Path in Inkscape) before importing. VCarve does not include font rendering. - Correct document dimensions: set the Inkscape document size (mm or inches) to match the intended engraving or cut size. VCarve imports at the SVG's document scale.
How to import SVG into VCarve Pro: 1. Upload the PNG design to the vectorizer above. 2. Download the SVG and open in Inkscape. 3. Run Path > Simplify to reduce node count. 4. Close any open paths using the Node Editor tool. 5. Convert all text to paths. 6. Set document dimensions to the intended material size. 7. Save as Plain SVG. 8. In VCarve: File > Import > Import Vectors > select the SVG file. 9. Assign toolpath type: Profile, Pocket, V-Carve, or 3D Carve per shape.
Use the vectorizer above to generate clean, closed-path SVGs ready for VCarve Pro from any PNG design.