Did you know that an SVG file may import {or export} into different software programs at a different size from the size it was originally designed at?
Most of my SVG files aren’t size specific and can easily be resized in the software of the user, to suit whatever project is being worked on. An example is a monogram that will fit on a drink cup and later be enlarged to fit on a tote bag. These SVG designs aren’t a problem………
The SVG Files I want to talk about today are the files that have to be a specific size. Say for example an envelope to fit a particular sized card. If you have an envelope SVG cut file to fit an A2 card, you would expect the envelope file to open in your software at that correct size – right?…….Well, not always!
To illustrate what I’m getting at , here’s an example of a simple 10cm square drawn out in Silhouette Studio.
- This is the 10cm square drawn in Silhouette Studio.
- This is the same square converted to SVG. I printed it out from the browser window at 100% and it measures 9.5 cm.
- This is the same SVG as imported into SCAL4. you can see it measures 10.0002 cm. Only a smidge different from the original. The difference is so minimal it probably wouldn’t make a difference
- This is it in Cricut Design Space at 100%. See the mat measurements? the Square now is a little less than 5 inches, which is {approx} 12.2 cm. 20+% larger than the original!
- This one isn’t pictured but when I imported the same SVG back into Silhouette Studio Design Edition it was 12.502 cm, which is about 25% larger than the original Studio Design.
That’s just the few programs I have access to. Others like Illustrator, Inskscape, Corel Draw, etc etc may vary too.
Here’s the thing….
My understanding is various programs may treat the files differently when exporting and importing. It’s all about the DPI (dots per inch) One program may export at 72 DPI whereas that same file then imported into a different program may open it as 96 DPI or 90 DPI {depending on the default/settings of each program} – which causes the size difference. There doesn’t seem to be a universal standard that all graphic programs use.
What to do about SVG Sizing – Some Tips.
- For everyone: Just be aware of the possibility of this and always check the file is the correct size for your project…preferably before sending to cut 😉 Yes, I’ve been caught out with this!
- If you are a Silhouette Studio user: I offer my Files in Silhouette V2, V3 and SVG format. If the accuracy of the design size is important, use the Silhouette Files instead of the SVG.
- For Non Silhouette Studio Users: A solution when using my SVGs : when I share a size specific design as an SVG file, I will add a note in the notepad document {in the download folder – you do read it right? LOL } stating the correct dimensions that the file should be sized at. You’ll have a reference point and can easily adjust to the correct size in your Size/Scale settings in whatever software you are using.
Hope this helps if you’ve noticed size variations with SVG Files.
