How the machine actually behaves, written from what goes wrong rather than from the feature list.
All guidesSVG design7 min readUpdated
Create a multi-layer SVG without flattening your design
A layered cut file keeps its shapes separate so you can cut different colors or materials and assemble the result. This walkthrough uses two simple vector shapes, explains the actual CricutCraft export options, and shows what to check after importing into Design Space. CricutCraft prepares the artwork; Design Space still prepares and sends the machine job.
Step by step
- 1
Choose a vector starting point
Open CricutCraft Studio and add two simple shapes, or open a vector design from the library. Begin with solid-color shapes. A photograph or PNG placed on the canvas remains raster artwork; exporting it inside an SVG does not trace it into cut paths.
- 2
Set the finished size before adding fine detail
Select the background shape and set its width and height in the Design inspector. For the example below, use a 3-inch circle and a centered star about 1.5 inches wide. These are example dimensions, not machine or material limits. Check the actual blank and the smallest pieces you will need to weed.
- 3
Give each physical layer a clear color
Select each shape and change Fill in the Design inspector: one color for the circle and another for the star. Keep them as separate vector objects. Grouping keeps objects convenient to select; it does not convert a PNG to vectors or guarantee the same placement on a cutting mat.
- 4
Inspect imported designs before editing individual parts
If a selected library SVG contains multiple separable parts, the Design inspector shows Layered design and a Split into N layers button. Use it to recolor or move those parts individually. The control only appears when the current SVG can be split; a flat image does not gain layers through this button.
- 5
Export SVG and check what each option means
Choose Export, then SVG. Transparent background avoids exporting a filled rectangle behind your artwork. Leave Include guide layers off unless those guides are intentionally part of the file. Separate operation layers creates named groups for operations such as cut and draw; it is not a separate download for every material color.
- 6
Inspect the imported vector layers in Design Space
Upload the exported SVG through Design Space and check its overall dimensions and individual shapes before making a job. Confirm the operation and material color for each piece there. If same-color pieces need to keep their relative positions on a mat, use the appropriate Design Space Attach workflow after checking the layer selection.
- 7
Make one material test
Check the prepared mats, mirror setting and material instructions in Design Space. If you mirrored at export, do not mirror the artwork a second time. Cut one small sample, weed it and check the assembled alignment before repeating the design. Use the transfer or adhesive instructions for your actual materials.
Original example: a two-color star badge
Start with a solid circle and place a smaller star over it. For a stacked cardstock badge, the circle is the full base and the star is a separate top piece. Overlap in the drawing represents the assembly, so keep both shapes rather than welding the whole badge into one silhouette.
For adhesive vinyl, test whether stacking suits your material and intended surface. For iron-on vinyl, check whether your exact transfer products can be layered and follow their pressing instructions. Color alone does not establish whether two materials can be pressed together.
| Piece | Example size | Purpose | Check before cutting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circle | 3 in × 3 in | Solid base layer | Fits the measured blank; no unwanted background rectangle |
| Star | About 1.5 in wide | Separate contrasting layer | Points remain large enough for the chosen material |
| Assembly | Centered by eye or alignment controls | Star placed over the base | Test the placement once before making a batch |
Layers, groups and operations are different
A shape is a piece of geometry. A group keeps objects together while editing. An operation describes what a tool should do. CricutCraft can preserve vector objects and emit operation groups in SVG, but your machine software determines the final cut, draw, score and mat settings.
Avoid welding objects that need to remain different physical colors. If you need a single silhouette, a union may be appropriate; if you need two pieces to assemble, keep the pieces separately editable. A saved project is useful for later revisions, while the exported SVG is the handoff file.
Text, photos and printable artwork need a different check
CricutCraft currently exports editable text as SVG text rather than automatically converting every font glyph to an outline. Before relying on new lettering as a cut path, convert it to vector outlines in suitable vector software or add and prepare the lettering in Design Space. Inspect the actual imported result rather than assuming that a file ending in .svg contains only paths.
Imported images remain images. Watercolor, gradients and photos often belong in a PNG Print Then Cut workflow rather than in a stack of colored vinyl cuts. PNG export produces one flat image; it does not preserve separately editable vector layers.
Free editing and commercial design licensing
The studio and SVG export are available on the free plan. Some library designs require a paid plan. Personal-use and commercial-use rights are separate from the file format: the library commercial licence covers finished physical products on the paid plan, and does not permit reselling the source design files.
For artwork you create yourself, check any external fonts, images or other source material you introduce. An editor export does not grant rights to somebody else’s artwork. The site’s licensing terms and pricing pages explain the boundaries for CricutCraft library content.
Next steps
- Open the free SVG editorReview the editor workflow and open the browser studio.
- Browse vector shapesChoose simple artwork for a cut-layer project.
- Upload the finished SVG to Design SpaceFollow the next stage after export.
- Use PNG for Print Then CutKeep printed artwork separate from a cut-only workflow.
- Check the library design licenceUnderstand personal use, commercial products and file redistribution.
Sources and further reading
Manufacturer references checked for this guide’s October 30, 2026 update.