Make Silhouette cut files from any image
Silhouette Studio Basic Edition can't open SVG files; Designer Edition and above can. Makerfern gives you SVG for either upgraded edition and DXF for Basic, both at the size you set.
What this preset does
These are the starting values when you open this page. They are Makerfern's defaults, chosen to be sensible for the job, not a manufacturer specification. Every one is adjustable in the settings panel.
| Setting | Starts at | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 4 in | The size you plan to cut. Limits below are measured against it. |
| Layers | Stacked | Colors overlap under one another so layered vinyl hides small misalignment. |
| Smallest piece | 1.5 mm | A starting point for vinyl. Test with the finest detail in your design. |
| Thin warning | 1 mm | Narrower parts are outlined in red. |
Opening the file in Silhouette Studio
- Basic Edition: download the DXF (Pro), then File → Open. DXF carries outlines only, no fill colors; Makerfern writes each color to its own named DXF layer.
- Designer Edition or higher: download the SVG and use File → Open or drag it onto the page.
- Check the size in the Scale panel before sending to the Cameo, Portrait or Curio.
SVG or DXF?
If you have Designer Edition or above, use SVG. It keeps the colors, so you can see which shapes belong to which vinyl. DXF is an engineering format and carries only outlines, which is exactly what Basic Edition reads. Both files from Makerfern use closed paths, so the cut follows every outline all the way round.
Why sizing matters more on a Silhouette
Silhouette Studio usually imports at the size stored in the file, and people often scale down afterwards. Scaling down in Studio doesn't remove the specks and hairlines that were fine at the original size. Set the real width in Makerfern first, and the cleanup is done for the size you'll actually cut.
Questions
Is the DXF in inches or millimetres?
You choose when you download. The file also records its units in the header, for software that reads it.
Can I use this for Print & Cut on a Silhouette?
Use the Print then cut preset. It adds an offset border you can use as the cut line around a printed sticker.