Fix SVG-to-DXF scale before cutting
Updated 9 October 2026 · EasyPsyTools
Page size is not the artwork size
An SVG can describe a page of 100 × 60 mm while its visible geometry occupies only 90 × 50 mm. A rectangle inset 5 mm on each side has those smaller bounds. Check the measured artwork rather than assuming that the exported drawing should fill the page.
Set a known physical width
A viewBox describes a coordinate system; by itself it does not establish millimetres or inches. If physical dimensions are absent or uncertain, enter the intended Artwork width in millimetres. This calibrates the actual geometry and scales height proportionally. For the 90 × 50 example, entering 180 mm produces 180 × 100 mm.
Choose units deliberately
Output can use millimetres or inches and includes DXF unit metadata. One inch equals 25.4 mm. Some importing programs ignore or override unit metadata, so verify the imported drawing with a known measurement. The optional 96-pixels-per-inch assumption is appropriate only when that is how the source was designed.
Prepare clean geometry
Convert text to outlines in your drawing editor. Flatten unsupported images, styles, masks and clipping before conversion. Curves are approximated by polylines; a smaller curve tolerance preserves more detail and creates more vertices. Open contours can be intentional for engraving, but need inspection for cutting.
Inspect before running the machine
Review open contours and duplicate warnings, and compare the reported width and height with your design. DXF contains path geometry and stroke centre lines: fills, colours and stroke widths do not become toolpaths. Open the exported DXF in the software you will use and measure it before cutting material.