Picture to SVG: How to Turn a Picture into an Svg for Cricut

Have you seen those personalized t-shirts everywhere? Do you want to know how to make them?

The first step is to figure out how to turn a picture into an svg for Cricut or your preferred cutting machine.

Even if you have no idea what an svg is or how to use them, or even what Cricut is, this is completely doable.

You don’t need to be a crafting pro to make one from a photo.

Trust me when I tell you that it looks a lot more difficult than it really is.

Follow along with the steps that I outline below to make your first converted svg file. 

I get commissions for purchases made through some of the links in this post. There is no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.

WATCH HOW TO TURN A PICTURE INTO AN SVG FOR CRICUT

Find the full video, with explanations further below.

Isn’t it time to give your Cricut machine some love?

After all, you didn’t pay for it to just sit around collecting dust did you? I didn’t think so. 

Hopefully, this is the motivation that you need to get started and make a beautiful svg image for your next Cricut Project.

What software is used to create SVG files?

Let’s talk about what kind of software is used to create svg files. I find that the easy method is often the best method. 

When it comes to art and crafts, I’m a fan of doing things the simple way.

For me, that means using what I have on hand or what I can find easily.  

Use Inkscape for SVGS

Since I already have Inkscape downloaded to my computer that’s the program that I tend to use and recommend for making svg files.

SVG Converter

If you’re not a fan of downloading programs to your computer, you can use a free svg converter website.

The converter website lets you upload a photo, convert into svg format. But there are some downsides to using a converter like this.

For instance, if you’re trying to convert a multiple-layer or multi-color svg, the final svg may come out in only one color or one layer.

I also have a list of 7 online apps to make svg files with a computer, tablet or smartphone. 

Other software to create graphics

You can also use other programs like Adobe Illustrator or CorelDraw to make svg files.

For now, we’ll stick to the Inkscape method in the instructions below.

What is Inkscape?

Inkscape is an open-source vector illustration software. Open source means that there is no fee to use it.

A lot of smart techy guys created the program and they generously make it available to artists like me and you to use it.

You can donate to the program if you choose.

So, moving on, what exactly are vectors? Vectors are the “v” part of svg. SVG stands for scalable graphic vector.

I don’t want to get deep into the techy side.

Just know that a vector is a kind of graphic that you can shrink and expand without losing the quality of the image.

That makes them perfect for crafts like t-shirt making and tumbler making.

How do I convert an image to SVG?

Now that you’ve picked a software program to use (Inkscape is the easiest and the best free svg converter in my opinion), you’re ready to convert your image to an svg.

Let’s get into how to turn a picture into a svg in Inkscape.

There is also a full video tutorial down below.

Watch and see, step by step, how I convert an image to svg.

Convert Photo to SVG for Cricut

Start by uploading your image (png or jpg) to Inkscape.

1. Select File then Import
2. Choose your photo image
3. Click on the uploaded image
4. Select Path then Trace Bitmap
5. Choose a Filter
6. Click “OK”.

For the filters, you have three different options that you can choose from.

• Brightness Cutoff
• Edge Detection
• Color Quantization

Test out each filter to see which one you like best. The results will be different with each filter. 

If you want to know all the technical details, Inkscape has tutorials explaining all of the terms for how to trace a bitmap image into a path element on the tracing page of their site.

Now, you have a better understanding of how to turn images into svg files. 

If you’re an absolute Cricut beginner you’ll be amazed at all the creative craft projects you can make with svg files and the Cricut machine. 

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Why Use SVG Files for Crafts?

Once you know how to make your own svg files, you can personalize things like t-shirts, onesies, and tumblers. 

After you make your cut file, you can use this tutorial to upload the svg to Cricut Design Space, cut out a vinyl template, and apply it to your shirt with an iron or a heat press like this one from Amazon.

The beauty of using a scalable vector graphic file (svg file), is that it lets you be so much more versatile with your images.

No more struggling with blurry images on your final project!

If you want to make custom svg images, sign up for my So Simple SVG Files course to learn how.

I will walk you through the steps to make simple shapes and turn them into drawings that you can save as svg files. 

In the meantime, you can watch the full tutorial video just below.

Click to play the step-by-step video

If you like this tutorial, save it to your Cricut board on Pinterest so that you’ll always have it to refer to.

I’d love for you to share a picture of your converted image with me on Pinterest. Just use the “tried it” feature below this Cricut crafts pin.

Troubleshooting Common Hiccups

Okay, so you’re all pumped up about turning your favorite pics into beautiful SVGs for your Cricut projects, but guess what?

Sometimes things don’t go as smoothly as we’d like. But don’t sweat it; we’ve got your back. In this section, we’ll chat about some common hiccups you might stumble upon and how to fix them.

1. Color Confusion: SVG’s super cool because it can handle all those different colors like a pro. But hey, if your SVG looks like it partied a bit too hard and the colors are all over the place, it might be due to wonky settings during the conversion.

Double-check those settings, and make sure you’re using the right color profiles to keep those shades in line.

2. Mega Complex Images: Sometimes, those intricate designs or crazy-detailed bitmaps can be a bit much for the conversion process.

If you’re having a tough time taming a complex image, consider simplifying it or breaking it down into smaller chunks. It’s like solving a puzzle; bit by bit, my friend.

3. Password Brain Freeze: Oh, the dreaded password issue! If you’ve locked up your SVG with a secret code and can’t remember it for the life of you, don’t fret.

First, double-check your typing – even a tiny typo can make it grumpy. And, of course, ensure you’ve got the right file extension.

4. Software Snags: SVG files are the cool kids on the block, but not all software knows how to play nice with them.

If your software’s giving you side-eye when you try to open an SVG, make sure it’s all up-to-date. Some older software might need a little boost, like updates or plugins, to get along with SVGs.

5. Mobile Mysteries: SVGs are like the cool web kids, but sometimes, they throw a tantrum on mobile devices.

If your SVGs aren’t behaving on mobile web pages, think about offering PNG or JPG versions for your mobile buddies. That way, everyone’s happy, no matter where they’re browsing.

So, here’s the deal – turning bitmaps into SVGs is a fantastic way to jazz up your DIY projects. And if you run into any snags that we didn’t cover here, don’t be shy.

Hit up your crafting buddies in my private Facebook group for some extra tips and tricks. The good news is, with a bit of time and a dash of troubleshooting, you’ll be the SVG champ in no time.

FAQ’s