Cutting and manufacturing

Importing files into machine software

General steps for opening DIYCutLab files in laser, cutter and CAD software at true size, with layers mapped to the right operations.

Updated 2026-10-24 1 min read

Every program is different, but the same four checks apply.

1. Import without scaling

Open the SVG or DXF directly. Avoid options such as "fit to bed", "scale to page" or "auto-size". If the software asks for units, choose millimetres.

2. Verify one dimension

The instructions list every part with its width and height. Measure one part in the software. If it is off by a factor such as 0.75, 1.33, 25.4 or 3.78, the software applied a unit conversion — see SVG imports at the wrong size.

3. Map operations by layer

Layer name Colour Operation
CUT_OUTER red Cut through, last
CUT_INNER orange Cut through, before outer cuts
SCORE blue Light line or score tool
ENGRAVE_VECTOR black Engrave or draw

Use names where the software shows them; colours can change when files are converted.

4. Order and test

Engrave and score first, inner cuts next, outer cuts last. Cut a small test piece before the full sheet.

We do not provide proprietary machine formats. Open SVG or DXF through your machine's own software.

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