Troubleshooting

My cutter doesn't recognize some paths

Why some lines do not cut, score or draw on Cricut, Silhouette, vinyl cutters or lasers, and how to make every line do what you expect.

Updated 2026-10-24 1 min readCricut / SilhouetteVinyl cuttingLaser cutting

Common causes

  1. The layer's operation is not set. Cutting software assigns operations per layer or colour. A layer left as "draw" or "print" will not cut. Set every layer as described in importing into machine software.
  2. The process cannot do that operation. Vinyl cutters cannot engrave; craft cutters score or draw instead. The check warns when your design has a layer the process cannot execute.
  3. The object was hidden. Hidden objects are not included in the files. Show them in Objects or Layers and generate files again.
  4. The line is open. Some cutters skip open paths in cut mode. Close it — see open contours.
  5. It is a reference. Traced images and objects on the Reference layer are never exported.

Check in DIYCutLab

Open Generate files → Layers: the table shows each layer in your design and what your selected process does with it. Then look at Preview — anything not drawn there is not in your files.

Was this guide helpful?