SVG to DXF converter

To convert SVG to DXF, drop the SVG into the converter above, check that the size reads right, and download the DXF. Curves follow the original to within the tolerance you set, circles and circular arcs stay true circles and arcs, and the units are written into the file, so programs that read them, LightBurn among them, open it at the size you drew. Nothing is uploaded.

SVG vs DXF

Both are vector formats, made for different jobs. SVG describes artwork for screens; DXF describes geometry for CAD.

The converter bridges each row. It resolves styles, CSS classes, groups, transforms and reused symbols, flips y, and turns each colour or group into a DXF layer.

The 96 vs 72 DPI trap

An SVG that gives its size in millimetres or inches converts exactly. One sized in pixels needs a rule for how big a pixel is. The CSS standard sets 96 pixels per inch, and Inkscape has used 96 since version 0.92. LightBurn's documentation lists 72 DPI as Adobe Illustrator's default, and a 72 DPI file read at 96 comes out at 75% of its size.

The converter reads pixels at 96 per inch and turns on File was made at 72 DPI by itself when the file says it came from Illustrator. If a part still measures wrong, flip the switch, or choose Set width and type the size you need. LightBurn and xTool Studio both have an SVG DPI setting for the same reason.

Text, images and clipping

A DXF from this tool holds lines, arcs and circles. Anything else is listed above the preview:

• Text must become outlines first. In Inkscape, select it and choose Path, Object to Path (Shift+Ctrl+C).
• Raster images cannot be cut as vectors. Trace them with Path, Trace Bitmap, or engrave them as images in your laser software.
• Clip paths and masks are ignored, so clipped artwork is written whole. Release the clip in your editor if only the visible part should be cut.

Which programs want which format

Checked against each vendor's documentation in October 2026.

Convert SVG to DXF in Inkscape

1. Open the SVG and convert any text with Path, Object to Path.
2. Choose File, Save a Copy (Shift+Ctrl+Alt+S), so your SVG stays as it is.
3. Pick Desktop Cutting Plotter (AutoCAD DXF R14) (*.dxf). An R12 version is listed too, with no options.
4. In the R14 options, keep Use Document unit as base unit or pick a base unit, then choose whether to use LWPOLYLINE output and whether to flatten Béziers. Inkscape labels its ROBO-Master spline option as one that may distort some shapes.

This converter does the same job without the dialog: arcs stay exact arcs, other curves become short straight segments within your tolerance, and the layers follow your colours or groups.

Other conversions

Going the other way? The DXF to SVG converter opens CAD files for Cricut, Glowforge and Inkscape. Before you cut joints, size the slots with the laser kerf calculator. To turn a 3D model into cut lines, use STL to SVG, and to turn an SVG into a printable part, SVG to STL.