How to Create an SVG file for Cricut from a photo

How many times have we been there; a family member sees all the awesome bits we’re making with our Cricut machine, and they ask “can you pop my dog on a mug?”, or “can you get my family onto a vase?”. SURE! It can’t be that hard… right?

However, the transferring of pictures in full colour requires a set up such as sublimation printing for the best results, which is something the Cricut is not. So how can we do it? There’s always the option of splashing out Adobe and learning graphic design, but unless this is something you are passionate about it’s not worth the time for one gift. There must be an easier way to convert an SVG file for Cricut?

Luckily there is, which brings us to the site PicSVG - a free website that will transform any uploaded photo into a silhouette in a .SVG format – perfect for Cricut, Silhouette, Scan N Cut machines and any other vinyl plotters.

Note: These instructions are for Windows PC (my PC is running Windows 10).

1) Select your photo

The easy part you may think! You want to make sure you pick a photo that is a decent resolution (that’s a picture that doesn’t look fuzzy and pixelated). The maximum file size allowed on the site is 4Mb, so also be mindful of this before uploading (although it is easy enough to resize a photo using a site such as Pic Resize). Make sure to also crop your photo to get rid of any excess background. Save it somewhere you’ll remember (like your desktop).

2) Go to https://picsvg.com

Pop it in your address bar and off you pop (or, just click on the link above).

3) Upload your image

Click on the “Upload a Picture” button and select your photo file.

4) Have a look through the pre-sets to find the clearest image

Toggle between the settings for detail and filters, until you find the clearest image for your needs. This will vary from photo to photo, and whether you are drawing/engraving or cutting vinyl.

5) Download your SVG file

Once you are happy with your image, press the “download SVG” button. Save the file somewhere you’ll be able to find it later.

6) Upload your SVG into Cricut Design Space

Upload your new .SVG file into design space

7) Insert into your Canvas and Weld

Chances are, your .SVG file is going to be made of lots and lots of small pieces. Whilst this may look great on the screen, when it comes to cutting the Cricut would cut each of these pieces individually (leading to the worlds most frustrating jigsaw). Select everything and press “weld” to change into one fused image. These files are generally quite large so this may take a little time, try not to click too much on the screen in frustration as this often makes design space crash.

At the end of all this, you have both made an SVG from a photo for use on your Cricut, and a beautiful gift for that family member just as you promised. If you’d like more information, check out our post showing how to clear up an SVG file (remove bits you don’t need etc, including using the contouring tool, coming soon).

How to Create an SVG file for Cricut from a photo

Active Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Print

Instructions

1. Select your photo
2. Go to https://picsvg.com
3. Upload your image
4. Have a look through the pre-sets to find the clearest image
5. Download your SVG file
6. Upload your SVG into Cricut Design Space
7. Insert into your canvas, select all and weld

Notes

This how-to is based on Windows 10. Please read the full article for a detailed breakdown of each step

If there are any requests for particular tutorials, let me know in the comments, or drop us a message on Facebook or Instagram! Be sure to check out our other Craft ideas.