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
Instructions
- Select your photo
- Go to https://picsvg.com
- Upload your image
- Have a look through the pre-sets to find the clearest image
- Download your SVG file
- Upload your SVG into Cricut Design Space
- 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.
MELANIE EDJOURIAN says
Your instructions are really detailed which is great. I think if I was attempting this if I followed them closely I wouldn't have a problem.
Rosie - Eco-Gites of Lenault says
I have never heard of this before - looks interesting ans something I could have a go at now thanks to your instructions!
Laura says
Great set of instructions. I'm sure they will be very helpful for anyone wishing to do this.
Lori says
Awesome thanks so VERY much for the help.
Treasure Every Moment says
This is so interesting! I watched a demo for the Cricut in Hobbycraft a few weeks ago and now I really want one 🙂
Melanie williams says
Oh wow this is a new one on me - not heard this before. will save this for future reference x
Rachel says
I've never thought of creating an svg file for a cricut, a very detailed set of instructions should anyone wish to do so.
Louise says
This looks absolutely amazing. Everyone is always raving about the Cricut but I didn't realise just how much you could do with them 🙂
Louise x
Mudpie Fridays says
Great detailed instructions, I am sure this will come in handy for lots of people. It is nice to make personalised gifts for friends and family.
Jenni says
I've never used a Cricut before. The end result looks really cool!
Kara Guppy says
I really want a cruicut machine but had no idea how they worked, so this will be very helpful
Adora Allen says
Just curious - is picsvg really free? It’s asking for my credit card & says there’s a free trial membership then will charge over $30 for monthly membership???
Charlotte Cook says
It should be truly free - I've just tested again using two different images and it is showing as free for me
Christine McDowall says
Thank you so much for the detailed instructions I can't wait to have a go, bless you.
Paula says
Thanks so much! I’ve read and watched so many tips and you tube videos but finally your instructions make sense.
Charlotte Cook says
Thank you <3, really glad this has helped you 🙂
Angie says
What material have you cut this out of? I was working on one to put in a picture frame and was using permanent vinyl and it was a mess. All the little pieces didn't stay in place and I threw it away. Thanks for any help you may have.
Kati Rainn says
How do you select it to be layered with more than 1 color?