Overview
Adobe Illustrator native format—vector artwork for vinyl cutting, HTV, laser, and CNC when exported or saved with clean paths.
Quick facts
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Best for
- Vector · native
- Typical output
- AI
- Typical cost
- Free to receive
Excellent for
- Vinyl cutting★★★★★
- HTV★★★★★
- Laser cutting★★★★★
- Logo and cut-path artwork★★★★★
Compatible with
File types
Pros & cons
Pros
- ✔Vinyl cutting
- ✔HTV
- ✔Laser cutting
- ✔Logo and cut-path artwork
Cons
- ✘Direct embroidery stitch output
- ✘3D printing without export
Creator & maker guides
Preparing artwork
- Work in formats suited for export: AI
Resolution & export
- Save a PDF or SVG copy for makers without Illustrator.
Bleed & safe areas
No items yet.
Common mistakes
- Live fonts instead of outlined text
- Effects that do not translate to cutter CAM
- Multiple artboards without specifying which to produce
Best practices
- 1Outline fonts and expand appearances before handoff.
- 2Save a PDF or SVG copy for makers without Illustrator.
- 3Set document units to inches or mm matching production.
Common mistakes
Live fonts instead of outlined text
Live fonts instead of outlined text
Effects that do not translate to cutter CAM
Effects that do not translate to cutter CAM
Multiple artboards without specifying which to p…
Multiple artboards without specifying which to produce
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Live fonts instead of outlined text | See guides below for context | Review creator/maker tabs and troubleshooting table |
| Effects that do not translate to cutter CAM | See guides below for context | Review creator/maker tabs and troubleshooting table |
| Multiple artboards without specifying which to produce | See guides below for context | Review creator/maker tabs and troubleshooting table |
Helpful tools
DPI & resolution calculator
SoonImage size calculator
SoonBleed generator
SoonAspect ratio calculator
SoonHeat press time & temperature
SoonSublimation wrap calculator
Soon