Overview
Drawing Exchange Format—2D paths for vinyl cutters, laser tables, and CNC routers; common export from CAD and Illustrator.
Quick facts
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Best for
- CAD · exchange
- Typical output
- DXF
- Typical cost
- Free
Excellent for
- Laser cutting★★★★★
- CNC routing★★★★★
- Vinyl cutting★★★★★
- Mechanical flat parts★★★★★
Compatible with
Production
File types
Pros & cons
Pros
- ✔Laser cutting
- ✔CNC routing
- ✔Vinyl cutting
- ✔Mechanical flat parts
Cons
- ✘Full-color garment print
- ✘Embroidery stitch files
Creator & maker guides
Preparing artwork
- Work in formats suited for export: DXF
Resolution & export
- Export in mm or inches matching the maker's machine.
Bleed & safe areas
No items yet.
Common mistakes
- Open polylines that will not cut closed shapes
- Unit mismatch (inches vs millimeters)
- Excessive duplicate segments slowing CAM
Best practices
- 1Export in mm or inches matching the maker's machine.
- 2Close all cut paths and remove construction geometry.
- 3Keep layer names meaningful for multi-operation files.
Common mistakes
Open polylines that will not cut closed shapes
Open polylines that will not cut closed shapes
Unit mismatch (inches vs millimeters)
Unit mismatch (inches vs millimeters)
Excessive duplicate segments slowing CAM
Excessive duplicate segments slowing CAM
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Open polylines that will not cut closed shapes | See guides below for context | Review creator/maker tabs and troubleshooting table |
| Unit mismatch (inches vs millimeters) | See guides below for context | Review creator/maker tabs and troubleshooting table |
| Excessive duplicate segments slowing CAM | 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