How to Convert JPG to SVG for Cricut Projects (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you’ve ever found the perfect image online – like a cute silhouette, a logo, or even a hand-drawn doodle – you might wonder: “Can I cut this with my Cricut?” The answer is yes, but only if it’s in the right format.

Cricut Design Space works best with SVG files – not JPGs. So if you’ve got a JPG image, you’ll need to convert it to SVG before you can use it for cutting vinyl, cardstock, iron-on, and more.

In this post, we’ll walk you through what that means, why it matters, and how to do it.

🧾 What’s the Difference Between JPG and SVG?

  • JPG (or JPEG) is a photo file – flat, pixel-based, like a screenshot or photo. Cricut can’t cut this directly.

  • SVG stands for Scalable Vector Graphic. It’s a cut-friendly format made of lines and paths that your Cricut can follow.

If you try to upload a JPG into Design Space, Cricut will treat it like a Print Then Cut image. But if you convert it to SVG, your machine can cut it out with precision.

🛠️ How to Convert JPG to SVG (Easy Steps)

Option 1: Use Cricut Design Space (for Simple Images Only)

  1. Open Cricut Design Space.

  2. Click “Upload” in the bottom-left corner.

  3. Click “Upload Image”, then browse for your JPG.

  4. Choose Simple, Moderately Complex, or Complex (depending on the image).

  5. Use the background remover tool to delete unwanted areas.

  6. Choose “Save as a Cut Image” and hit Save.

This works best for high-contrast black-and-white images, like clip art or silhouettes.

Option 2: Use a Free Online Converter

If your image is more detailed, or you want a proper SVG with paths, try one of these sites:

Steps:

  1. Upload your JPG file.

  2. Choose your settings (sometimes you can adjust the threshold or detail).

  3. Click Convert.

  4. Download your new SVG file.

  5. Upload it to Cricut Design Space as normal.

Option 3: Use Software like Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape

For more control, you can use vector editing software:

  • Inkscape (free)

  • Adobe Illustrator (paid)

In these programs, you can trace the JPG image and save the result as an SVG.

🎯 Tips for Better Conversions

  • High contrast images (black on white) work best.

  • Remove busy backgrounds before converting.

  • Watch out for tiny, unwanted shapes – clean up your SVG before cutting.

  • Use software like Inkscape if you want to edit the paths or simplify the shapes.

🖨️ JPG to SVG Is a Game-Changer for Crafters

Once you know how to convert JPG to SVG, your design possibilities increase. You can use:

  • Hand-drawn artwork

  • Logos

  • Photos of sketches

  • Clip art from the web (just make sure it’s OK to use!)

Whether you’re creating custom t-shirts, mugs, or wall art, converting to SVG gives your Cricut the information it needs to create crisp, clean cuts.

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