Image to SVG for CNC Router & Woodworking

Why CNC Routers Need Clean SVG Files

CNC routers follow vector paths to generate toolpaths that control the cutting bit. The quality of those vector paths directly determines the quality of your finished piece. Jagged edges, open paths, and overlapping vectors create unpredictable toolpath behavior that can ruin expensive material and waste hours of machine time.

VectoSolve's AI produces clean, closed vector paths with smooth curves and no stray nodes. Whether you are V-carving a sign, cutting an inlay, pocketing a design, or profiling a shape, the SVG output imports cleanly into VCarve Pro, Carbide Create, Easel, and Fusion 360 with minimal or no cleanup required.

From Image to CNC Cut in 4 Steps

Upload any image and get toolpath-ready SVG vectors for your CNC router

STEP 1

Upload Image

Upload your design, logo, clipart, or hand-drawn sketch. PNG, JPG, and WebP all accepted.

STEP 2

AI Vectorizes

Our AI traces clean, closed vector paths optimized for CNC toolpath generation. No stray nodes.

STEP 3

Import to CNC Software

Open SVG in VCarve Pro, Carbide Create, Easel, or Fusion 360. Scale to your workpiece dimensions.

STEP 4

Generate & Cut

Assign V-carve, profile, or pocket toolpaths. Generate G-code and run the job on your CNC router.

CNC Projects You Can Make from SVG

From hobby shop to production facility

Woodworkers

Cut and carve signs, plaques, decorative panels, and custom furniture accents from your own designs.

Sign Makers

Convert logos and text to clean vectors for V-carved, profiled, or layered wooden and acrylic signs.

CNC Hobbyists

Turn internet images, hand sketches, and personal designs into CNC-ready files for your Shapeoko, X-Carve, or Onefinity.

Furniture Makers

Create decorative inlays, relief carvings, and custom hardware cutouts from vector artwork.

Engravers

Precision engrave designs onto wood, acrylic, aluminum, and brass using clean vector paths.

CNC SVG FAQ

What SVG settings work best for CNC routing?

For CNC work, you need SVGs with closed paths (no open endpoints), clean intersections (no overlapping or crossing paths), and appropriate detail level for your bit size. A 1/8-inch bit cannot cut details smaller than 1/8 inch. VectoSolve AI produces clean, closed vector paths by default. In your CNC software, scale the SVG to match your workpiece dimensions before generating toolpaths.

Which CNC software accepts SVG files?

All major CNC software supports SVG import: VCarve Pro and VCarve Desktop (Vectric), Carbide Create (free with Carbide 3D machines), Easel (Inventables, web-based), Fusion 360 (Autodesk, free for personal use), Aspire (Vectric), CarveCo Maker, and EstlCAM. Some industrial controllers may prefer DXF, which VectoSolve also exports via our Image to DXF converter.

What types of images convert best for CNC?

Bold, high-contrast designs produce the best CNC results: logos, text, silhouettes, simple illustrations, and geometric patterns. These produce clean toolpaths with predictable cutting behavior. Detailed photographs can be converted but may require simplification. For V-carving, single-line fonts and simple artwork work best. For pocket cuts, filled shapes with clear boundaries are ideal.

What is the difference between DXF and SVG for CNC?

Both formats work for CNC. SVG is the more modern web standard with broader software support, color information, and grouping. DXF is the traditional CAD/CAM format preferred by some industrial CNC controllers. VCarve Pro, Carbide Create, and Easel all handle SVG natively. If your specific machine controller requires DXF, use VectoSolve Image to DXF converter instead.

Can VectoSolve produce single-line SVGs for V-carving?

VectoSolve produces outlined vector paths from images, which work well for V-carve toolpaths in VCarve Pro and similar software. The V-carve toolpath algorithm in your CNC software will interpret the vector outline and carve to the appropriate depth based on path width. For true centerline (single-stroke) output, you may need to apply a centerline trace in your CNC software after import.

How do I size my SVG for the CNC workpiece?

VectoSolve SVGs are scalable to any dimension. When you import the SVG into your CNC software, set the workpiece dimensions first, then scale the design to fit. In VCarve Pro, use "Transform > Set Size." In Carbide Create, drag the handles or enter exact dimensions. In Easel, use the Size panel. Since SVGs are vectors, scaling never degrades quality.