My SVG Won't Upload or Open - What Should I Do?

If you've downloaded a Pink Pony Design SVG file but can't get it to open or import into your cutting-machine software, don't worry - there are a few common causes and they're usually easy to fix.

Start at the top and work your way down.

First, make sure you've extracted the ZIP file

If your pattern downloaded as a .zip file, you'll need to extract or unzip it before using the SVG files inside.

Trying to import the ZIP file itself into your cutting-machine software won't work.

Once extracted, open the new folder and look for the file ending in:

.svg

That's the file you want to import into your cutting-machine software.

If you're having trouble extracting your download, see My Pattern Won't Open - What Should I Do? in the Downloads & Files section of the Help Center.

Don't double-click the SVG to open it

This one can be confusing!

An SVG isn't meant to be opened and read like your PDF pattern.

Depending on your computer settings, double-clicking an SVG might open it in a web browser, show an unfamiliar program, or seemingly do nothing useful at all.

That doesn't necessarily mean there's anything wrong with the file.

Instead, open your cutting-machine software first and import or upload the SVG from inside the program.

Choose your software below for the correct method.

Cricut Design Space

Open Cricut Design Space and start a new Canvas.

Select:

Upload → Upload Image → Browse

Find the extracted .svg file on your computer and select it.

Continue through the upload screen and add the SVG to your Canvas.

Silhouette Studio

SVG files require Silhouette Studio Designer Edition or above.

If you're using the free Basic Edition, the SVG won't open or import even though there's nothing wrong with the file.

How to fix it

Check which edition of Silhouette Studio you're using.

If you have Designer Edition or above, open Silhouette Studio and import/open the extracted SVG from within the program.

Select:

File → Open

Find the extracted .svg file on your computer and select it.

If you only have Basic Edition, you'll unfortunately need to upgrade your Silhouette Studio edition to use SVG files directly.

Brother CanvasWorkspace

Open CanvasWorkspace first and use its Import SVG function to select your extracted .svg file. CanvasWorkspace for iPad cannot import SVG files; use the Web or desktop version on a computer instead.

Don't try to import the ZIP folder or PDF.

Opening an SVG in the Web Version

• Click on New to start a blank project.
• Click the SVG button (or SVG/FCM import icon) on the top toolbar.
• Click Choose File and locate the unzipped SVG file on your computer.
• Click OK to load the design onto your virtual mat.

If your program won't import the SVG

First make sure you've selected the actual .svg file from the extracted pattern folder. If you're using Brother CanvasWorkspace, SVG files need to be imported from a computer rather than the iPad version.

Try downloading and extracting a fresh copy of the pattern if necessary.

If your program still refuses to import the SVG, contact me with:

• The name of the pattern
• Which program you're using
• A screenshot of any error message you receive

I'll help you work out whether the problem is with the download, the SVG or the way your program is handling the file.

I can see the SVG, but my computer says it doesn't know how to open it

That's okay.

Your computer doesn't need to have a default program assigned to SVG files.

You don't need to double-click the file at all.

Open your cutting-machine software first, then use its Upload, Open or Import command to select the SVG.

I can't find an SVG file in my download

Not every Pink Pony Design pattern includes SVG cutting files.

Check the product description for the pattern you purchased to see whether SVG files are included.

If the pattern doesn't include SVG files, use the printable pattern pieces contained in the PDF instead.

The SVG uploads, but it's the wrong size

Great - that means the file is importing, so we're dealing with a different problem.

See My SVG Is the Wrong Size When I Import It for step-by-step instructions on checking and correcting the scale before cutting.

Still can't get it to work?

Please contact me and I'll be happy to help.

To make it easier for me to identify the problem, please include:

• The name of the Pink Pony Design pattern
• Your cutting machine
• The name of the software you're using
• Whether you're on a computer, phone or tablet
• What happens when you try to import the SVG
• A screenshot of any error message, if possible

That usually gives me everything I need to work out what's going wrong.

Happy sewing!

Maria
Pink Pony Design