How to use SVG files

Products using an engraved design require the use of .SVG files. 

SVG files are a format known as "vector" files. 

This tutorial runs through what SVG files are, and how to convert an existing design to .SVG for use with our engraved products using entirely free, online software.

What's a vector file?

Computers have different ways of storing images. The most well known of which is known as a bitmap image, which includes the commonly used .jpg and .png file formats. 

Bitmap images store thousands of tiny colors on a grid, which form the image. This is great for complex images like photographs, but when these images are increased or decreased in size, they lose definition. 

The other image type is vector images. An SVG file is a type of vector image file. 

Vector images store the instructions required for the computer - or in our case, an engraving machine - to re-build the image on demand. Including the positioning of the lines, the angles at which they intersect, and other useful information. 

The benefit of vector image files is that they can be resized to any size, and they will not pixelate or lose any definition - perfect for designs on jewelry! This makes them ideal for simple designs, text, icons, and black/white artwork. 

Within reason, It is possible to convert a design from one type to the other. In this guide, we will show you how to convert your design to an SVG file.

 

Check the design specifications.

First, we need to check the pixel size for the design we need to upload for our product. This will be used when setting up our SVG file later. 

This information can be found to the left of the image upload button when creating your product. Make a note of this for later.

Converting your design to .SVG

Check out Vectorisation.org

This website will take your design, and trace over the image, outputting a vector SVG file. 

• Click Browse, and choose your design.
• Make sure SVG is selected under Output Format.
• Click start.

• After a few moments you will see your result. Click the name of the file to download it.

 

Set up the canvas.

Next, we need to place that file correctly on your design. 

• Check out Photopea

• On the top left, select File > Open > Choose your file

• Once the file is open, go to File > Export As > SVG

• Change the width & height to match the product's required dimensions. 1000 x 1788. (you may need to toggle the chain link in between width & height, so the ratio doesn't auto adjust)

• Save your file with the Save button

Upload the file

• Head back over to the product creation page, and upload the file. 

• Let the mock-ups render to see how your file looks on the product

• And you're done! You can now continue to edit your product as normal.