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How to Use SVG Files with Brother ScanNCut

Learn How to Upload & Convert SVG files in Brother CanvasWorkspace

Did you know that you can find cut file designs for your Brother ScanNCut machine in addition to the available patterns on the Brother CanvasWorkspace site?

SVG files (Scalable Vector Graphics) are a type of vector file that can be used by most cutting programs, including Brother CanvasWorkspace.

SVG files can be found from graphic designers, design marketplaces, and craft bloggers, with many even offering free SVG files. Using SVG cut files from trusted places around the web opens up a whole new world of designs that you can use with your ScanNCut.

In this step by step tutorial, you’ll learn how to import SVG files to Brother CanvasWorkspace, and how to convert them to FCM to use with your ScanNCut machine.

Most SVGs will download as a zip file. After downloading, you will need to unzip to use the files inside. (Learn how to download & unzip SVG files). After unzipping, you’ll be ready to import the SVG file to CanvasWorkspace.

There are 2 ways to use CanvasWorkspace: You can use the online version in your web browser, or you can work offline with the desktop version of Brother CanvasWorkspace software. Both versions are shown in this tutorial.

Click here to jump to instructions for the desktop version.

Importing SVG Files to the CanvasWorkspace Website:

Head to the Brother Canvas Workspace website: at https://canvasworkspace.brother.com

On the Canvas Workspace, click on the “Import” icon in the top menu.

An Import window will open with information about accepted file types. Click the “Choose file” button. Navigate to where you saved the SVG file on your computer.

Many designers include several different file types. Be sure to choose the SVG format file. Some computers may display SVG files using web browser icons (Internet Explorer, Chrome, etc), however they are actually SVG files and should still upload correctly in CanvasWorkspace.

You can check for the .svg file extension, or look at file type for “SVG Document” or “Scalable Vector Graphic”) and click “Open”.

The Import window will now display the name of the file you selected. Click “Ok”.

The uploaded image will then appear on your workspace.

By default, all elements of the design can be moved around individually. If you need to move or resize all the pieces of a design, you may wish to group the design or certain parts of the design. To do this, select the parts of the design you wish to group, then right-click and choose “Group” (or simply press the “G” key on your keyboard).

Make any desired changes to the design for the project you are creating, and when you’re ready to cut, click the large “Download” button on the right side to convert the file to FCM format for your Scan N Cut machine.

You can choose the “Download to PC” option to save the file in FCM format to your PC or USB flash drive.

Or choose the “ScanNCut Transfer” option to send the FCM file directly to your ScanNCut machine either via wireless network, or USB cable.

You can learn more about transferring FCM images to your specific ScanNCut machine model here. https://support.canvasworkspace.brother.com/en/connection/

Importing SVG Files to the CanvasWorkspace Desktop Software:

Open the Brother CanvasWorkspace software and head to the Canvas. Click on the “Import” icon in the left side menu.

A navigation window will open. Navigate to where you saved the SVG file on your computer.

You can check for the .svg file extension, or look at file type for “SVG Document” or “Scalable Vector Graphic”) and choose “Open”.

The uploaded image will then appear on your workspace.

Make any desired changes to the design for the project you are creating, and when you’re ready to cut, choose “File > Export to FCM File…” to save the file in FCM format to your PC or USB flash drive.

Or choose “File > Transfer FCM File via the Internet” to send the FCM file directly to your ScanNCut machine either via wireless network, or USB cable.

You can learn more about transferring FCM images to your specific ScanNCut machine model here. https://support.canvasworkspace.brother.com/en/connection/

I hope you found this tutorial helpful for opening SVG files to use with your Brother Scan N Cut!

If you’re looking for SVGs to use with your Brother ScanNCut, take a look at my Creatables shop, which has a growing selection of original cut files (including over 265 Free SVG Files) for your ScanNCut machine!

Happy Crafting!

Affiliate Disclosure: I may be an affiliate for some products recommended in this post. This means that if you purchase items through my links I will earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products that I have personally used and enjoy and when you order through my link, it helps me continue to offer you weekly free SVG files, digital papers, scrapbook sketches, tutorials, and other fun things. Thank you in advance for your support!

27 thoughts on “How to Use SVG Files with Brother ScanNCut”

Naomi

August 9, 2023 at 3:33 am

Thank you for sharing this tutorial on SVG files! Question: (I hope it doesn’t sound too silly) I have an SVG that I was hoping to use with the Print to Cut feature. However, I don’t see that as an option. Does this mean I have to print the SVG from a separate program, then scan it with the Scan N Cut and then have the machine cut it out for me? Thank you in advance.
Reply
- Kristin
  
  August 9, 2023 at 11:27 am
  
  Hi Naomi! I’m so glad you found this helpful! Not a silly question at all! Print to Cut is a paid add-on feature so you would need to activate the Print to Cut feature through your Scan N Cut account. Then you’ll see the Print to Cut options available in Canvas Workspace. Here is a tutorial that walks you through all the steps: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BG4FYX9-5W4 You can purchase an activation card for ScanNCut DX here: https://amzn.to/441DhaT
  Reply
  - Naomi
    
    August 9, 2023 at 4:43 pm
    
    Wow, thank you for the quick response! I activated the Print to Cut but when I import an SVG and then export it as a PDF, the PDF is blank. So I’m confused…
    Reply
    - Kristin
      
      August 24, 2023 at 3:57 pm
      
      Hi Naomi,
      From my understanding, if you use the “Export to PDF > Images Only” option to export, the exporting process will only export raster images (such as a jpeg or png). Since SVG files are vector, perhaps try selecting “Export to PDF using All Visible Layers” which should recognize and export the SVG file. Then when it’s time to export the cut lines (Export to FCM file), you may need to remove the interior parts of the SVG design, leaving only the outlines that you wish to cut. Otherwise, CanvasWorkspace will attempt to cut everything since SVG files are vector and CanvasWorkspace won’t be able to distinguish the cut lines (which are also vector) from the part you want to print.
      Reply
Kate

January 2, 2023 at 7:39 pm

No matter whose directions I follow, the files will not export to the ScanNCut. I keep getting error messages that are not explained on the Brother website. It’s very frustrating to spend this much on a machine and get such cruddy directions from the manufacturer. The “guide” is useless.
Reply
- Kristin
  
  January 2, 2023 at 8:15 pm
  
  HI Kate,
  I’m sorry to hear you are having trouble opening SVG files into your ScanNCut software. Can you tell me where you are getting stuck? Are you seeing an error message? If so, what does it say? Feel free to email me a screen shot of what you’re seeing and I’ll be happy to take a look and see if I can help!
  Reply
Tara

March 11, 2022 at 5:28 pm

Thanks i have been having such a time learning to use this maxhine. I appreciate you and you detailed plan language tutorials.
I uploaded a svg file from your site. It has score marks. When iI duplicate it the score marks are not there. (Sunflower) so should i upload it three times?
Reply
- Kristin
  
  March 14, 2022 at 9:33 am
  
  Hi Tara,
  I’m so happy that you find my tutorials helpful! Please note that SVG files open with the elements not grouped together. So you’ll need to be sure to select the score lines along with the shape they belong to, and then when you Duplicate, both will be copied. See attached image which shows the medallion shape and the score lines both selected.
  
  Reply
Val

August 24, 2021 at 8:32 am

Hi

Hope you can help. I’ve downloaded an svg file for a box to my ScanNCut DX1200. It cut each piece separately including the fold lines. I now have lots of pieces instead of one box.
Reply
- Kristin
  
  August 25, 2021 at 8:59 pm
  
  Hi Val, Some designers include 3D SVG files with solid score lines, dashed score lines, or both. It sounds like the file you opened has solid score lines. For ScanNCut, you want to use SVG files with dashed score lines, which will allow the blade of your machine to cut along the dashed lines to create a folded edge.I hope this makes sense!
  Reply
Joanne

April 22, 2021 at 6:50 am

Great Information, thank you. Please can i ask for some information regarding SVG files. I have people send me SVG files and when I import them into workspace it only partly comes through or its just a black square etc. I’ve tried every thing and now just ready to give up.
would you be able to shed some light?
many thanks,
Reply
- Kristin
  
  April 22, 2021 at 9:14 am
  
  Hi Joanne, I’m so glad you found this tutorial helpful! When it comes to SVG files, just having a file that is converted or saved in SVG format doesn’t necessarily make it a file that is cuttable. It’s possible that there may be pixel-based images in the SVG, or the design may have been saved with incorrect settings, which might be the reason why they aren’t opening correctly in CanvasWorkspace. I’m happy to take a look at the SVG files if you need help troubleshooting.
  Reply
Vennie Blanchett

April 11, 2021 at 11:48 am

I am having a lot of difficulty with the new workspace. It will import my SVG files but will not convert to and export the FCM files. I get error messages N10004 and E10001. I have been looking everywhere for help and all I know to do at this point is to ask people like you how I can get some help. There is nothing anywhere that I have found that helps me. I have a CM350. I have used Canvas Workspace for several years and it has gone well. I have no way of changing my SVG files to FCM without workspace. Please give me an email or a phone number of someone that will help. Just using the robot help, does not help.
Reply
- Kristin
  
  April 12, 2021 at 9:35 am
  
  Hi Vennie,
  I just tried exporting an SVG to FCM in the desktop version of CanvasWorkspace v2.5 and it converted successfully. I just looked up the error codes you mentioned, and the Brother website says N10004: “Image data cannot be exported to the FCM file.” It sounds like your SVG file may contain some image (pixel-based) elements, which can not be converted into cut lines. You would need to make sure all parts of your design are vector elements. For code E10001, the site says “There is no objects inside of the red dashed line on the art board when exporting to the FCM file.” Make sure all parts of your design are placed within the red dotted lines on the workspace mat. Here’s a link to the Brother CanvasWorkspace errors. If you need help troubleshooting your SVG file, I am happy to take a look at it.
  Reply
Jeff

February 14, 2021 at 5:39 pm

Hi, Cricut separates multilayered SVG into separate mats by color, how do I do this with canvasworkspace… have multilayered design and not sure the best way to handle this.

Thank You
Reply
- Kristin
  
  February 16, 2021 at 9:56 am
  
  Hi Jeff, In CanvasWorkspace, you would need to manually separate the pieces of your design by color and place them in different areas of the mat for cutting. Depending on the size and number of pieces in your design, you can cut several different colors or possibly all the colors of your design on 1 mat! Here is a video which shows this process (from 00:40 – 02:15): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80LDSkZIWLQ
  Reply
bonnie wyke

January 30, 2021 at 5:07 pm

Kristan, I liked you directions, still a little confused. Can I also get a PDF of it
Reply
- Kristin
  
  February 1, 2021 at 10:23 am
  
  Hi Bonnie, I have added a Print button at the top and bottom of all blog tutorials, so you can click “Print” and either print the article from your printer, OR choose “Adobe PDF” as the printer in the Print dialog box to save the post as a PDF file! Of course, you can also always bookmark or Pin these tutorial links for quick reference with access to all the links in the post. If you are still having trouble opening SVG files in Canvas Workspace, feel free to email me where you are getting stuck and I’ll do my best to help!
  Reply
Julie S

January 1, 2021 at 12:13 pm

I was on the fence for the longest time about buying a scan n cut but finally took the plunge last week. This is SO helpful – thank you!! Off to check out your shop…thanks for doing what you do.
Reply
Joan

September 21, 2020 at 3:15 pm

I am so grateful to have found you! I was at the brink of just giving up with my Brother Scan N Cut Canvas Workspace and going back to just plain old die cutting. Today, I found your website and read through the instructions … and downloaded three free SVG files. WORKED THE FIRST TIME! I’ve had my Scan ‘N Cut for close to a year and you’ve been the only one that I’ve been able to purchase SVG designs from that actually worked for me!

Thank you for the time you invest in helping beginners like me!
Reply
- Kristin
  
  September 21, 2020 at 3:17 pm
  
  Hi Joan,
  
  Your email just made my day! I’m SO glad to hear that my instructions helped you get started with your ScanNCut! 🙂
  Reply
VickyPEllis

August 14, 2020 at 9:54 am

I’m still trying to learn my machine still don’t know how I need free files directions
Reply
- Kristin
  
  August 14, 2020 at 10:12 am
  
  Hi Vicky, Brother has many helpful video tutorials for the various ScanNCut models on their youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/c/BrotherCraftsUSA/playlists
  Their ambassadors such as Julie Fei-Fan Balzer also have helpful tutorials for learning your machine: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYoqgGRkGi7X87CNxFFH93RXGjZ_EEf_3
  And here’s a great tutorial for beginners: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GXdsEuOna4
  I hope this helps! 🙂
  Reply
P Smith

August 7, 2020 at 3:56 pm

Could I have a pdf file for: How to use SVG files with the Brother Scan n Cut. This is very direct and informative
Reply
- Kristin
  
  August 8, 2020 at 4:14 pm
  
  I’m so glad that you find my tutorial helpful! 🙂
  I have just emailed you this post as a PDF.
  You may also bookmark or Pin these blog post links for quick reference with access to all the links in the post.
  Reply
  - Donnelly Judy
    
    January 9, 2022 at 3:10 am
    
    Me as well Kristin
    
    Have hit the download for a font and I don’t see anything happening
    
    Help
    
    Judy
    Reply
    - Kristin
      
      January 10, 2022 at 9:50 am
      
      Hi Judy,
      If you’re having trouble downloading, you might find this tutorial helpful: https://www.printablecuttablecreatables.com/how-to-download-svg-files/ The process for downloading fonts is the same as downloading SVG files (or any other file). Depending on the size of the font, it may take longer to download and will likely download in a zip file which needs to be unzipped. Then you’ll need to install the font to your computer before you can use it in your cutting program.
      Reply