How to Create a DXF File in Inkscape (Beginner’s Guide)

If you’d like us to cut a custom shape from wood, acrylic or plastic, we’ll usually ask for a DXF file. A DXF (Drawing Exchange Format) is a special type of file that contains clean vector lines our cutting machines can follow with millimetre accuracy.

The good news is you don’t need expensive CAD software to create one — you can make a DXF using a free program called Inkscape, even if you’re starting from a simple sketch. This guide will walk you through the basics.

IMPORTANT: Please ensure that when configuring an order, each part is entered as individual items. While DXF files may contain multiple parts for convenience, all parts must be configured individually to guarantee accurate production and shipping details.

Step 1: Download Inkscape

Go to inkscape.org and download the free software (Windows, Mac or Linux) by clicking Download Now and following the installation steps – this should only take a few minutes.

Step 2: Set Up Your Document

• Open Inkscape and create a new document.
• Make sure the units are set to millimetres rather than pixels (important for cutting).
• Adjust the page size to match your intended panel size — this makes scaling straightforward. Go to File → Document Properties and either select a predefined size or enter your custom dimensions into the width and height boxes.
• Turn on the grid (View → Page Grid) to help with accuracy.

Step 3: Import or Draw Your Design

• If you have a hand sketch: scan or photograph it, then File → Import into Inkscape.
• If you have a digital drawing (JPG or PNG), import that instead.
• Trace over the sketch using:
  • Bezier tool for straight lines.
  • Circle/Rectangle tools for regular shapes.
  • Or try Path → Trace Bitmap to automatically convert a clean black & white image.

Step 4: Prepare Your Design for Cutting

• Select each shape and choose Path → Object to Path (converts everything to vector lines).
• Remove fills and use strokes only — machines read outlines, not coloured areas.
• Keep strokes thin (e.g. 0.1mm) so they’re easy to see but don’t affect the cutting path.
• Make sure all shapes are closed paths — no gaps or loose ends.

Step 5: Check Sizes and Scale

• Use the measuring tool to check that your design is the exact size you want.
• Remember: imported images may not come in at the right scale — resize if needed.

Step 6: Save as a DXF

• Go to File → Save As.
• Choose Desktop Cutting Plotter (AutoCAD DXF).
• Save your file — it’s now ready to upload to CutMy.

Step 7: Double-Check Your File

• Re-open your DXF in Inkscape or a free DXF viewer.
• Make sure everything looks clean, lines are joined, and the scale is correct.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Sending us a JPG or PNG instead of a DXF (images don’t contain cut paths).
• Using filled shapes instead of outlines.
• Designing in pixels instead of millimetres.

Need Help?

Not everyone is comfortable with design software - and that’s okay. If you’d rather not create your own DXF, our team can do this for you if you upload a simple image or photograph instead. We charge a design fee for this service, and we’ll make sure your file is fully production-ready before cutting. If we have any queries for you during the process, we’ll provide proofs for your approval to ensure everything is exactly as you want it. However, if the images you provide are clear and detailed enough, this usually won’t be necessary and we can get straight on with production.

For the best results, please ensure your photos are well lit, taken from directly above (to avoid perspective distortion), and at a reasonable resolution within file size limits. If you take this path of manual review and design, you can also send additional images by email once your order has been placed — just remember to include your order number in the message.