You may have seen DXF files included with designs you've downloaded and never realized you can use them with Silhouette. In fact, they're ideal in a lot of cases - especially if you're using the free Basic Edition of Silhouette Studio.
DXF files open in Silhouette Studio with cut lines already on, which means they don't need to be traced like JPEG and PNG files do. And unlike SVG files, you don't need to upgrade your software to open them.
This post was originally shared by Silhouette School contributor Kati from Houseful of Handmade.
What is a DXF file?
A DXF file is a Drawing Exchange Format file. It was developed as a universal file format for CAD (computer-aided design) programs - and yes, Silhouette Studio is a type of CAD program!
Studio reads the lines in those 2D drawings and translates them so your Silhouette can cut, sketch, score and more.
DXF vs SVG for Silhouette
Most designers include both an SVG and a DXF when you buy a cut file, and which one you should use depends on your version of Silhouette Studio.
- Basic Edition (free): opens DXF files with cut lines. It can't open SVG files.
- Designer Edition and up: opens both, and SVG is usually the better choice.
Why? A DXF only carries the lines of a design. You lose the colors, patterns and printable parts. An SVG keeps the colors and layers, which makes it easier to work with - especially for layered designs.
That's why I always recommend the Designer Edition upgrade eventually. But if you're on Basic, DXF files mean you can still use the designs you buy right now.
How to open a DXF file in Silhouette Studio
1. Unzip your download first. Designs usually come in a zipped folder with the SVG, DXF and PNG inside.
2. Open Silhouette Studio and go to File > Open.
3. Find the DXF on your computer and open it. Supported file types are clickable - file types your version of Studio can't open are grayed out.
Don't double click the DXF on your computer to open it. Always open it from inside Studio.
When the file opens you'll see it's only lines, with no color. The pieces are all ungrouped and any compound paths have been released.
Just select the pieces and group them back together, and make any compound paths you need (here's how compound paths work). If you want color on screen, select a shape and add it from the Fill panel.
Then you're ready to cut your DXF file as normal. It's that easy!
How to use DXF files for print and cut
Because a DXF only reads the lines (aka vectors) of a design, you lose all the colors and patterns. But you can still use DXF files for print and cut - it just takes one extra step.
For this example, Kati used a candy corn treat box designed in Illustrator with an ikat pattern on it.
The design was exported as both a DXF and a PNG with the same name (here's how to save Illustrator designs for Silhouette). Most designers include both in your download.
The PNG has the printable design, but if you open it on its own, only the outside edge gets a cut line. A PNG is a picture file with a transparent background - not a vector your Silhouette can cut.
To make it cuttable, combine the two:
1. Open the DXF, then copy and paste the PNG into the same file.
2. Send the PNG to the back and line it up behind the DXF lines. Resize if needed - the PNG may open slightly smaller than the DXF.
3. In the Send panel, make sure only the DXF lines are set to Cut - the PNG should have no cut line.
4. Add your registration marks and finish your print and cut as normal (here are my print and cut tips).
Where to find DXF files
Most designs on So Fontsy include an SVG, DXF and PNG, so you can use them even if you haven't upgraded Silhouette Studio. Most other design shops include a DXF in the download too - just look for the .dxf in the unzipped folder.
And if you want personalized, same day, one-on-one help with Silhouette Studio, that's exactly what I do inside Silhouette U.
Note: This post may contain affiliate links. By clicking on them and purchasing products through my links, I receive a small commission. That's what helps fund Silhouette School so I can keep buying new Silhouette-related products to show you how to get the most out of your machine!
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I made new lettering out of 3M outdoor grade vinyl for a railroad caboose I was restoring about 9 years ago. It has been in the weather and full sun and is holding up perfectly. I drew the lettering from photos and measurements of the original in Autocad and saved them in DXF format which went over to the Silhouette easily. The only slight problem I had was getting the size of the characters accurate. I had to manually scale it up and down. Is there a way to get the DXF artwork to come in at the right size automatically?
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