DXF vs SVG for Laser Cutting: Which Should You Use?
DXF and SVG are both vector formats laser software can cut, but they differ in units and structure. SVG is a web format that is great for curves and is widely supported, while DXF is a CAD format that some machines and CNC software prefer and that carries real-world units more predictably. For most desktop lasers either works; the practical choice comes down to your software and whether sizing imports correctly.
What each format is
SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) is an XML web format that describes shapes with Bezier curves. It is universal — every design app and most laser software opens it. DXF (Drawing Exchange Format) is an AutoCAD format built for engineering drawings; it is the lingua franca of CAD and CNC, and many industrial and CNC tools prefer or require it.
The units gotcha
The single most common laser headache is a file importing at the wrong size. SVG units can be ambiguous (pixels vs mm vs the viewBox), so an SVG sometimes lands tiny or huge and you rescale it. DXF stores explicit drawing units, so it tends to import at the right real-world size more reliably. If your design keeps importing at the wrong scale, try the DXF.
Which to use, by software
LightBurn: both work; SVG is fine and common. Glowforge: SVG. xTool Creative Space: both. CNC / Fusion / VCarve: DXF. Inkscape / Illustrator / Cricut: SVG. A good rule: SVG for desktop lasers and design apps, DXF when CAD/CNC software is involved or when SVG sizing misbehaves.
Just export both
You rarely have to choose. Most tools (including ours) export both an SVG and a DXF from the same design, so you keep the one that imports cleanly into your software at the right size and ignore the other.
Try it yourself
Turn a photo into a laser-ready file in about a minute — free, in your browser.
Convert an image to SVG + DXFFrequently asked questions
Is SVG or DXF better for laser cutting?
Neither is universally better. SVG is more widely supported and handles curves well; DXF carries units more reliably and is preferred by CAD/CNC software. For most desktop lasers, use SVG; switch to DXF if sizing imports wrong or you are using CNC software.
Does LightBurn prefer DXF or SVG?
LightBurn opens both cleanly. SVG is common and convenient; use DXF if an SVG imports at the wrong size or you exported it from CAD.
Why does my SVG import at the wrong size?
SVG units can be ambiguous (pixels vs mm). Export with an explicit physical size, or use the DXF, which stores real-world units more predictably.
Can I just use both?
Yes. Export both formats from the same design and keep whichever imports cleanly into your laser software at the right size.