Convert SVG to DXF in Inkscape
For an existing vector drawing that needs a DXF copy. Prepare the paths, choose an export version and check the size after import.
Open the SVG in Inkscape, confirm it contains paths and set the drawing size in millimeters. Use File → Save a Copy and choose Desktop Cutting Plotter (AutoCAD DXF R14). Set the base unit deliberately, save the DXF, then reopen or import it and measure a known dimension. A bitmap inside SVG must be traced first.
Prepare the SVG before exporting
Select a shape with the Node tool. If only an Image is present, follow the image-tracing guide first. Convert text and supported shapes with Path → Object to Path when outlines are needed; keep an editable SVG master before changing text.
A stroke can mean either a center path or a visible band of material. Use Path → Stroke to Path only when you want the outline of that band; it can create two boundaries. Check duplicates, clipping and filters rather than assuming SVG appearance transfers to DXF.
Export a DXF with explicit units
Measure the drawing, not just the page
Use the Selector tool, select all intended geometry and choose mm in its size toolbar. Set the required width or height with the aspect-ratio lock as appropriate. Record a known distance. Changing the unit display alone does not establish the intended physical size.
Keep the master and save a DXF copy
Choose File → Save a Copy. Select Desktop Cutting Plotter (AutoCAD DXF R14) (*.dxf) and give the copy a new name. Use a version your receiving software supports; this example uses R14, not a guarantee for every CAD or cutter.
Choose the base unit
In the R14 options, uncheck Use Document unit as base unit and choose mm for Base unit if you want explicit millimeter coordinates. Keep Use LWPOLYLINE type of line output enabled for this straight-edge example, and leave ROBO-Master output off.
Treat curve options as a separate decision
Flatten Béziers approximates curves with straight segments. It may help a receiver that cannot read the exported curves, but changes the representation. Our straight-edge fixture does not test curve accuracy. Preview and compare a curved file in your receiving application before using it.
Reopen and check a known size
Import the DXF using millimeters where a unit choice is offered. Select the intended geometry and compare width, height, holes, separate pieces and orientation against the SVG. A successful file open alone does not confirm cutting readiness.
A 100 × 70 mm export example
The source SVG is a self-made straight-edge fixture with one hole, one island and a bottom-right notch. It is separate from the pixel-based tracing exercise. Download both files and compare the 100 × 70 mm outer bounds.
The R14 options, export and DXF read-back were checked in Inkscape 1.4.4 on 9 October 2026 using an isolated Python interpreter because the bundled macOS Python could not start here. Independent DXF parsing confirmed three closed contours at 100 × 70 mm. The sample record discloses the setup; curves and machine fabrication were not tested.
When the DXF is wrong or incomplete
| Symptom | Next check |
|---|---|
| Wrong size after import | Compare the export base unit and receiving import unit, then measure the same geometry. A 25.4× difference suggests mm/in confusion; a 96/25.4 relationship can involve SVG pixel scaling. Diagnose before rescaling. |
| Text or shapes are missing | Check whether the objects are paths supported by the exporter. Keep a master copy, convert the needed objects to paths and compare the result. |
| Curves become jagged or disappear | Check the receiver’s supported entities and the Flatten Béziers setting. The straight-edge sample cannot validate your curved artwork. |
| The file has no cutting outline | Check for an embedded bitmap. Exporting an SVG container as DXF does not replace image tracing. |
If your source is PNG or JPG
TraceDXF accepts a raster image and creates monochrome outline geometry locally in the browser. Its PNG-to-DXF and JPG-to-DXF pages suit that task. Existing SVG-to-DXF conversion is handled by this Inkscape workflow, not the TraceDXF workbench.
Sources and verification
Use the Inkscape unit documentation and the downloadable verification record to distinguish page units, geometric size and export units. The R14 exporter is part of the official Inkscape 1.4.4 package.