Why Your SVG Imports at the Wrong Size (and How to Fix It)

You open an SVG in your laser software and the design is tiny, huge, or a strange size that matches nothing in the listing. This is the most common question we get, and the good news is that the file is not broken. It is a units problem, and it takes about a minute to fix.

Why it happens

An SVG file describes shapes on a canvas. Different programs make different assumptions about how big one unit on that canvas is: some assume 72 pixels per inch, others 96, and others read millimetres. If the program guesses differently from the program that saved the file, the design arrives scaled - typically by a factor of about 1.33, 2.83 or 25.4.

Fix 1: Use the DXF file instead

Our ZIP files include a DXF version of every design. DXF files store real-world units, so LightBurn, AutoCAD and most laser software import them at the correct size. If your SVG came in at the wrong size, try the DXF first.

Fix 2: Set the import DPI in LightBurn

In LightBurn, open Edit → Settings and look at the SVG import options. If designs arrive too large or too small, adjust the DPI setting (96 is the most common default for modern files) or enable the option to read the size from the file. Re-import the SVG after changing it.

Fix 3: Resize by the known dimension

Every listing states the finished size. Select the whole design, lock the aspect ratio, and type the stated width into the size box. Because the whole design scales together, every part stays in proportion.

An important note on slotted projects

Resizing is safe for flat designs such as frames, signs and ornaments, as long as the width-to-height ratio is kept. Projects with interlocking slots - boxes, stands, 3D models - are different: the slot width scales together with everything else, so a box designed for 3 mm plywood will not fit together correctly at a different size. Cut slotted projects at the size and material thickness stated in the listing.

Cricut and other craft cutters

Cricut Design Space is limited to the size of its cutting mat. Large laser designs may import correctly but still be too big to cut on a 12 x 12 inch mat. In that case, split the design into sections or use a 12 x 24 inch mat.

More questions? See the FAQ or read how to open SVG, DXF and AI laser cut files.