Have you ever wondered what the different file types for plotter motifs are all about? In this post I would like to shed some light on the matter and explain the difference. Whether you can use one or the other depends on your hobby plotter, or more precisely on the software for your plotter.
DXF & SVG what is it?
Are you now the proud owner of a plotter? Great! Right from the start you are confronted with new file formats and you don't really understand anything. Before you can get started, you obviously need to understand the basics of the device and get to grips with the software. I'm sure there are some introductory videos for your device on YouTube, for example. First familiarize yourself with your device and the software so that you can enjoy using it! Nothing is more annoying than clicking around wildly in the program and not getting the desired result.
What is a DXF plotter file?
DXF (Drawing Interchange File Format) files are presented in such a simple way in their data structure that they can be edited with many different programs. This means that a DXF file can be opened with any plotter software. This format actually comes from product development and is mainly used for technical drawings. But this data structure is also lossy. DXF cannot accept fill colors and is basically only displayed with outlines. This can cause confusion, especially with multi-colored plotter files. Unfortunately, the individual elements on the cutting mat cannot be grouped in the DXF format. If you want to move elements and don't get everything, one or two elements can get left behind.
I always fit my files to the cutting mat, which is why my files are never displayed in their original size. To ensure that you can make everything the same size, you have to select all the elements and drag them to the desired size at the same time. In the example image below you can see what a DXF plotter motif looks like when opened in Silhouette Studio.
Silhouette Hobbyplotter
Have you just bought a Silhouette hobby plotter? Then you have access to the free software from Silhouette and can actually start your first plotting experience right away. In the basic Silhouette program, however, you can only open DXF files and Studio files. You can buy these files in the Silhouette Store, but you can also download some free files there. You CANNOT process SVG files with it.
If you plan to really delve into the world of plotters and want to plot in multiple colors, I recommend upgrading the software. This will allow you to work not only with SVG, but also with layers, which will make life a lot easier.
You can get the upgrade from € 34.99 at e.g. Hobbyplotter.de
Personally, I think it's a shame that Silhouette doesn't offer SVG out of the BOX. After all, the other brands also offer the processing of SVG files in their free software versions. In the next picture you can see what editing functions you get with an upgrade:
What are SVG plotter motifs?
SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) are graphic files that can be scaled without loss and support curves. This gives you the option of adjusting the size of your purchased plotter motif and also using the appropriate fill color. SVG files can also be grouped and links edited. In the picture you can see an open SVG file in Silhouette Studio and the clear difference to the previously mentioned DXF plotter files.
In the SVG file you have all the necessary information at a glance and can imagine the motif better. You can also put the grouped motif together and plot it by color. (Here I am referring to Silhouette)
If you have the option to process SVG files, always give priority to this file type!
What about other hobby plotter brands?
There is now a large selection of different plotters on the market. How can you decide? I have a Silhouette Cameo 3 myself and have had it for around 4 years. However, because of my work in plotter design, I also test the software from other manufacturers.
Plotters from Brother or Circut work with SVG and DXF files in the software without the need for an upgrade. That's definitely a plus!
However, if you upgrade to Silhouette, the software is more powerful than all the others in terms of editing options. For me personally, this is the main reason why I would always choose the Silhouette brand.
Squirrel - Free plotter motif for download from Graphicjam
In the example images above you can see my free file "Squirrel". You can download it HERE in SVG and DXF format and create a beautiful plot! Have fun!
(unpaid advertising due to brand mention and linking)
