Why DXF
DXF is the oldest common format for 2D cutting work. Laser software, CNC and CAD programs, sign-making packages and many older vinyl cutters read it, often more reliably than SVG. If the software you cut with lists DXF but not SVG, or SVGs arrive at the wrong size, DXF is the safer choice.
What the DXF contains
- Version. Cutpeek writes AutoCAD R12 (AC1009) ASCII DXF, the version with the widest support. Newer programs open it without complaint; older ones often can't open later versions.
- Units. Choose millimetres or inches. The coordinates are written in that unit and the file's units setting says which, so a program that reads the setting doesn't need asking.
- Outlines. Each closed outline is one closed polyline. Open lines stay open.
- Curves. Curves are turned into many short straight steps, never more than 0.02 mm (two hundredths of a millimetre) from the true curve. That is well below what a blade or beam can show, and every polyline program can read it.
- Layers. Each Silhouette layer becomes a DXF layer with the same name, simplified to the letters, digits and dashes DXF allows. Each layer gets the nearest standard colour to its line colour, which helps laser software that maps colours to cut settings.
- The right way up. Silhouette measures down from the top of the page and DXF measures up from the bottom. Cutpeek flips the design so it isn't mirrored or upside down.
Page or design
With Silhouette page, the DXF origin is the bottom-left corner of your page, so shapes sit where they were on the mat. With Just the design, the origin moves to the bottom-left of the shapes themselves, which suits CAD work where you place parts yourself.
Checking the result
Open the DXF and measure one known shape. If a 25 mm square shows as 25 inches or 0.98, the program ignored the units setting: re-import and pick the matching unit, or export again in the unit it assumes. LightBurn, for example, asks for the unit when a DXF doesn't settle it.
DXF is part of the one-time unlock
SVG export is free. DXF export and batch conversion (many files into one ZIP) are a single £6 payment with no account and no subscription. Your files still never leave your computer.