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How do I convert a DXF to an SVG for my laser?

Updated Nov 11, 2026

Short answer: Read the DXF with the right units, join its loose lines into shapes, and save an SVG sized in millimeters.

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The short version

DXF files from CAD programs and download sites often have loose lines instead of closed shapes, no stated units, and extras like dimensions. Converting with a check fixes all three at once.

How to do it

  1. Choose "Laser cutter" and drop the DXF into the checker above.
  2. Check the size it shows. If the DXF did not say its units, it is flagged; fix the size if needed.
  3. Press "Fix everything I can" to join loose lines into whole shapes and remove doubles and stray points.
  4. Press "Download SVG". The SVG is in millimeters with colors kept, so it opens at the right size in LightBurn, xTool software or the Glowforge app.

Real example: before and after

The example file before fixing, with problems marked: 9 open shapes; Doubled lines: 1 shape is drawn twice; 1 stray dot
Before, problems marked
The same file after fixing
After

What the checker found

  • 9 open shapes
  • Doubled lines: 1 shape is drawn twice
  • 1 stray dot
  • Size: 152 mm (6.00 in) wide × 102 mm (4.00 in) tall

What was fixed

  • Removed 1 shape that was drawn twice.
  • Joined 8 broken pieces into 1 whole shape.
  • Closed 1 shape whose ends nearly met.
  • Removed 1 stray dot.

Download: before (DXF) · after (SVG)

Questions

Can't my laser software open DXF directly?

LightBurn and xTool software can. But DXFs often come in at the wrong size or as hundreds of loose lines, and the Glowforge app works with SVG. A checked SVG in millimeters avoids those problems.

What happens to DXF dimensions, hatching and notes?

They are left out, because they are not cut lines. The checker tells you how many it left out.

What if the DXF has no units?

The checker warns you and shows the size it assumed. If it looks 25.4 times off, press "Grow 25.4×" or "Shrink 25.4×" before downloading.

Sources

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