What are stray points and tiny pieces, and how do I remove them?
Updated Nov 11, 2026
Short answer: They are invisible leftovers from tracing or editing: points with no size and bits under half a millimeter. Delete them before cutting.
Check your file now (free)
What do you cut with?
Drop your SVG or DXF file here
or
Free. Nothing is uploaded: the check runs on your own computer.
Marks: open ends cut twice dots and tiny bits text and pictures
Size
Download
More settings
Changing these checks the file again.
What they are
- Stray points are points with no length: a path that starts and stops in the same place, or a DXF POINT. You cannot see them on screen.
- Tiny pieces are shapes smaller than about half a millimeter. They come from tracing a picture (specks of dust, jpeg noise), from cutting shapes apart, or from text with decorations.
Why they matter
A laser may travel to each one and fire, leaving small burn marks. Tiny pieces fall through the bed or melt. Metal shops reject files with stray points, and plasma torches pierce at each one.
How to fix it
- Drop the file into the checker above. Stray points get purple circles and tiny pieces purple dashed boxes.
- Press "Fix everything I can" to remove them.
- Download the clean file. If you need very small details kept, lower the tiny-piece size under More settings first.
Real example: before and after
What the checker found
- 1 open shape
- 4 stray dots
- 6 tiny pieces (under 0.5 mm)
- Size: 66.2 mm (2.61 in) wide × 60.2 mm (2.37 in) tall
What was fixed
- Removed 6 tiny pieces.
- Removed 4 stray dots.
Download: before (SVG) · after (SVG)
Questions
Why can't I see stray points in my design program?
A point has no size, so nothing is drawn. Inkscape has no built-in way to find them, according to SendCutSend's Inkscape guide. The checker marks each one with a purple circle.
Is 0.5 mm the right size for "tiny"?
It suits most laser and plasma work: anything smaller is usually tracing dust. For fine jewelry or small lettering, lower it under More settings so real details are kept.
Will removing them change my design?
No visible change: only points with no size and pieces under the size you set are removed. Everything else is left exactly where it was.