--- title: Convert DXF to SVG in Inkscape description: This article explains how to convert a DXF file with Inkscape in ten steps to an Origin-cuttable SVG. --- [Skip to content](https://support.shapertools.com/hc/en-us/articles/360052118213-convert-dxf-to-svg-in-inkscape#main-content) - [English](https://support.shapertools.com/hc/en-us/articles/360052118213-convert-dxf-to-svg-in-inkscape) - [Deutsch](https://support.shapertools.com/de/hc/de-de/articles/360052118213-wie-konvertiere-ich-eine-datei-von-dxf-zu-svg) - [Français](https://support.shapertools.com/fr/hc/fr-fr/articles/360052118213-comment-convertir-un-fichier-dxf-en-svg) English Show submenu for translations [Contact us](https://support.shapertools.com/kb-tickets/new?hsLang=en) ![Shaper-KB-Logo.svg\]](https://support.shapertools.com/hubfs/Shaper-KB-Logo.svg) Open main navigation Close main navigation - - [English](https://support.shapertools.com/hc/en-us/articles/360052118213-convert-dxf-to-svg-in-inkscape) - [Deutsch](https://support.shapertools.com/de/hc/de-de/articles/360052118213-wie-konvertiere-ich-eine-datei-von-dxf-zu-svg) - [Français](https://support.shapertools.com/fr/hc/fr-fr/articles/360052118213-comment-convertir-un-fichier-dxf-en-svg) English Show submenu for translations - [Contact us](https://support.shapertools.com/kb-tickets/new) - [Go to shapertools.com](https://www.shapertools.com/) [Go to shapertools.com](https://www.shapertools.com/) Shaper Support - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Help Center](https://support.shapertools.com/?hsLang=en) 2. [Designing for Origin](https://support.shapertools.com/designing-for-origin?hsLang=en) 3. [Inkscape](https://support.shapertools.com/designing-for-origin?hsLang=en#inkscape) # Convert DXF to SVG in Inkscape ## This article explains how to convert a DXF file with Inkscape in ten steps to an Origin-cuttable SVG. The **DXF** file format is a CAD file format that was designed to produce an exact representation of AutoCad DWF files. Although Origin is not designed to accept DXF files, you can use Inkscape to convert some of your two-dimensional data into an **SVG** file that is cuttable with Origin. Open your DXF in **Inkscape**. You can do this either with drag-and-drop or via the menu **File** \> **Open** Click **OK** in the DXF Input screen ![Bildschirmfoto\_2020-07-22\_um\_11.20.25.png](https://support.shapertools.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/Bildschirmfoto_2020-07-22_um_11_20_25-1.png?width=423&height=376&name=Bildschirmfoto_2020-07-22_um_11_20_25-1.png) *Note: it depends on which software was used to generate the DXF. It’s best to read through this article before, as some steps might not be needed. There is also a difference between importing a document via drag-and-drop or the open dialog. * This step is only needed if you imported the DXF via drag-and-drop. **Select** the document with the selection tool. Now press **CTRL + ⇧ + G** or **Command + ⇧ + G** for ungrouping the file. Sometimes you need to do this more than one time until it looks like in the screenshot below. ![Bildschirmfoto\_2020-07-22\_um\_11.23.19.png](https://support.shapertools.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/Bildschirmfoto_2020-07-22_um_11_23_19.png?width=343&height=483&name=Bildschirmfoto_2020-07-22_um_11_23_19.png) *Note: For larger documents, this can take a few seconds. This will separate **every** distinct element in your file, so if you’re importing text, this text may be separated by character, or even parts of inaccurately-rendered characters.* Now remove everything you don't need. Sometimes it is easier to just drag your workpiece out of the frame and then you can delete the rest. ![Bildschirmfoto\_2020-07-22\_um\_11.24.41.png](https://support.shapertools.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/Bildschirmfoto_2020-07-22_um_11_24_41-1.png?width=285&height=200&name=Bildschirmfoto_2020-07-22_um_11_24_41-1.png) Select the **Edit paths by nodes** **tool** ![Screenshot 2024-09-05 at 3.53.58 PM](https://support.shapertools.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202024-09-05%20at%203.53.58%20PM.png?width=20&height=20&name=Screenshot%202024-09-05%20at%203.53.58%20PM.png) and select your object **twice**. You can make this easier by clicking and holding off your objects and dragging a selection box around them. ![Bildschirmfoto\_2020-07-22\_um\_11.26.27.png](https://support.shapertools.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/Bildschirmfoto_2020-07-22_um_11_26_27.png?width=400&height=141&name=Bildschirmfoto_2020-07-22_um_11_26_27.png) If selecting nodes this way does not work, and you see only short nodes when hovering over your design with your cursor, you can try the following: - Select the object with the **Selection Tool ![Screenshot 2024-09-05 at 3.53.50 PM](https://support.shapertools.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202024-09-05%20at%203.53.50%20PM.png?width=19&height=20&name=Screenshot%202024-09-05%20at%203.53.50%20PM.png)** - Press **CTRL + G** or **Command + G** (sometimes more than once, until it separates in those small objects - Select all you want to combine to one path by holding down the left mouse button and drawing a frame with the **Selection Tool** around your object - Go to **Path** \> **Combine** - Now it should appear while hovering over with the **Edit paths by nodes** **tool** ![Screenshot 2024-09-05 at 3.53.58 PM](https://support.shapertools.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202024-09-05%20at%203.53.58%20PM.png?width=20&height=20&name=Screenshot%202024-09-05%20at%203.53.58%20PM.png) as one path - Go back to the previous step and continue from there - Press **Join selected nodes**: ![Screenshot 2024-09-05 at 4.05.46 PM](https://support.shapertools.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202024-09-05%20at%204.05.46%20PM.png?width=356&height=228&name=Screenshot%202024-09-05%20at%204.05.46%20PM.png) The result should look like this: ![Bildschirmfoto\_2020-07-22\_um\_11.28.17.png](https://support.shapertools.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/Bildschirmfoto_2020-07-22_um_11_28_17-1.png?width=299&height=224&name=Bildschirmfoto_2020-07-22_um_11_28_17-1.png) Now you can switch back to the **Selection Tool ![Screenshot 2024-09-05 at 3.53.50 PM](https://support.shapertools.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202024-09-05%20at%203.53.50%20PM.png?width=19&height=20&name=Screenshot%202024-09-05%20at%203.53.50%20PM.png)**. You can group the object for better handling by selecting all parts and pressing **CTRL + G** or **Command + G**. ![Bildschirmfoto\_2020-07-22\_um\_11.29.35.png](https://support.shapertools.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/Bildschirmfoto_2020-07-22_um_11_29_35-1.png?width=600&height=220&name=Bildschirmfoto_2020-07-22_um_11_29_35-1.png) Double-check the size of the object and check your units to confirm that they are what you intend for your project. *Note: Inkscape includes stroke width in its calculation of its bounding boxes. To change this, go to **Edit** \> **Preferences** \> **Tools** and select **Geometric Bounding box**.* *See [this article](https://support.shapertools.com/hc/en-us/articles/360043458934-inkscape-svg-saving-settings?hsLang=en) for more tips on Inkscape save settings for use with Origin.* Save your file as a **Plain SVG** and you're good to go! ![Bildschirmfoto\_2020-07-22\_um\_11.30.34.png](https://support.shapertools.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/Bildschirmfoto_2020-07-22_um_11_30_34-1.png?width=426&height=98&name=Bildschirmfoto_2020-07-22_um_11_30_34-1.png) *Note: If you've converted your DXF to an SVG and Origin still shows an error regarding opening the file, export your SVG in Inkscape as PDF and then re-open the PDF in Inkscape and save it as SVG following the instructions [here](https://support.shapertools.com/hc/en-us/articles/360043458934-inkscape-svg-saving-settings?hsLang=en).* - [Origin](https://support.shapertools.com/origin?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Getting Started Guide](https://support.shapertools.com/origin?hsLang=en#getting-started-guide) - [Workspace Setup](https://support.shapertools.com/origin?hsLang=en#workspace-setup) - [Scanning](https://support.shapertools.com/origin?hsLang=en#scanning) - [Design Mode](https://support.shapertools.com/origin?hsLang=en#design-mode) - [Extensions](https://support.shapertools.com/origin?hsLang=en#extensions) - [Cut Mode](https://support.shapertools.com/origin?hsLang=en#cut-mode) - [Cutting Principles and Techniques](https://support.shapertools.com/origin?hsLang=en#cutting-principles-and-techniques) - [Issues when Cutting](https://support.shapertools.com/origin?hsLang=en#issues-when-cutting) - [Error Messages](https://support.shapertools.com/origin?hsLang=en#error-messages) - [Tips and Tricks](https://support.shapertools.com/origin?hsLang=en#tips-and-tricks) - [Origin FAQs](https://support.shapertools.com/origin?hsLang=en#origin-faqs) - [Usage FAQs](https://support.shapertools.com/origin?hsLang=en#usage-faqs) - [Spindle FAQs](https://support.shapertools.com/origin?hsLang=en#spindle-faqs) - [Returns & Repairs](https://support.shapertools.com/origin?hsLang=en#returns-repairs) - [BenchPilot](https://support.shapertools.com/benchpilot?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Connecting to BenchPilot](https://support.shapertools.com/benchpilot?hsLang=en#connecting-to-benchpilot) - [Before Starting a BenchPilot Cut](https://support.shapertools.com/benchpilot?hsLang=en#before-starting-a-benchpilot-cut) - [While Cutting with BenchPilot](https://support.shapertools.com/benchpilot?hsLang=en#while-cutting-with-benchpilot) - [BenchPilot Troubleshooting](https://support.shapertools.com/benchpilot?hsLang=en#benchpilot-troubleshooting) - [Plate](https://support.shapertools.com/plate?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Learn About](https://support.shapertools.com/plate?hsLang=en#learn-about) - [At A Glance](https://support.shapertools.com/plate?hsLang=en#at-a-glance) - [Aligning Plate](https://support.shapertools.com/plate?hsLang=en#aligning-plate) - [Origin + Plate Setup](https://support.shapertools.com/plate?hsLang=en#origin-plate-setup) - [Working with Plate](https://support.shapertools.com/plate?hsLang=en#working-with-plate) - [Edge Mortising Adapter](https://support.shapertools.com/plate?hsLang=en#edge-mortising-adapter) - [Maintenance & Technical Data](https://support.shapertools.com/plate?hsLang=en#maintenance-technical-data) - [Workstation](https://support.shapertools.com/workstation?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Learn About](https://support.shapertools.com/workstation?hsLang=en#learn-about) - [Studio](https://support.shapertools.com/studio?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Using Studio](https://support.shapertools.com/studio?hsLang=en#using-studio) - [Main Menu](https://support.shapertools.com/studio?hsLang=en#main-menu) - [Design Mode](https://support.shapertools.com/studio?hsLang=en#design-mode) - [Plan Mode](https://support.shapertools.com/studio?hsLang=en#plan-mode) - [Review Mode](https://support.shapertools.com/studio?hsLang=en#review-mode) - [Templates](https://support.shapertools.com/studio?hsLang=en#templates) - [License and Account](https://support.shapertools.com/studio?hsLang=en#license-and-account) - [Trace](https://support.shapertools.com/trace?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Getting Started](https://support.shapertools.com/trace?hsLang=en#getting-started) - [Capturing Your Drawing](https://support.shapertools.com/trace?hsLang=en#capturing-your-drawing) - [Converting Your Drawing to Vectors](https://support.shapertools.com/trace?hsLang=en#converting-your-drawing-to-vectors) - [Saving Your Vectors](https://support.shapertools.com/trace?hsLang=en#saving-your-vectors) - [Care & Storage](https://support.shapertools.com/trace?hsLang=en#care-storage) - [Trace FAQs](https://support.shapertools.com/trace?hsLang=en#trace-faqs) - [AutoPass](https://support.shapertools.com/autopass?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Activation](https://support.shapertools.com/autopass?hsLang=en#activation) - [Before Cutting](https://support.shapertools.com/autopass?hsLang=en#before-cutting) - [While Cutting](https://support.shapertools.com/autopass?hsLang=en#while-cutting) - [FAQs](https://support.shapertools.com/autopass?hsLang=en#faqs) - [Connected Caliper](https://support.shapertools.com/connected-caliper?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Getting Started with your Connected Caliper](https://support.shapertools.com/connected-caliper?hsLang=en#getting-started-with-your-connected-caliper) - [Connecting the Caliper to your Device](https://support.shapertools.com/connected-caliper?hsLang=en#connecting-the-caliper-to-your-device) - [Using the Caliper](https://support.shapertools.com/connected-caliper?hsLang=en#using-the-caliper) - [Removing the Caliper from your Device](https://support.shapertools.com/connected-caliper?hsLang=en#removing-the-caliper-from-your-device) - [Care & Maintenance](https://support.shapertools.com/connected-caliper?hsLang=en#care-maintenance) - [Learn About](https://support.shapertools.com/connected-caliper?hsLang=en#learn-about) - [Accessories](https://support.shapertools.com/accessories?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Origin Accessories](https://support.shapertools.com/accessories?hsLang=en#origin-accessories) - [Basic Bits](https://support.shapertools.com/accessories?hsLang=en#basic-bits) - [Specialty Router Bits](https://support.shapertools.com/accessories?hsLang=en#specialty-router-bits) - [ShaperTape FAQs](https://support.shapertools.com/accessories?hsLang=en#shapertape-faqs) - [Replacement Parts](https://support.shapertools.com/replacement-parts?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Gen2 Origin](https://support.shapertools.com/replacement-parts?hsLang=en#gen2-origin) - [Shaper Workstation](https://support.shapertools.com/replacement-parts?hsLang=en#shaper-workstation) - [Shaper Plate](https://support.shapertools.com/replacement-parts?hsLang=en#shaper-plate) - [ShaperHub](https://support.shapertools.com/shaperhub?hsLang=en#main-content) - [ShaperHub](https://support.shapertools.com/shaperhub?hsLang=en#shaperhub) - [Your Shaper Account](https://support.shapertools.com/your-shaper-account?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Account Support](https://support.shapertools.com/your-shaper-account?hsLang=en#account-support) - [Designing for Origin](https://support.shapertools.com/designing-for-origin?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Overview](https://support.shapertools.com/designing-for-origin?hsLang=en#overview) - [Adobe Illustrator](https://support.shapertools.com/designing-for-origin?hsLang=en#adobe-illustrator) - [Affinity Designer](https://support.shapertools.com/designing-for-origin?hsLang=en#affinity-designer) - [Coreldraw](https://support.shapertools.com/designing-for-origin?hsLang=en#coreldraw) - [Fusion 360](https://support.shapertools.com/designing-for-origin?hsLang=en#fusion-360) - [Inkscape](https://support.shapertools.com/designing-for-origin?hsLang=en#inkscape) - [Palette CAD](https://support.shapertools.com/designing-for-origin?hsLang=en#palette-cad) - [Rhino 3d](https://support.shapertools.com/designing-for-origin?hsLang=en#rhino-3d) - [Shapr3d](https://support.shapertools.com/designing-for-origin?hsLang=en#shapr3d) - [SketchUp](https://support.shapertools.com/designing-for-origin?hsLang=en#sketchup) - [Pytha](https://support.shapertools.com/designing-for-origin?hsLang=en#pytha) - [Vectr](https://support.shapertools.com/designing-for-origin?hsLang=en#vectr) - [Vectorworks](https://support.shapertools.com/designing-for-origin?hsLang=en#vectorworks) - [Designing Issues](https://support.shapertools.com/designing-for-origin?hsLang=en#designing-issues) - [Troubleshooting and Maintenance](https://support.shapertools.com/troubleshooting-and-maintenance?hsLang=en) [![Chill listening crop-3](https://support.shapertools.com/hs-fs/hubfs/shaper_logo_type.png?width=171&height=24&name=shaper_logo_type.png "Chill listening crop-3")](https://shapertools.com?hsLang=en) Shaper Help Center Copyright © 2025, Shaper Tools