How to Make .SVG or .PNG Cut Files for Cricut in Canva

This one is for all my crafty ladies (& gents!) who are wanting to learn how to make your own custom .SVG or .PNG cut files for Cricut in Canva!

If you’re just looking for this simple free cut file, you can find that (along with several other fun freebies) here!

If you’re here for a tutorial on how to make your own cut files, have no fear! The time has come. I will be using the design above as my example for this lesson. Now, without further ado,

Let’s Jump into our Lesson on How to Make .SVG or .PNG Cut Files for Cricut in Canva!

So, you want to create a .png file in Canva? Congratulations, you’re on your way to becoming a graphic design pro! But before you get too excited, let me warn you: creating a .png file is not for the faint of heart. It takes patience, skill, and a good sense of humor. Lucky for you, I’m here to guide you through the process with a little bit of wit and a lot of sarcasm.

Quick Disclaimer: I do use the paid version of Canva, Canva Pro. You should be able to complete all steps of this tutorial without having to utilize any of the paid app features.

Step 1: Create a New Project in Canva

Open Canva and choose the type of design you want to create. Do you want to make a social media post? A flyer? A business card? The possibilities are endless! Just kidding, they’re actually quite limited. But that’s okay, because Canva has a lot of templates to choose from. Just pick one and move on to the next step.

For my design example, I am going to select “Create Custom Size” and set the dimensions to 8 in. x 8 in. Your Canva canvas should look something like this:

Step 2: Design Desired Cricut Cut File

Add your design elements. This is where the fun begins! You can add text, photos, illustrations, and more. Just don’t go too crazy with it, or your design will end up looking like a hot mess. Unless, of course, that’s the look you’re going for. In that case, go wild! *NOTE: For you beginners out there, or for those of you who are technologically *ahem* inept, I suggest starting with single color designs. The simpler the better. Simple words. Simple shapes. You get the idea!

Adding Shapes

I am starting with the square border. To do that, I will follow this sequence: Elements > Lines & Shapes > View All > Rectangle (or you could just simply type “Rectangle” in the search bar under the Elements tab.)

From here, I will set the color to “No Color” and then select the “Border Style” button. I chose the solid line design and set the Border Weight to “25”, like this:

*Pro Tip: If you pick up the shape and move it slowly toward the center of your canvas, a snap grid will appear. When the solid pinkish/purple lines show up horizontally and vertically, you will know your image is perfectly centered! We love precision over here.

Next, I am going to add the text!

Adding Text

For this design, I wanted something bold that would stand out against the vibrant tie-dye, so I chose the bold, blocky, sans serif font called League Spartan. To add a font, I simply clicked: Text > Add a Text Box and then customized my font. When I put the text inside of the border, I felt like it was too close together so I just adjusted the letter spacing to “105”. This helped to fill out the box a bit better (and will make for super easy weeding when the time comes!)

*Another Pro Tip: If you can’t find a font that works for your design on Canva, checkout dafont.com or fontsquirrel.com to browse hundreds of free downloadable fonts!

Step 3: Export to .png or .svg for uploading to Cricut Design Space!

Export your design as a .png file (or to .png (or .svg/ .jpg/ .pdf/ etc.)

This is the moment of truth. Will your design look as good outside of Canva as it does inside? Who knows! But you’re about to find out.

Just click the “Share” button, select “PNG” as your file type, check the button marked “Transparent Background”, select “Download”, and cross your fingers!

Step 4: Celebrate!

Congratulations, you’ve created a .png file in Canva! Wasn’t that easy? Okay, maybe it wasn’t easy, but at least you can now add “graphic designer” to your resume. Just don’t ask me to critique your design, because I’m not sure my heart can handle it.

Your next step is simply to open Cricut Design Space, select “Upload” > New Design > select your file, create a “Cut” file, and add to your canvas! PS, if you end up making this design (or other shirt designs) DON’T FORGET to mirror your image before cutting!

Don’t worry sis, I’ve got you.

Thanks so much for stopping by the blog! I hope you find this tutorial helpful. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions and tag me on Instagram so I can see your mad new design skills!