Convert PNG or JPG to DXF for cutting
Trace a PNG or JPG into clean outlines and export an R12 DXF with one layer per colour, ready for cutting plotters, lasers, CNC and CAD.
A DXF describes paths for a machine to follow, so a PNG or JPG has to be traced before it can become one. PathSnapper traces your image into clean outlines, separates it by colour and writes a classic R12 DXF that almost every cutter, laser and CAD program can open.
How to convert a PNG or JPG to DXF
- Open your image in PathSnapper. PNG, JPG and screenshots all work. For a blurry or enlarged image, use Clean up with AI before tracing.
- Set the colours. Keep only the colours you want as separate layers, and leave the background out.
- Choose Made for: Cutting and plotting. PathSnapper offers DXF first, turns gradients into flat colours and turns thin lines into outlines a machine can follow.
- Check the outlines. Switch to Outline view to see exactly what will be cut or engraved, and move or delete points where needed.
- Export DXF. Each colour goes on its own layer, named after the colour (for example
FILL_1D2A5C).
What is in PathSnapper's DXF
- R12 format, the version with the widest support in cutting, laser and CAD software.
- One layer per colour, so you can cut, engrave or score each colour as a separate pass.
- Closely spaced straight segments instead of splines, within 0.05 px of the traced curve. Many cutters and lasers handle these more reliably than spline curves.
- Exact geometry where it is meant to be exact. With Tidy circles, polygons and stars, circles, rectangles and polygons are made true before export.
Size and units
DXF coordinates are written in pixels without units: a 1000 px wide image becomes a drawing 1000 units wide. Set the size you want when you import it into your cutter, laser or CAD software. Because it is a vector, scaling loses nothing.
Need SVG, PDF or EPS too?
The same trace exports to SVG, PDF, AI and EPS, so one job gives you a cut file and print-ready artwork for the same design. PDF, AI and EPS can use CMYK and named spot colours; DXF carries outlines only.
One boundary. Two shapes. Perfectly in sync.
PathSnapper traces every boundary once and shares it between the shapes on either side. Move a point and both colours move with it: no hairline gaps, no overlaps to repair.
When you export, each colour becomes its own independent, closed shape, and the edges where colours meet still match exactly.
Questions
Which DXF version does PathSnapper write?
R12, the version with the widest support. Each colour goes on its own layer, named after the colour.
Are curves splines or line segments?
Closely spaced straight segments, within 0.05 px of the traced curve. Many cutters and lasers handle these more reliably than splines.
Can I convert a photo to DXF?
DXF works best from logos, lettering and flat artwork. The Photo setting turns a photo into a poster-style illustration, which can be exported, but fine photographic detail can't become clean cut paths.
Try it on a real job
Drop in a customer's logo and see every path and point free, with no account. Pay only when you want the file.
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