Tutorials

How to Use a Layered SVG Files

In this tutorial, we'll show you how to use layered SVG files with adhesive vinyl.

You can find the leopard sunflower SVG design, plus lots more, in the Sunflower SVG and Font Bundle.

When you open your design, you'll need to separate or "ungroup" the layers in order to cut them out separately.

Select the object and right-click over it. From the drop-down menu, select Ungroup.

You can do this using any design program: Silhouette Studio, Cricut Design Space or Brother CanvasWorkspace:

You can now click and drag the layers apart. This sunflower SVG has only two layers. For some designs you may need to "ungroup" the design again if it has lots of layers.

When it comes to resizing a layered svg file, it's very important that you resize all the layers proportionately.

Resize all the layers at the same time, before ungrouping, by selecting it all and adjusting the size for your project.

If you resize after ungrouping, select all of the layers on your canvas and resize them at the same time.

Unless you want your vinyl decal to be all the same color, you'll need more than one color of adhesive vinyl. However, you may not need the same size of each color of vinyl.

For example, in this sunflower mason jar there are four layers - the black, the brown, the green, and the yellow.

If you have scraps of vinyl, this is a good time to use them!

Once you've cut the different layers of an SVG into different colors of vinyl, you'll need to reassemble them to make your completed decal.

Check out this blog post for more about How to Layer Vinyl with Registration Marks.

You can also layer vinyl without registration marks by using parchment paper to line up the different layers. Check out How to Layer Vinyl Decals Without Registration Marks.