Converting Multi-Layer PDF Files for Sure Cuts A Lot

For this post I used the lattice window card template.

How to convert multi-layer PDF files to SVG for use with Sure Cuts A Lot (SCAL)

First, become familiar with the basic conversion process for PDF to SCAL.

Many PDF designs have a cut layer and a score layer. If you have the new version of SCAL, you can import multi-layer SVGs. (If you have the old version, you will just delete the score lines).

For either version, open Inkscape and size the page correctly for the Cricut and SCAL (4.5" high x 9.25" wide). See complete directions here.

Import the PDF file.

Size and rotate the design to fit the page if needed. If there are multiple pieces you may have to move pieces around to fit, or even move some pieces onto a second page.

Option 1: If you have the older version of SCAL, or just want to delete the score lines.

Click on each score line and delete it. Generally they are red and green.

Print a copy of the PDF file to use as a scoring template.

Save your file as an SVG, open in SCAL and cut!

Option 2: If you have the new version of SCAL that can import multi-layer SVG files.

You will create a multi-layer SVG in Inkscape.

At the top of the Inkscape page click Layer. At the bottom of the menu click Layers. The Layers window will open.

Right click on Layer 1. Rename the layer "cut."

Click the + sign to add a layer. Name the layer "score." Set the score layer to be "above" the cut layer.

Look at the bottom of the page and you will see a little box. If it says "root" or "score" you need to move your design onto the cut layer.

To move the design, first select you entire design. At the top of the page click Layer, then Move Selection to Layer Below. You may need to do this twice. It should say "cut" in the little box.

Now your entire design is on the cut layer.

Time to move the score lines to the score layer.

Select each score line. You can do this with either the Edit Path by Nodes tool or the Select tool. Remember you can select multiple lines by holding down the Shift key and clicking on each line.

Click Layer, then Move Selection to Layer Above. When you are done, click OFF the little eye icon next to the score layer and check that all the score lines disappear.

And here is what it looks like with the score layer on, and the cut layer off.

Save as SVG. Open the SVG in Sure Cuts A Lot.

Click Preview. If parts of the design are greyed out, move or resize the design until all the parts are on the cutting mat, within the dotted guidelines.

In SCAL, open the layers menu (click View, then Layers), then click the arrow to see all the layers. Clicking the eye turns the layer on or off.

I found that sometimes SCAL randomly created several cut layers or several score layers. Try turning layers on and off to see what's on the layer. For clarity, you can change the lines on each layer to a different color by clicking the colored square next to the layer name.

Turn off the score layer(s) and cut.

Then turn off the cut layer(s) and turn on the score layer.

I've heard you can turn your Cricut blade upside down to score. Or set the blade depth to barely cut the paper.

Or just leave the score layer turned off and do your own hand scoring if you prefer!