Best File Format for Laser Cutting: SVG, DXF, PDF or CDR?
There is no single best format; the right one is whatever your machine software imports cleanly. These are the trade-offs.
Published by the Heartline Works team · Last reviewed 2026-10-02 · Editorial policy
| Format | Strengths | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| SVG | Open standard, keeps curves, widely supported | Units and scale vary by exporter; text must be outlined |
| DXF | Common in CAD/CAM and many laser tools | Curves are often converted to segments; units are not always declared |
| Preserves vector paths and page size | May contain raster and text objects | |
| CDR | Native to CorelDRAW | Proprietary; version compatibility varies |
A practical order
- Use the format your software documents as preferred.
- If unsure, try SVG first, then DXF.
- Check scale after importing: draw a known-size rectangle and measure it.
About CDR on this site
We only offer a CDR when a real, valid CorelDRAW file exists for that design. Otherwise it is shown as “CDR Needs Review”; we do not rename other formats as CDR.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need CDR?
Only if you work in CorelDRAW and want to keep native objects; its SVG import also works for most designs.