Make Cricut cut files on iPad (SVG, to scale)

You can make Cricut cut files on iPad with Apple Pencil: draw the parts at their real size, set each line to cut, score or draw, and export an SVG for Cricut Design Space. In PencilCAD that’s the Cut toolset, which also picks the mat, nests the copies and checks the file before it leaves the iPad.

1. Draw or trace the parts to size

Write the size; the shape takes it.

Draw each part at its real size: write a number on a line and the line takes it (see parametric sketching). To copy something, trace a photo to scale, and close every outline.

2. Switch to the Cut toolset and pick the mat

The Cut rail, in the order you use it.

In Settings → Tools, or More, choose Cut: the page stays, the toolbar becomes the Cut rail. Tap Sheet, pick the mat and set the material.

The mat presets, to scale, in inches.

3. Add text: single-line for pens, outlines for cutting

The same word, drawn by a pen in each kind of font.

For pens and scoring, use the bundled single-line font, Relief SingleLine. For letters you cut out, use any font and tap Outline.

4. Weld overlapping shapes

The originals stay behind as construction (dashed).

Overlaps cut through each other, so the part falls apart. Select the shapes and Combine welds them into one outline; the originals stay as construction.

5. Set each line to cut, score or draw

Each operation arrives as its own layer.

In Operations, set each layer or shape to cut, score, draw, engrave or skip. The Cricut export writes one layer per operation, so Design Space needs one setting per layer.

6. Nest the copies on the mat

Layout nests twelve folded cards on a 12×12 in mat and turns two to fit.

In Layout, set how many copies you need: PencilCAD nests and turns them, and starts another mat when one is full. As drawn keeps your own arrangement.

7. Run Check before you export

Four of the problems Check finds, and their fixes.

Check finds live text, parts off the mat, open outlines, double cuts, overlaps, features too small to cut, oversize parts and empty layers. Most have a one-tap fix.

8. Export for Cricut Design Space

One SVG, one layer per operation, checked against 12 in.

Choose Export for → Cricut Design Space: one SVG layer per operation, mat by mat, checked against the 12 in mat width. On a Joy, pick the Joy mat as the sheet.

9. Upload it in Design Space

Send hands the SVG off.

Upload, then Browse Files.

Check one size before you cut.

Send hands the SVG off through Files, AirDrop or iCloud Drive; Silhouette Go works the same way. In Design Space, choose Upload, then Browse Files.

Lasers, routers and sheet metal use the same Cut toolset up to Export for: see the laser cutting guide and the features page.

Questions

Can I make SVG files for Cricut on an iPad?

Yes. Draw the design in PencilCAD, switch to the Cut toolset, and choose Export for → Cricut Design Space. You get an SVG with one layer per operation, which you add in Design Space with Upload, then Browse Files.

Why does my Cricut pen draw every letter twice?

An ordinary font is made of letter outlines, so the pen follows both edges of every stroke. Use a single-line font, such as Relief SingleLine, which comes with PencilCAD, and each stroke is drawn once.

Which Cricut mats can I lay out on?

12×12 in and 12×24 in, the Joy mats at 4.5×6.5 in and 4.5×12 in, and Joy Xtra at 8.5×12 in. For any other size, set a Custom sheet.

Does PencilCAD send the job to my Cricut?

No. PencilCAD makes the SVG and hands it to Cricut Design Space through Files, AirDrop or iCloud Drive. You cut from Design Space as usual.

Cricut and Silhouette are trademarks of their owners; PencilCAD isn’t affiliated with them.