How to Use a Single Line SVG File
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Do you know how to use a single line, sketch, or draw file with your Cricut machine? Get the basics about what a Single Line SVG file is and how to make projects with sketch files!
What is a Single Line SVG?
A Single Line SVG (scalable vector graphic) files is a special kind of SVG that uses a single pixel line, giving the design the look of a line drawing or sketch. It’s also known as a Draw File or Sketch File. Just like the SVG files that you normally see, you can make them big or small and they will maintain the same resolution (yay, math!) BUT, they are a little different when you want to use them with your Cricut or Silhouette machine. Instead of cutting a design with a single line file, your machine will know how to DRAW it!
RELATED POST: How to Upload a Font to Cricut Design Space
What does a Single Line or Sketch SVG File Look Like?
When you see a sketch SVG, you will notice that it looks a little different than the typical SVG files you are using. Instead of having colors or “filled” spaces, the design will be made of thin lines.
Single line SVG files look like traditional writing or drawing in comparison to graphic SVG files. I even designed a Happy Birthday SVG file that’s in my handwriting!
You might also be familiar with seeing Sketch Fonts, which are single line fonts that are available with Cricut and Silhouette design software. When the Writing style of a font is selected in Design Space, it will automatically switch to a single line font and the Linetype will switch to “Draw.”
What Machines Can Use a Single Line File?
You can use any machine that accepts SVG files, including but not limited to:
You can use your Cricut and Silhouette machines to draw single line SVG or font designs with markers and pens. In addition, these machines can use a tool like the Foil Quill to apply foiled details to designs like tags and cards. You can also use Infusible Ink markers to create sublimation sketched designs on shirts, coasters, and more.
A laser 3D printer like a Glowforge uses single line SVG file to “score” the design with a tiny beam of light into your project – similar to drawing with a very fine and powerful pencil!
What is a Glowforge? Find out all about it in my Glowforge Basics post!
What Can You Make With a Single Line SVG File?
Single line files are one of my favorite kind of files to use because they are versatile and require little manipulation between different projects. I can use them to replicate my exact handwriting design over and over with no variation.
NOTE: When uploading single line SVG files into Cricut Design Space or similar programs, you have to change the file from “CUT” to “DRAW.”
If you’re new to using SVG files with your Cricut machine, make sure you read my full post on How to Upload an SVG to Cricut Design Space.
Single Line files are great for writing invitations or addressing envelopes!
I recently made a Harry Potter Single Line SVG file, and I’ve already used it in several different ways! The “easiest” way to use a sketch file is to draw the design onto a material like a card, printable vinyl, smart labels, or sticker paper.
I used the same image with my Glowforge to create a cute Christmas ornament that only took a few minutes to print.
One of my favorite ways to use single line files is REALLY COOL! I love embroidery, and I can use single line files and my Cricut to draw the design onto fabric (with a washable ink fabric marker) to stitch!
Where Can You Download Single Line and Sketch SVG Files?
A lot of sites that offer SVG files will have single line sketch files. Since single line files gained popularity with the launch of the Foil Quill, including it in your searches is an easy way to find SVG files that will work with pens and markers.
A couple of my favorite commercial sites to search for single line files are:
- Design Bundles (like this amazing single line elements bundle)
- Creative Fabrica
I have a section of my shop specifically for single line files, and I’ll be adding more designs in the coming weeks.
Also, there are TONS of Draw files and designs available in Cricut Design Space. It’s a particularly good reason to have Cricut Access! If you filter image results in Design Space, you’ll see all of the cool designs they offer.
Want to know more about single line files? Comment below or send me an email: charynn(at)pineapplepaperco.com
Make sure you follow along in my Free SVG Facebook group so you don’t miss any of these Free Single Line SVG files!
Pin All About Draw SVG Files for Later
The “draw on the fabric to embroider” idea sounds awesome. Would you share which marker you are using?
Yes! The Cricut Fabric Marker 🙂
When I first got my Cricut I tried to get it to write the addresses on my Christmas cards like you show above. However, it looked like a hot mess! Can you suggest any specific fonts that work well to draw? Or is the pen then problem? I only have the .4 pen that came with the Cricut. Maybe a different pen?
Thanks so much for sharing your creativity! I look forward to your emails and projects!
Make sure when you are using a font in Design Space you filter by “Writing” style – that will pull up all of the fonts that are single line, then in the font options (if it doesn’t do it by default), select the “write” style. Hope that helps!
Great post. Thank you for the information. I am struggling with finding a tutorial to draw my own single line files. May I ask how you created a single line SVG file?
I use Adobe Illustrator 🙂