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Digital Downloads FAQ – File Formats & Laser Cutting Prep

Frequently Asked Questions – Digital Downloads

Thank you for shopping Hendrick Studios' digital downloads! Below are answers to the most common questions about our file formats and how to use them for your projects.

Painting & Printing

Can I use your files for painting or printing on paper or wood?

Yes! For painting guides, wood-burning references, or home printing, we recommend using the PNG or JPG files included in your download. These are raster (pixel-based) images that open in any photo viewer, Microsoft Paint, Canva, or standard print dialogs without any special software.

What resolution are the PNG/JPG files?

Our PNG/JPG files are provided at high resolution suitable for standard home printing. For best results, print at 100% scale and avoid enlarging them beyond their native size, as raster images will lose sharpness when scaled up.

Can I resize the PNG/JPG for a larger print?

Raster files (PNG/JPG) are fixed-resolution and will become pixelated if scaled up significantly. For large-format printing or scaling to any size without quality loss, use the included SVG or AI vector files instead.

Laser Cutting & Engraving

Which file format should I use for laser cutting?

Use the SVG or DXF files for laser cutting. These are vector formats that most laser-cutter software (LightBurn, Glowforge, xTool Creative Space, etc.) can import directly. SVG is generally the most universally supported format.

Which file format should I use for laser engraving?

For line engraving (tracing paths), use the SVG or DXF file. For fill/raster engraving (shading or photo-style burns), many machines also accept the PNG file in grayscale mode. Check your machine's software documentation to confirm which modes it supports.

Do I need to do anything to the file before sending it to my laser cutter?

Here are common preparation steps depending on your project:

  • Scale to your desired size – Open the SVG/DXF in your laser software and resize to fit your material before cutting.
  • Separate cut vs. engrave layers – If the design has both cut lines and engraved areas, assign them to the appropriate layers/speeds in your software.
  • Check line colors – Some laser programs use line color to distinguish cut vs. score vs. engrave operations. Verify the color assignments match your intended operation.
  • Remove fill for cutting – If your software shows filled shapes, set the operation to "line" or "vector" mode rather than fill for clean cuts.

The paths look messy or overlapping in my laser software. What do I do?

Try these cleanup steps in your laser or design software:

  • Delete duplicate paths – Select all and use "Remove duplicates" or "Delete overlapping paths" if your software supports it.
  • Union/combine overlapping shapes – In Inkscape or LightBurn, select overlapping paths and use Path > Union to merge them.
  • Simplify paths – Use Path > Simplify in Inkscape to reduce node count on complex curves without losing detail.

Scaling & Vector Editing

Can I scale the design to any size?

Yes – SVG, DXF, and AI files are vector formats and can be scaled to any size (from a 1" keychain to a 24" wall sign) without any loss of quality. Simply resize within your design or laser software.

Do I need to trace the PNG/JPG to get a vector?

No tracing needed! Your download already includes ready-to-use vector files (SVG, DXF, and/or AI). Use those directly rather than auto-tracing the raster files, which can introduce rough edges and extra nodes.

Can I edit the paths or nodes?

Yes. Open the SVG or AI file in a vector editor such as Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape (free), or Affinity Designer to move, delete, resize, or reshape individual paths and nodes to suit your project.

Software Compatibility

What software can open SVG files?

SVG files open in a wide range of programs, including:

  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Inkscape (free)
  • Affinity Designer
  • Cricut Design Space
  • Silhouette Studio (import via SVG)
  • LightBurn
  • Glowforge App
  • xTool Creative Space
  • Most modern web browsers (for preview)

What software can open DXF files?

DXF files are commonly used in CAD and laser/CNC software, including:

  • LightBurn
  • AutoCAD
  • Inkscape (free)
  • Fusion 360
  • Many CNC router and laser engraver programs

What software can open AI files?

AI (Adobe Illustrator) files open natively in Adobe Illustrator. They can also be opened in Affinity Designer and Inkscape (with some limitations). If you don't have Illustrator, the SVG version of the same design will work for most use cases.

What's Included in My Download?

What file types are included in a typical download?

Most Hendrick Studios digital downloads include a ZIP file containing:

  • SVG – Scalable vector; best for laser cutting, vinyl cutting, and vector editing
  • DXF – Vector format optimized for laser/CNC machines and CAD software
  • AI – Adobe Illustrator native file for advanced vector editing
  • PNG – High-resolution raster image with transparent background; great for printing and painting guides
  • JPG – High-resolution raster image with white background; useful for previews and standard printing

File contents may vary by product. Check the individual product listing for the exact files included.

How do I access my files after purchase?

After completing your order, you'll receive a download link by email. You can also access your files at any time from your Order Confirmation page or your customer account under My Orders. Download and save the ZIP file to your computer or device.

I can't open the ZIP file. What should I do?

On Windows, right-click the ZIP file and select Extract All. On Mac, double-click the ZIP file and it will extract automatically. Once extracted, open the individual files with the appropriate software listed above.

Still have questions? Feel free to contact us and we'll be happy to help!