SVG to G-Code Converter

Note: The GCode output has been somewhat tested on a Creality Falcon 2 Pro. It has not been tested on any other laser cutters and use of the GCode is at the sole risk of the user. Having said that, the GCode is standard with the exception of the framing comment which should be ignored by laser cutters which do not use it.

We will add a list of tested laser cutters based on feedback so please let us know if you have tested the program on other laser cutters.

Note: The first time that Generate is pressed you will be asked to allow access to your local fonts directory. This is required to process text within the SVG file correctly. If you do not allow this then you should convert the text to paths before loading the SVG file.

If you have said No but want to allow it, you will need to find the font setting for the 3puz site and change it:

User Guide

Table of Contents

Introduction

3PUZ SVG to G-Code Converter is a powerful application designed to transform Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) files into G-code, the standard language for laser engravers and cutters. This software bridges the gap between graphic design and machine fabrication, allowing you to easily prepare your vector designs for engraving and printing.

Privacy

When you load an SVG file, it is loaded into your browser but not sent to 3PUZ. The conversion to GCode is performed on your computer in the browser.

Your designs remain on your computer at all times and you have complete control of them!

The speed at which the SVG is converted to GCode is dependant on the power of your computer but should not be an issue for most people. If it is an issue for you, let us know in the feedback and we will consider offering conversion on the server.

User Interface

The workflow is straightforward, it consists of three steps:

Help Button

Displays this Guide

Feedback Button

Sends a message to the developers. All comments, complements and suggestions are welcome.

Importing SVG Files

To import an SVG file:

As well as SVG files, PNG and JPEG files are also supported. If you choose to load an image file you should set the size and margins in the GCode Settings Tab.

Setting the output parameters

Click Next or select the GCode Settings tab to adjust the power and other settings for the laser.

Settings Description
Laser Power The percentage power to apply to the cut.
This controls the S value in the GCode.
Only the first number after the decimal point is used and the rest of the number truncated
Speed The speed that the laser head will move.
This controls the F value in the GCode.
The input is multiplied by 60 and then truncated to an integer.
Number of Passes The number of passes that the laser will make.
The output is duplicated the number of times specified.
The design is fully cut on each pass.
Image Processing Strategy For raster images (PNG/JPG): Choose how the image is processed
Raster: Line-by-line engraving
Outline: Trace edges/contours
Variable Power: Power varies with pixel intensity
Stippling: Dot-based engraving
Hatch Fill: Cross-hatch fill pattern

Image Settings (PNG/JPG Files Only)

When you load a raster image (PNG or JPG), additional settings become available:

Settings Description
Width (mm) The desired width of the engraved image in millimeters.
This determines the physical size of the output on your material.
Height (mm) The desired height of the engraved image in millimeters.
This determines the physical size of the output on your material.
Left Margin (mm) Distance from the left edge of the laser bed to start engraving.
Must be between 0 and the maximum width of your machine.
Top Margin (mm) Distance from the top edge of the laser bed to start engraving.
Must be between 0 and the maximum depth of your machine.

Note: For SVG files, these controls are automatically disabled as SVG files contain their own size information and scaling.

GCode Preview and Download

To generate the GCode you must press the Generate GCode button on the GCode Settings tab. This will bring up the Preview & Download tab.

You can view the generated GCode before downloading it. The preview shows a text representation of the first part of the G-code for inspection.

G-Code Visualization

After generating G-code, you can visualize the cutting path using the built-in visualization tool:

  1. Automatic Display: The visualization appears automatically after G-code generation
  2. Interactive Controls:
  3. Path Information:

Download Options

Note 2: For performance reasons only the first part of the output is shown in the Preview and Download tab.

Supported SVG Features

The converter supports the following SVG elements:

Not supported:

SVG Best Practices

For optimal results:

Configuration Settings

Machine Settings

Configure your specific machine parameters in the Machine tab:

Preconfigured Machines

Custom Machine Setup

For machines not in the preconfigured list:

Setting Description
Name Give your laser cutter a descriptive name for reference
Power Maximum laser power rating (used for documentation only)
Width (mm) The maximum cutting width of your machine's work area
Depth (mm) The maximum cutting depth of your machine's work area
Origin Corner Set where X0,Y0 is located on your machine:
Top-Left: Origin at top-left corner
Bottom-Left: Origin at bottom-left corner

Important: Check your machine's manual to determine the correct origin corner. Using the wrong origin will result in mirrored or inverted cuts.

Safety Considerations

Appendices

Keyboard Shortcuts

General Navigation

Workflow Shortcuts

G-Code Reference

Common G-code commands generated by the converter:

Movement Commands

Coordinate System

Laser Control

Feed Rate

Program Control

Example G-code snippet:

G21 ; Set units to millimeters
G90 ; Absolute positioning
M3 ; Enable laser
S0 ; Turn off laser initially
G0 X0 Y0 ; Move to origin
G0 X10 Y10 F3000 ; Rapid move to start position
S800 ; Set laser power to 80%
G1 X20 Y10 F1000 ; Cut line with laser on
S0 ; Turn off laser
M5 ; Disable laser
M2 ; End program

Troubleshooting

Common Issues and Solutions:

File Load Problems

G-code Generation Errors

Visualization Issues

If visualization doesn't appear:

Output Quality Issues

Machine Compatibility

Glossary

Technical Terms

Laser Cutting Terms

Machine Coordinates

Processing Strategies

File Formats