SVG vs PNG for vinyl cutting

SVG and PNG solve different problems. Using the wrong one is a frequent cause of fuzzy cuts, huge files, or “it looked fine on my phone.”

SVG (vector)

• Paths scale cleanly — ideal for vinyl cutting
• Cutter software can follow outlines precisely
• Best for logos, lettering, and shapes
• Watch for embedded rasters inside an SVG — those are not magic vectors

PNG (raster)

• Pixels — fine for proofs, mockups, and print-then-cut stickers
• Trace/vectorize steps add error and time
• Needs enough resolution for the physical size (often 300 dpi for print)
• Transparency helps print-and-cut; it does not create cut paths by itself

Practical rule

Cut vinyl lettering and decals: SVG or native cutter vectors.
Customer proofs / order thumbnails: PNG is fine.
Print-and-cut stickers: high-res PNG or PDF plus cutline paths.

Vinyl Designer attaches colour and black cut PNG previews to WooCommerce orders for operators, while the design itself is constrained lettering — see vinyl design software.