Inkscape DXF Guide: How to Import and Save DXF Files Free

Inkscape is a free vector design program for Windows, Mac and Linux. It is a favorite with makers because it can open DXF files and save them too. That makes it a free bridge between CAD drawings and creative projects like signs, stickers and laser art.

This guide shows how to import a DXF into Inkscape with the right scale, fix the usual problems, and save a clean DXF for your laser, CNC or vinyl cutter.

Why use Inkscape for DXF files?

It is completely free and open source.
It runs on Windows, Mac and Linux.
It can open DXF files from CAD programs.
It can save DXF files for cutting machines.
It can also save SVG, PDF and PNG, so it works as a converter.

If you only need to look at a DXF, a viewer is faster. Our free online DXF viewer opens files in seconds. Use Inkscape when you need to edit or convert.

Check the DXF first

Open the file in the online viewer before importing. Measure a known edge with the ruler and note the units in the status bar. You will use that number to confirm the scale in Inkscape. Also check the layers, so you know what is inside.

How to open a DXF in Inkscape

Open Inkscape.
Choose File, then Open to open the DXF as a new document. Or choose File, then Import to add it to your current design.
Select your DXF file.
The DXF Input dialog appears with import options.
Pick your settings, explained below, and click OK.

DXF Input options explained

Scaling method

This decides the size of the imported drawing.

Read from file: uses the units saved in the DXF. Best when the file has units set.
Manual scale factor: lets you type a factor. Use 1.0 for millimeters to millimeters, or 25.4 to turn inches into millimeters.
Automatic scaling: fits the drawing to a page size. Good for a quick look, but the size is not real.

Character encoding

Older DXF files store text in older encodings. If letters with accents look wrong, try a different encoding here.

Text font

CAD fonts may not exist on your computer. Pick a fallback font for any text in the drawing.

Supported DXF versions

Inkscape’s DXF importer is made for newer DXF files, from AutoCAD Release 13 onward. Very old R12 files may not import correctly. If yours fails, open it in a CAD program like LibreCAD and save it again as a newer DXF version. Read more about versions in what is a DXF file.

Confirm the size

After import, select a known edge. Check its width in the toolbar at the top, with units set to millimeters or inches. Compare with what you measured in the viewer. If it is 25.4 times off, undo and import again with the right scale factor.

Clean up the drawing

Ungroup

Imported DXF drawings usually arrive as groups. Select all with Control or Command and A, then press Shift and Control or Command and G a few times to ungroup.

Join lines into paths

CAD shapes are often split into separate segments. To fill or cut a clean shape, they should be one path. Select the pieces and use Path, then Combine. Then use the node tool to join end nodes that touch.

Delete extras

Remove dimensions, notes, borders and hatch patterns you do not need. The Layers and Objects panel helps you find and select them.

Set strokes and fills

CAD lines often come in with very thin strokes. Give them a visible stroke or a fill so you can see the design clearly.

How to save a DXF from Inkscape

When your design is ready for a cutting machine, save it as DXF.

Prepare the art, using the steps in the next section.
Choose File, then Save a Copy. This keeps your Inkscape file safe.
In the file type list, choose Desktop Cutting Plotter (AutoCAD DXF R14). An R12 option also exists for very old machines.
Click Save. A DXF Output dialog appears.
Set the Base unit to mm, or in if your machine works in inches.
Choose to use LWPOLYLINE output if offered. Most modern software reads it well.
Click OK.

Prepare your design before saving

Convert text to paths. Select text and use Path, then Object to Path. Cutters cannot read fonts.
Convert strokes to paths if needed. If you want the outline of a thick line cut, use Path, then Stroke to Path.
Remove fills, gradients and effects. DXF holds lines, not looks.
Delete hidden objects. Anything hidden may still be exported.
Remove clips and masks. Use Object, then Clip, then Release.
Check document size. Set the document units to mm in Document Properties to avoid confusion.

Check the saved DXF

Open your new DXF in our online DXF viewer. Measure a known edge. Check that every part is there and that text came through as shapes. If it looks right, it is ready for your machine.

Using Inkscape as a DXF converter

Inkscape can turn DXF into other formats and back.

DXF to SVG: open the DXF and save as Plain SVG. Handy for Cricut and web use.
SVG to DXF: open the SVG and save as desktop cutting plotter DXF.
DXF to PDF: open the DXF and save as PDF for printing.
DXF to PNG: use the Export dialog to make an image.

A real example: a name sign for a laser

Let us make a simple wooden name sign, start to finish, in Inkscape.

Create a new document. In Document Properties, set units to mm and the page to 300 by 100 mm.
Draw a rectangle with rounded corners at 300 by 100 mm. This is the outer cut.
Type the name in a bold font. Size it to fit inside the rectangle.
Select the text and use Path, then Object to Path.
If you want the letters cut out, use Path, then Difference with the rectangle. If you want them engraved, leave them as separate shapes and give them a different color.
Remove all fills and give everything a thin stroke.
Save a copy as desktop cutting plotter DXF with base unit mm.
Open the DXF in the online viewer. Measure the rectangle. It reads 300 mm, so the scale is right.

The file is ready for LightBurn or any other laser program.

Tips for smoother Inkscape DXF work

Always work in millimeters or inches, never pixels, when making cut files.
Keep one master Inkscape file, and export DXF copies from it.
Name exports with the material and size, such as sign_3mm_300x100.dxf.
Use the XML editor if you need to see exactly what an object is.
Update Inkscape. Newer versions have better DXF import and export.

Common Inkscape DXF problems

The import fails with an error

The file may be R12, binary or damaged. Save it again as a newer ASCII DXF in a CAD program. See DXF file not opening.

The drawing is huge or tiny

Use a manual scale factor, such as 25.4 for inches.

Text looks wrong

Change the text font or encoding in the import dialog, or retype the text.

My laser software says the DXF is empty

Objects may have been clipped, hidden or left as text. Release clips, convert text to paths and save again.

Curves look like straight segments

Some DXF outputs break curves into small lines. Try the R12 or R14 output with different options, or use SVG if your machine supports it.

When Inkscape is not the right tool

Inkscape is great for art and signs. It is less suited to precise engineering work. If your DXF is a mechanical part with tight tolerances, dimension lines and many layers, a CAD program will serve you better. Free LibreCAD and QCAD handle CAD drawings with exact coordinates and snaps. Use Inkscape for the creative side and a CAD tool for the technical side. Many makers use both. Our list of programs that open DXF files can help you pick.

And for quick checks, you do not need either. A browser viewer opens the drawing in seconds, lets you measure it and does not change the file.

Frequently asked questions

Is Inkscape really free?

Yes. It is open source and free for personal and commercial use.

Can Inkscape open DWG files?

No. Convert the DWG to DXF first with our DWG to DXF guide.

Can I use Inkscape DXF files in LightBurn?

Yes. See our LightBurn DXF guide.

Can I use Inkscape DXF files with Cricut?

Yes, though SVG is often easier. See DXF files for Cricut.

Is Inkscape better than Illustrator for DXF?

Both work. Illustrator has smoother import options. Inkscape is free. See how to open DXF in Illustrator.

Check your DXF in seconds

Before and after you use Inkscape, open your file in our free DXF viewer. Measure it, check the parts and make sure it is ready to cut. It is free, private and works on any device.