Free frame SVG files

Sizing a frame to its contents

Decide the size of what goes inside first, then scale the frame to suit. Every file is 100 mm on its longer side; most of the rectangular frames are 100 by 76 mm, close to the 4 to 3 shape of a photo print. To fit a 6 by 4 inch photo, stretch the frame to the photo size plus the width of the band on each side, with the proportions unlocked. A plain band stretches without harm. On the double-line and corner-ornament frames the ties and ornaments stretch too, so keep the change small.

For a monogram, the quatrefoil, round, heart and arrow frames leave the most usable room in the middle. Size the letters to about two thirds of the opening so they do not touch the inner line.

Cutting and materials

A frame is a long thin loop, which makes it floppy once cut. On adhesive vinyl, leave it on the backing and use transfer tape across the whole frame so the sides stay parallel. In card, 250 gsm or heavier holds its shape. On a laser, 3 mm plywood works for every frame here at 150 mm or larger.

The double-line frames are joined by small round ties across the gap. They are part of the design: do not delete them, or the inner line becomes a separate loose loop.

How to open the files

• Cricut Design Space: choose Upload, pick the SVG, and add it to the canvas. Set the width you want; the shape is already welded.
• Silhouette Studio: Designer Edition and above open the SVG. The free Basic Edition does not, so open the DXF instead.
• LightBurn, xTool Creative Space and Glowforge: import the SVG, then set the layer to cut, score or engrave.
• Inkscape, Illustrator and Affinity: open the SVG. It is a plain filled path, so you can recolour it, add a stroke or combine it with your own work.
• Printing or sublimation: use the PNG, which has a transparent background.

Each design page lists the file’s narrowest part at seven sizes, so you can tell whether it will survive at the size you plan to cut.

Questions