Free lightning bolt SVG files

Straight edges and sharp points

A zigzag bolt is about the quickest shape there is to cut: the classic bolt is seven straight edges and nothing else. Every file here is 100 mm on its longer side. The points are the only weak spots. In vinyl they are the corners most likely to lift, so press them down well. In wood and acrylic a long needle point, like the ones on the sharp slanted bolt, can chip. The rounded icon and the chunky bolt are the sturdy choices.

Forked lightning, the strike from a cloud and the lightning cracks are a different kind of drawing: thin, wandering lines that narrow towards their ends. Cut those three at 100 mm or larger, and move them with transfer tape so the branches keep their shape.

The two layered bolts come as two layers each, a yellow bolt and a dark piece behind it. Cut the dark layer first, then centre the bolt on it. The set of three and the pattern are loose pieces.

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