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Participating Frequently
Aug 1, 2024 9:19 PM UTC
Question

SVG Saved from Illustrator is messed up when opened in plot program

This is very frustrating.  When I save a file as an .svg to be opened in a plotting program (to cut vinyl), ALL files saved from my computer end up jagged, missing pieces, or shapes shifted all around.  When the same file is saved as an .svg from a different computer, there are no issues at all.  We have checked our settings, and everything is exactly the same.  It only happens from my computer.  Screenshot of original .ai file attached, as well as screenshot of how it looks when opened for the plotter.  Also attached is a screen shot of the save settings from both computers, with mine on the left.

 

Both computers are running with separate CC accounts, and all programs are up to date.  Again, this only happens when I save from my computer.

 

What is going on, and how do I fix this?

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15 replies

Community Expert
Aug 3, 2024 5:09 AM UTC

What vinyl cutting application are you using? Depending on the application you might have to save the SVG file in a different file format.

For example, I ran into an issue with Onyx Thrive a while back. With print and cut operations I can use PDF files with cut paths where the stroke is given a custom spot color name "CutContour." For cut-only tasks Onyx wants SVG files. Previously I could use default settings from Illustrator. But those stopped working. I had to experiment, saving SVG files in various formats until SVG Tiny 1.1 did the trick. They'll probably change something with an update and I'll have to do the whole experimenting thing all over again.

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Brad @ Roaring Mouse
Community Expert
Community Expert
Aug 2, 2024 3:30 PM UTC

What is your system and Illustrator version number? Also, based on your screen grab, you used teh "Save As.." approach o save your SVG.  Have you tried "Export As..." SVG instead to see if you get different results?

If you can upload the illustrator file here, I can compare my results.

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Participating Frequently
Aug 2, 2024 4:21 PM UTC

I tried exporting as well, same results.  I have attached my .ai file here, see if you get the same results.  I've tried welding, creating a compound shape, grouping, nothing changes the end results.

 

A different computer running the same version of Illustrator has no issues at all doing this.  It's just mine.  Both computers are on the same OS version.

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Participating Frequently
Aug 2, 2024 4:23 PM UTC
test.pdf
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Participating Frequently
Aug 2, 2024 1:03 PM UTC

I changed the decimal setting to 5, and got the same results.  Comparison photos below.

 

(The original.jpg file is a wireframe view in Illustrator)

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Monika Gause
Community Expert
Community Expert
Aug 2, 2024 1:45 PM UTC

When you open the SVG in a browser, does it look OK?

Because if it dosn, then you need to search for the issue in the plot program.

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Participating Frequently
Aug 2, 2024 4:16 PM UTC

Yes, it looks exactly like it does in Illustrator.  😕😕

 

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Brad @ Roaring Mouse
Community Expert
Community Expert
Aug 1, 2024 11:46 PM UTC

Don't know exactly what is going on there without seeing the Illustrator document, but it's interesting it's affecting certain shapes exactly the same way each time, like your T shapes.

But a couple of things I noticed in your settings you might want to change

1. Increase your decimal places. A setting of "1" one will cause poor quality curves. especially on small objects. Curves will render better the higher you set this (3 or 4 is a good level that will match Illustrator's native accuracy).

2. All it's usually recommended to check the Output fewer elements (to reduce file size), I'd leave it unchecked if you are moving this to a plotter. I suspect file size is not an important aspect for you.

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Participating Frequently
Aug 2, 2024 1:06 PM UTC

Tried the decimal change, see results below.

Tried unchecking Output Fewer Elements, same results.

 

I appreciate the suggestions!! 🙂

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Monika Gause
Community Expert
Community Expert
Aug 1, 2024 11:32 PM UTC

Try a higher decimals setting, like 4 or 5

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