SVG Import

MapleCAM imports SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) files — the most common format for 2D vector designs.

How to Import

• Drag and drop an SVG file onto the canvas
• File > Import SVG (menu)

Supported SVG Elements

MapleCAM supports standard SVG path elements including lines, arcs, cubic and quadratic Bezier curves, and basic shapes (rect, circle, ellipse, polygon, polyline). Transforms (translate, rotate, scale, matrix) are applied during import.

Units

SVG files can declare lengths in mm, cm, in, pt, pc, or px. MapleCAM converts everything to millimeters on import — you don't have to set your document to mm beforehand. SVG without an explicit unit (and px) is treated as CSS reference pixels (96 dpi).

Tips for Preparing SVGs

• Convert text to paths — MapleCAM imports geometry, not fonts. In Inkscape: select text, then Path > Object to Path.
• Flatten transforms — while MapleCAM handles transforms, flattening them in your editor can avoid surprises.
• Remove clipping masks and filters — MapleCAM ignores raster effects, gradients, and clipping paths.
• Check path direction — for contour operations, path direction (CW vs CCW) can affect which side is "inside" vs "outside."