May we count your visit with Google Analytics? It uses cookies and sends visit data to Google. You can change this any time under Cookie choices. Privacy

EveryCutFile.Find a file
Home/SVG to FCM for ScanNCut: convert in CanvasWorkspace

SVG to FCM for ScanNCut: convert in CanvasWorkspace

A ScanNCut reads FCM, Brother’s cutting format, so the SVG goes through CanvasWorkspace first, unless yours is an SDX225 or SDX325 (or the discontinued SDX85 or SDX230D), which also read SVG. Import it, check its size, then choose File > Export / Transfer FCM File: Export FCM File saves it to a USB flash drive, and Transfer FCM File via the internet sends it to a machine registered with ScanNCut Online. On the machine, touch Pattern, then Saved Data.

The SVG goes into CanvasWorkspace; the FCM it exports goes to the ScanNCut on a flash drive or over your wireless network.

SVG, CWPRJ and FCM

CanvasWorkspace imports SVG, DXF and FCM, and pictures in JPG, GIF, BMP or PNG to trace. It saves two kinds of file, and only one of them goes to the machine.

FileWhat it isDoes the ScanNCut read it?
SVGThe design as vector outlines; ours are drawn in millimetersOn the SDX225 and SDX325, and the discontinued SDX85 and SDX230D; otherwise import it into CanvasWorkspace
DXFCAD outlines; CanvasWorkspace takes them up to Release 14No: import it into CanvasWorkspace
CWPRJA CanvasWorkspace project you can keep editingNo
FCMBrother cutting dataYes

Import the SVG

  1. If the download is a ZIP, unzip it first.
  2. Open CanvasWorkspace on your computer, or CanvasWorkspace (Web) at canvasworkspace.brother.com on a tablet, and start a project.
  3. Import from your computer and pick the SVG.
  4. Select the design and compare its width and height with the size on our design page. If they differ, lock the proportions and type the width back.

CanvasWorkspace file support in full →

Send the FCM to the machine

RouteIn CanvasWorkspaceOn the ScanNCut
USB flash driveFile > Export / Transfer FCM File > Export FCM File, saved to the drivePlug in the drive, touch Pattern, then Saved Data, pick the pattern and touch OK
WirelessFile > Export / Transfer FCM File > Transfer FCM File via the internet. The machine must be on your wireless network and registered with ScanNCut OnlineThe pattern arrives on the machine
USB cableConnect the machine; it shows as a removable disk. Export FCM File and save to itPattern, then Saved Data, as with a flash drive
CanvasWorkspace (Web)Click Download, then the transfer icon; if you cannot select it, register your machine firstThe pattern arrives on the machine

Cut it

  1. Attach the material to the mat and insert the mat into the machine.
  2. Install the blade holder.
  3. Select Cut on the machine’s screen, or Draw for a pen.
  4. Do a trial cut on a scrap first.

A worked example

Our arch pantry label is one outline, 60 × 62 mm. Imported into CanvasWorkspace it should read 60 mm wide and 62 mm tall; if it does not, type 60 mm back with the proportions locked. Export the FCM to a flash drive, and on the machine touch Pattern, Saved Data and the label.

Our boxes and cards carry their fold lines as a separate group of thin rust lines. With Cut selected, the machine cuts every line in the FCM, so delete that group before you export and score the folds by hand with a ruler.

See the arch label →

See a box with fold lines →

If part of the drawing is missing

Check the SVG’s canvas and the artwork bounds first: a shape outside the canvas can be left out. Then check the design fits your machine’s cutting area on its mat.

Find out why part of an SVG is missing →

Fit a design to your mat →

From the maker’s documentation: Brother: CanvasWorkspace file formats, Brother: about CanvasWorkspace, Brother: sending patterns from CanvasWorkspace to the machine.