SVG, EPS and .AI files for manufacturing workflows

Sign Customiser can make an SVG file of the sign design. CNC machines can use this file. It also helps you trace the letters of the sign.

This setting is off by default. To turn it on, follow these steps.

Go to Settings → General Settings in your customiser.
In the Generate SVG image of sign section, set SVG Image to Yes.
Save your changes.

For Simple Letter customisers, the app checks your fonts first. If a font cannot make an SVG, the app lists those fonts and keeps SVG Image at No. Change the fonts, then do steps 2 and 3 again.

General Settings in the merchant admin showing the Generate SVG image of sign section with SVG Image, EPS Image and AI Image selects set to No and an information banner

When SVG generation is on, the Shopify order shows the SVG file as the _svg line item property. The manufacturer email also has a link to the SVG file for each order that has one.

You can also make EPS and Illustrator-compatible PDF files for the same design. The Illustrator-compatible PDF has an .ai filename. To turn them on, set EPS Image or AI Image to Yes. Each of these settings also keeps SVG generation on.

The Shopify order does not include the EPS file or the AI file. They reach your manufacturer in the manufacturer email. The default manufacturer email template has a link for each file type. A link shows only when that file exists. If you changed the template, make sure that it has the epsPreviewLink and aiPreviewLink variables.

Template Variables window in the Manufacturer Email editor filtered to show the svgPreviewLink, epsPreviewLink, dxfPreviewLink and aiPreviewLink variables

Stencil customisers also have a DXF (.dxf) option in the same section. The admin describes it as an “AutoCAD-compatible outline file for CNC, laser, and plasma cutters”. It needs SVG generation, so this setting also keeps SVG generation on. The manufacturer email has the DXF link in the dxfPreviewLink variable. The Shopify order does not include the DXF file.

Lightbox customisers do not show the Generate SVG image of sign section.

Cut-out metal signs use the same files. The SVG has the cut-path geometry for the metal panel. The EPS file and the Illustrator-compatible PDF file come from the SVG in the same way. Cut-out workflows need no new file types or template variables.

All current plans include this feature: Seed, Growth and Ultimate. The older Pro, Boost and Premier plans also include it. The older Starter, Standard and Launch plans do not include it. On those plans, the Generate SVG image of sign settings show Plan Upgrade Required.

For detailed instructions on how to use these files in your manufacturing process, read these guides.