A layered papercut is not one image printed in several colors. It is a stack of full sheets. Each structural layer contains the cuts for one sheet, and every sheet must stay the same physical size so that the artwork lines up when assembled.
1. Check the download
Unzip SVG.zip and open the assembly guide before uploading anything. It records the finished size, paper colors, layer order, bridges and decals.
project-name-multilayer.svgThe complete set of structural layers at one shared size. Start with this file in Cricut Design Space.
layers/machine-cut/layer-XX.svgOne full structural sheet per file. Use these to recut one layer, cut one sheet at a time or work around an import problem.
layers/outline/layer-XX.svgThe same sheets as fine lines on white, for printing and cutting by hand. Not needed in Cricut Design Space.
decals/machine-cut/*.svgLoose pieces grouped by paper color. Upload these separately when the project contains decals. decals/outline/ holds the printable versions.
guides/*.pngVisual references for bridge or decal positions. Do not upload them as cutting templates.
2. Upload the multilayer SVG
Upload project-name-multilayer.svg to Cricut Design Space, add it to the Canvas and keep the imported structural layers grouped while checking their size.
- Start a new project and select Upload.
- Choose the multilayer SVG from the unzipped folder.
- Add it to the Canvas.
- Keep the imported layers grouped while you check the dimensions.
- Confirm that the width and height match the assembly guide.
Cricut states that vector images designed with layers appear on the Canvas as a grouped image. If ungrouped, their layers can be moved and sized separately. Keeping the group together at this stage protects the shared size and alignment. See Cricut's SVG upload instructions.
When to use the individual layer files
The files in layers/machine-cut/ are useful when you need to recut one damaged sheet, want to cut and check one layer at a time, or Design Space does not separate the multilayer SVG correctly. Each individual file has the same finished dimensions as the complete project. Do not resize it independently.
3. Keep the project at the correct size
Confirm that the grouped image matches the width and height in the assembly guide. Resize the complete group proportionally, never one structural layer on its own.
Do not use Slice, Contour or automatic background removal on the imported structural layers. Those tools can change the cutting geometry or remove paper that the layer needs.
Make sure it fits the mat
A 12 × 12 in Cricut mat does not provide a full 12 × 12 in cutting area. Cricut lists the maximum cutting area as approximately 11.5 × 11.5 in, or 29 × 29 cm. If either side of the project is larger, return to KerfPress and reduce the complete finished size, or use a compatible larger mat. See Cricut's mat and material size guide.
4. Prepare the cutting mats
Select Make and check how Design Space has separated the structural layers by material color. Match each mat to the cardstock color listed in the assembly guide.
Design Space separates project content onto mats according to its operation and material color. Review every mat before continuing: a screen color is only an instruction, while the cardstock you load determines the finished color. See Cricut's Prepare screen guide.
5. Choose a material setting and test it
Choose the Design Space setting that most closely matches the actual cardstock, then make a small test cut before cutting the full project.
Usually starts with a LightGrip mat.
Usually starts with a StandardGrip mat.
May need a StrongGrip mat and a compatible blade.
The cut should pass through the cardstock without carving deeply into the mat.
Cricut recommends a test cut with the actual material. If the result is close but too shallow or too deep, use the More or Less pressure option for the selected setting. See Cricut's cardstock instructions.
Why there is no universal pressure or speed
The correct setting changes with the machine, blade type, blade wear, mat condition and the cardstock's coating, fiber, density and texture. Two sheets with the same advertised weight can cut differently. Use the material preset recommended for your machine, test the actual cardstock and adjust from that result.
6. Cut the structural layers and decals
Cut the structural sheets in numbered order and upload files from the decals folder separately when the project includes loose pieces.
After each cut, turn the mat face down and peel the mat away from the cardstock rather than pulling the cardstock upward. This helps reduce curling. Keep every finished sheet with its layer number.
A decal is a loose piece cut separately and glued onto the surface of a structural layer. It is intentionally excluded from the multilayer SVG. Use the decal placement guide to match each part to its destination.
Bridges are not decals
A bridge is a narrow strip of paper that keeps an otherwise loose piece connected to its sheet. If bridges are preserved in the cutting files, leave them in place while positioning the layer. Glue and support the connected piece first, then trim only the bridges that should disappear.
7. Assemble the project
Keep the finished sheets in numbered order. L01 is the deepest layer at the back, while the highest-numbered layer is the outermost sheet at the front.
When loading a deep frame, insert the highest-numbered front layer first, then continue downward until you reach L01. If you are building the stack flat on a table, begin with L01 and build forward.
Troubleshooting
The imported project has the wrong size
Check the grouped width and height against the assembly guide. If the proportions are correct, enter the intended dimensions with the aspect ratio locked. Do not correct only one structural layer.
Design Space says the image is too large
The artwork exceeds the cutting area available for the selected mat or machine. Use a compatible larger mat or return to KerfPress and export the entire project at a smaller finished size.
The multilayer SVG does not separate correctly
Use the individual files in the layers/machine-cut/ folder and cut one structural sheet at a time. Check every file against the finished dimensions in the assembly guide.
Small details tear or lift
Use a clean, sharp blade and a mat with suitable grip, then make another test cut. If the design still contains fragile paper strips, return to KerfPress and increase the minimum paper width or simplify the affected shapes.
A piece falls out after cutting
It may be an island: a piece with no paper connection to the rest of the sheet. Check the bridge and decal guides. The piece may need to stay connected by a bridge or be cut separately as a decal.
Before cutting the full project
- The grouped SVG matches the finished width and height in the assembly guide.
- The project fits the cutting area of the selected mat.
- Every prepared mat is matched to the correct cardstock color.
- The chosen material setting has passed a test cut.
- You know which pieces are held by bridges and which are separate decals.