CleanCut VectorFrequently asked questions
Does CleanCut Vector upload my images?
No. All processing happens on your Mac. Nothing is uploaded, and the app works without an internet connection.
Is there a subscription?
No. CleanCut Vector is a one-time purchase of $9.99 on the Mac App Store. No subscription, no in-app account.
What kinds of images work best?
Logos, text and high-contrast artwork give the cleanest results. Photos with soft gradients are not what it is designed for.
Which file formats can I export?
SVG, PDF and DXF (R12), in millimeters or inches with real-world size.
Which machines and apps is it for?
It includes output presets for Cricut Design Space, Silhouette Studio, Glowforge, xTool Creative Space and LightBurn, plus generic Laser engrave (fill) and Vinyl/cut (outline) presets.
What are stacked and cut modes?
When tracing in color, each color becomes its own layer. Stacked mode lets layers sit on top of each other; cut mode keeps them side by side so they don’t overlap.
What do I need to run it?
A Mac running macOS 14 or later.
How do I get a refund?
Purchases are handled by Apple. You can request a refund at reportaproblem.apple.com.
My trace has tiny specks or bits of noise.
Increase speck removal to Normal or Strong, or lower the detail level. Starting from a larger, sharper source image also helps.
My multi-color trace has extra colors.
Reduce the number of colors. Color snapping keeps each layer to a pure palette color, so fewer colors usually means cleaner layers.
Importing your vectors
Use the output preset that matches your software before exporting. If something looks off after import, these tips usually fix it.
The size is wrong after import
- Check that you exported in the units your software expects (mm or inches), and that the real-world size in the export options is what you want.
- For DXF, confirm the import units in your software match the units you exported in.
Importing SVG
- Use the preset for your app (Cricut Design Space, Silhouette Studio, Glowforge, xTool Creative Space or LightBurn).
- Multi-color traces come in as one layer per color. If your software groups everything together, ungroup it to work with each color separately.
- In cutting software, use cut mode if you don’t want colors to overlap; use stacked mode when you plan to layer vinyl.
- Some Silhouette Studio editions limit SVG import; if SVG isn’t accepted, try DXF.
Importing DXF
- CleanCut Vector exports DXF R12, which is widely supported by laser and CAD software.
- If shapes appear as outlines when you expected filled areas, set the layer to fill/engrave in your laser software, or export with the Laser engrave (fill) preset as SVG.
- If curves look segmented, that’s normal for DXF R12 — they’re made from many small segments. SVG and PDF keep true Bezier curves.
Engraving vs. cutting
- Laser engrave (fill) exports filled shapes for engraving.
- Vinyl/cut (outline) exports outlines for cutting.
Getting a better trace
- Start with the largest, sharpest version of your image you have.
- Logos, text and high-contrast artwork trace best; photos aren’t a good fit.
- Try Auto threshold first for black & white, then adjust if needed.
- Use overlay preview to check edges against the original before exporting.
Contact us
Still stuck? Email support@cleancutvector.com. Please include your macOS version, what you were trying to do, and, if you’re comfortable, the image you used. CleanCut Vector requires macOS 14 or later.