Why strokes are tricky for cutters
Cutting software follows **paths**. A thick **stroke** is only a style—some apps interpret it as a thin centerline, not the outer edge you see on screen. For predictable results, you usually want **closed outlines** (filled shapes) or a single path that matches the blade’s path.
Convert strokes to outlines
Select stroked paths and use your editor’s tools to **outline strokes** or **expand** them into filled shapes. Then you’re cutting the outline boundary, not an invisible centerline.
Fix self-overlaps on vinyl
Self-intersecting paths can confuse cutters and leave dangling bits. Use path cleanup or boolean operations so the outline is simple and continuous where possible. Vectorator’s export flow can include options tuned for cutter-safe output.
Use offsets for stickers and HTV
For stickers or heat-transfer vinyl, you may want a **slight offset** so the cut line sits outside the printed area. Create an offset path and use that as your cut line.
Export with a cutter profile
Pick your Cricut, Silhouette, or Generic profile when exporting SVG. Import into your cutting app and preview the cut path before committing material.