Editing Openai/697166b7-0e64-8005-b317-e0a07360eead (section)

=== Assistant: 1. ===
# Create the SVG file
* Open a plain-text editor: Notepad (Windows) or TextEdit (Mac).
* Paste the XML exactly as-is (starting with <?xml ...?> and ending with </svg>).
* Save it as a real SVG file: - File name: raccoon.svg - “Save as type”: All Files (not .txt) - Encoding: UTF-8 - Make sure it ends in .svg, not .svg.txt.
# Open Cricut Design Space
* Launch Cricut Design Space (desktop app is easiest if you have it).
* Start a New Project.
# Upload the SVG
* Click Upload (left side).
* Click Upload Image.
* Click Browse and select raccoon.svg.
* Design Space should recognize it as “SVG” (it will usually say it’s already cut-ready).
* Click Upload (or Save), then click the new design to insert it onto the canvas.
# Confirm it imported as layered pieces
* Look at the Layers panel (right side on desktop).
* You should see multiple layers/groups (often named by the SVG group IDs like LAYER_1_BASE, etc.).
* If you only see a single flattened image, you likely uploaded a PNG by accident or the file saved as .txt.
# Decide: single-color cut or multi-layer cut Single-color (simplest):
* Select the whole design.
* In the Layers panel, either: - Hide layers you don’t want (eye whites / ring), or - Delete extra layers, or - Weld/Attach after arranging (see below).
* Make sure everything you want cut is the same color/material.

Multi-layer (vinyl stack):
* Keep each layer as its own color of vinyl.
* Use “Attach” for each layer so parts keep their relative positions on the mat.
* For perfect alignment between colors, add 2-3 small registration squares/circles that appear on every layer (you can add these in Design Space, then Attach them to each layer).
# Set the size
* With the design selected, set width/height in the top bar.
* For decals, start around 3-4 inches wide. For shirts, often 9-11 inches wide.
# Prepare to cut
* Click Make (top right).
* Choose “On Mat” (not “Without Mat” unless you know why).
* Pick your material (e.g., Premium Vinyl, Iron-On/HTV, Cardstock).
# Place and mirror if needed
* If using Iron-On (HTV), toggle Mirror ON for each mat.
* If using adhesive vinyl, Mirror stays OFF.
* Move pieces on the mat if you want to conserve material or keep colors separate.
# Cut
* Load the mat with the material aligned to the grid.
* Load the mat into the machine.
* Press Go when prompted.
# Weed and apply Adhesive vinyl:
* Weed (remove the negative bits).
* Apply transfer tape, burnish, peel backing, place on surface, burnish, remove tape.

Iron-On (HTV):
* Weed.
* Place sticky side down on fabric.
* Heat press/iron with the correct temp/time for your HTV brand.
* Peel carrier warm or cold per the vinyl instructions.

Common “why isn’t it working” checks
* File saved as .svg.txt -> fix the extension and “Save as type: All Files.”
* Uploading as a raster image -> must upload the .svg.
* Shapes unexpectedly separate on the mat -> use Attach (or Weld if you truly want one piece).
* HTV cut backwards -> you forgot Mirror.

If you tell me what material you’re using first (adhesive vinyl vs iron-on) and your machine model, I’ll narrow the steps to the exact clicks/toggles you’ll see.