How do I export from CorelDRAW or Affinity Designer for a clean import?

The short answer

Neither program's native file opens directly. CorelDRAW files (CDR) must be exported, and the official FAQ gives EPS as the route. Affinity Designer exports SVG, EPS and PDF, and a published tutorial gives SVG settings that keep the geometry clean.

CorelDRAW: the official EPS recipe

1. Select the lines and shapes you want.
2. Remove any fill patterns and set the line thickness to Hairline.
3. Choose File > Export.
4. Tick Selected only.
5. Set the file type to EPS - Encapsulated Postscript and click Export.
6. Choose the option to Export Text as Curves.

The file then opens or imports ready for toolpaths.

CorelDRAW: if you need DXF

In the Export to AutoCAD dialog choose the Export version, set Export units to match your job, and under Export text as pick Curves. Corel's own help notes that only object outlines are exported, that filled objects without an outline get one added, that text left as text is written in a generic font, and that layers are retained. If the DXF fails to import, the official FAQ suggests exporting again as AutoCAD R12 or R14. The same FAQ warns that DXF cannot store Bezier curves, so curvy artwork is better as EPS.

Affinity Designer: SVG settings

1. Choose File > Export and select SVG.
2. Pick the SVG (for export) preset, then click More.
3. Set Rasterize to Nothing so no part of the drawing is turned into pixels.
4. Check Export text as curves so lettering does not depend on a font.
5. Check Flatten transforms so rotated or scaled objects are written in their final position.
6. Export, import the file, and measure one known dimension. The same tutorial notes that cutting software often expects a 96 dpi document, so a size mismatch points to the document resolution.

Pro tips

• Convert text to curves on a copy of the design. Curves cannot be edited as text later.
• Hairline strokes and no fills are not cosmetic. The software reads only the path, so heavy strokes and fills add nothing and can hide duplicate shapes.
• If curves arrive as many short straight pieces, see the entry on joining vectors and fitting curves.