Import & Export Guide
Everything you need to know about bringing files into UseCloudDraw and saving your work in the right format for any purpose.
Importing SVG Files
SVG is the native format of UseCloudDraw. Importing SVG files preserves all vector data including paths, shapes, text, and gradients.
1 Open the Import Dialog
In the UseCloudDraw editor, click File → Import from the top menu, or press Ctrl + I on your keyboard.
2 Select Your SVG File
Browse to the location of your SVG file on your computer. Select the file and click Open. You can also drag and drop an SVG file directly onto the canvas.
Tip: Drag-and-drop is the fastest way to import. Simply drag any SVG file from your file manager onto the UseCloudDraw canvas.
3 Review & Position
Once imported, the SVG content appears on your canvas. You can now move, resize, edit, or recolor any element. All vector paths remain fully editable.
Importing PNG & JPG Images
Import raster images (PNG, JPG, WebP, GIF, BMP) to trace, reference, or incorporate into your designs.
1 Import the Image
Use File → Import or drag-and-drop to bring your image onto the canvas. The image will be placed as a raster object.
2 Work with the Image
Raster images can be resized, cropped, masked, or placed behind vector objects. You can also use the image as a reference to trace vector shapes over it.
Note: Raster images cannot be converted to editable vector paths automatically. Use the Pen tool to trace complex shapes manually.
Exporting SVG
Export as SVG for the highest quality, smallest file size, and full editability in other vector tools.
1 Open Export Dialog
Click File → Export or press Ctrl + E.
2 Choose SVG Format
Select SVG from the format dropdown. Choose your SVG version (1.1 recommended for widest compatibility, 2.0 for modern features).
3 Configure Options
- Embed fonts: Include font data for text accuracy
- Minify: Reduce file size by removing whitespace
- Inline styles: Embed CSS styles in the SVG for better compatibility
4 Save the File
Choose a filename and location, then click Export. Your design is now saved as a fully scalable vector graphic.
Exporting PNG
Export as PNG for web use, presentations, or when you need a pixel-perfect image with transparency.
1 Select PNG Format
Open the Export dialog and choose PNG from the format dropdown.
2 Set Resolution
- 1x (72 DPI): Standard web resolution
- 2x (144 DPI): Retina / high-DPI displays
- Custom: Enter your own width and height in pixels
Tip: For crisp web graphics, export at 2x the display size and use CSS to scale down. This ensures sharpness on Retina screens.
3 Choose Transparency
Enable the Transparent Background checkbox if you need the PNG to have an alpha channel (transparent areas). Disable it to export with a solid white background.
Exporting PDF
Export as PDF for print production, client delivery, or embedding in documents.
1 Select PDF Format
In the Export dialog, choose PDF. PDF export is ideal for designs that will be professionally printed.
2 Configure PDF Settings
- Page size: Match to your design dimensions or choose a standard (A4, Letter, etc.)
- Preserve vectors: Keep shapes as vector paths (recommended)
- Embed fonts: Ensures text appears correctly on any device
- Color space: RGB for digital, CMYK for print (if supported)
3 Add Print Marks (Optional)
For professional print jobs, enable bleed marks, crop marks, and registration marks in the PDF export options.
Tips for Best Quality
Design at Full Size
Always design at the final output size or larger. Scaling up raster exports will result in pixelation. Vector exports (SVG, PDF with vectors) scale infinitely.
Use SVG for Logos & Icons
For any design that needs to appear at multiple sizes (logos, icons, UI elements), always export as SVG. It stays sharp at every resolution.
Check Color Profiles
Web graphics should use sRGB. For professional print, consult your printer's required color profile (usually CMYK or FOGRA).
Test Your Exports
Always open your exported file in its target environment (browser, print preview, PDF reader) to verify it looks correct before final delivery.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Imported SVG looks different
UseCloudDraw supports SVG 1.1 fully and SVG 2.0 partially. Complex filters, animations, and foreign objects may not render exactly as in other software. Simplify your SVG before import if possible.
Text appears wrong after export
Enable "Embed fonts" in the export dialog. If the font is not available on the viewing device, the system will substitute a fallback font. Convert text to curves (Ctrl+Q) before export if exact rendering is critical.
PNG export is blurry
Increase the export resolution (try 2x or higher). Ensure your design canvas is large enough. PNG is raster — it has a fixed pixel count — so exporting at a higher resolution is the only fix.
File too large
Minimize the SVG by enabling the "Minify" option. For PNG, reduce the color depth or use a tool like TinyPNG after export. Remove unused layers and objects from your design.
Import fails or crashes
Check that the file is not corrupted. Try opening it in another application first. Very large files (>50MB) may take time to process. Reduce file size if possible. Ensure your browser is up to date.
Supported Format Limitations
| Format | Limitation | Workaround |
|---|---|---|
| SVG Import | Advanced filters & animations not supported | Simplify SVG or flatten effects before import |
| SVG Export | Some blend modes may rasterize | Use standard opacity and simple fills |
| PNG Export | Fixed resolution — not scalable | Export at higher resolution (2x or 3x) |
| JPG Export | No transparency; lossy compression | Use PNG for transparency; use SVG for quality |
| PDF Export | CMYK conversion may vary | Export as SVG and convert with professional tools |
| GIF Import | Only first frame shown | Use a tool to extract frames as PNG |
| WebP Import | Export not yet supported | Export as PNG and convert with external tool |
| EPS Import | Complex PostScript features may fail | Open in Inkscape and re-save as SVG |