Built for Simplicity Without Compromising the Vector Approach

KnotenSVG is a free, web-based vector editor created to bridge the gap between simple drawing programs and complex desktop CAD software. Traditional vector applications like Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape can be overwhelming for students and beginners who just want to layout, dimension, and cut projects on a laser engraver or vinyl plotter.

KnotenSVG is engineered for simplicity. Users work directly in physical units (millimeters) with predefined workspace laser beds (e.g. 900x600 mm Mira 9, 250x250 mm Brother Scan'N'Cut). It snaps to full 1.0 mm increments by default to make element placement effortless for learners, while offering 0.1 mm precision for detailed projects.

I work as an educator (pædagog) at a public school in Denmark, where I teach kids basic makerspace tech and laser cutting.

Getting kids started with vector design has always been a pain. Full desktop tools like Inkscape or Illustrator are way too cluttered for beginners (and don't run on cheap school Chromebooks anyway). On the flip side, most web tools require student logins, cloud storage, or paid accounts—which doesn't fly with strict Danish and EU school privacy rules.

Since I'm an educator rather than a professional developer, I started building my own lightweight alternative with the help of AI coding tools.

KnotenSVG is fully usable and ready for real laser cutting and plotting projects, but it is also an active work-in-progress. Occasional quirks, layout edge cases, or browser nuances are to be expected as new features and optimizations are continuously added.

To help improve the editor, there is a built-in Bug Tracker directly in the app. Look for the Bug icon with the WIP badge ( WIP) in the top header of the editor. You can report unexpected behaviors, attach screenshots, track bug fixes, or suggest new features with a single click.

KnotenSVG is built from the ground up with a strict privacy-first architecture to protect user and student data:

• 100% Local Processing & Storage: All user-created projects, vector calculations, geometry edits, custom font loads, and SVG exports are processed and stored locally directly inside your browser. No private project data is ever sent to external cloud servers.
• KnotenSVG Classroom (Non-GDPR File Exchange): The optional Classroom portal allows students and teachers to exchange design files and anonymous project submissions without creating student accounts. To maintain strict data hygiene, all classroom files and inactive classes are automatically deleted after 30 days of inactivity.
• No Third Parties & Zero Cookie Tracking: No data is ever shared or sold to third parties. KnotenSVG uses no tracking cookies, no marketing scripts, and no external telemetry.

Explore the powerful tools engineered directly into KnotenSVG:

KnotenSVG is optimized for schools, FabLabs, and STEAM workshops. Teachers can manage student submissions without needing student login accounts or complex file server setups.

KnotenSVG supports industry-standard formats for seamless workflow integration with machine controllers:

I have always enjoyed untying knots and solving complex challenges—this project is one of many. To "cut through" the knot of complicated CAD software, scissors felt like the perfect symbol. Scissors were also the best available icon in Aula (the Danish school communication system), where scissors are used to represent our school makerspace.

Coming from Sydslesvig (the Danish minority region in Northern Germany), I wanted to weave some German heritage into the project identity. That is how the name KnotenSVG came to life (Knoten meaning knot in German).

KnotenSVG is made possible thanks to fantastic open-source projects, vector libraries, and public asset repositories. We gratefully acknowledge and credit these core resources: