Popular stencils — click to download
How to save a stencil as a PDF — step by step
The process takes under a minute and works on any device:
- Download the SVG file. Click the Download Free button on any stencil page. The file saves to your Downloads folder immediately — no account or sign-up required.
- Open the file in your browser. Double-click the downloaded SVG file. It opens in Chrome, Firefox, Safari or Edge. You'll see the stencil displayed full-size in the browser window.
- Open the print dialog. Press Cmd+P on a Mac, or Ctrl+P on Windows and Linux. This opens the print settings.
- Select "Save as PDF". In Chrome, click the Destination field and select "Save as PDF". In Safari, click the PDF button at the bottom left. In Firefox, choose "Microsoft Print to PDF" or "Save to PDF".
- Save the file. Choose a save location and click Save. You now have a perfect A4 PDF of the stencil.
Alternatively, skip the PDF step entirely and print directly from the browser in step 3 — choose your printer instead of "Save as PDF" and print at 100% scale.
SVG vs PDF — which is better for stencils?
This is worth understanding, because it affects what you can do with the file. SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) is a mathematical description of shapes — it doesn't contain pixels, just instructions for drawing lines and curves. This means it scales to any size with zero loss of quality. Print at A4: perfect. Print at A0 for a wall mural: equally perfect.
PDF can contain vector data or raster (pixel) data depending on how it was created. A PDF exported from an SVG retains the full vector quality. A PDF scanned from a physical stencil or saved from a raster image will pixelate at large sizes.
The practical upshot: our SVG files are better than most PDFs you'll find elsewhere, because they are pure vector and scale infinitely. Converting them to PDF takes seconds and doesn't reduce quality — so you can do either, depending on what your printer or print shop prefers.
Printing at a larger size than A4
Because the files are SVG, there is no upper limit on print size. The most practical methods for larger output:
- Print shop: Upload the SVG to a high-street or online print shop (Staples, Ryman, print-to-size services) and request A3, A2, A1 or A0 output. SVG files are accepted by most professional printers, or export to PDF from Canva first.
- Canva: Import the SVG into Canva (free), resize the canvas to your desired dimensions in centimetres, and download as PDF. Send to any printer.
- Projector: For very large wall stencils, project the SVG onto the wall using a laptop and projector, trace in pencil, then paint. No printing at all required.
See the full guide on how to resize stencils for detailed instructions on each method.
Printing on mobile (iPhone, iPad, Android)
On iPhone or iPad: Download the SVG and tap to open in Safari. Tap the Share icon (box with arrow), then select Print. In the print preview, pinch-to-zoom outward on the preview — this converts the print job to a PDF automatically. Tap the Share icon again in the PDF preview to save to Files or share. Alternatively, AirPrint directly to a compatible printer.
On Android: Open the SVG in Chrome. Tap the three-dot menu, select Print, then select "Save as PDF" from the printer dropdown. Or select your printer for direct printing.
Tips for printing stencils at home
📄 Print on card for durability
Standard 80gsm paper is fine for a single use. For a stencil you'll use multiple times, print on 160–200gsm card. It holds its shape, doesn't go soggy with paint, and gives cleaner cut edges.
🖨️ Printer settings
Print at 100% scale (not "fit to page") for accurate A4 sizing. Select your paper type (plain paper or card) in printer settings for the best result. Draft or normal quality is fine — stencils don't need photographic output.
📐 Scaling
To print smaller, enter a percentage below 100 in the print dialog scale field. To print larger, take the SVG file to a print shop — it will be crisp at any size, including A0 wall posters.
✂️ Cutting the stencil
Use a craft knife and cutting mat for precise cuts, especially on detailed designs. Scissors work for simple shapes. A Cricut cuts the design perfectly from the SVG file without printing at all.
Useful guides for printing and using stencils
Frequently asked questions
Can I download stencils as a PDF file?
Yes. Every stencil on this site can be printed as a PDF in seconds. Download the SVG file, open it in Chrome, Firefox or Safari, then press Cmd+P (Mac) or Ctrl+P (Windows) and choose "Save as PDF" from the destination menu. The result is a perfect, high-quality PDF of the stencil at A4 size, ready to send to a printer or store on your device.
Why are stencils provided as SVG rather than PDF?
SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) is actually a better format than PDF for stencils, for one key reason: it scales to any size without any loss of quality. You can print an SVG at A4, A1, or even A0 (poster-sized) and the lines are just as crisp. A PDF captures the design at a fixed resolution, which can show pixelation if you print larger than intended. Converting SVG to PDF takes about 10 seconds in any browser.
Do I need special software to open or print SVG stencils?
No. SVG files open directly in any modern web browser — Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Edge all open SVG files natively. Just download the file and double-click it, or drag it into a browser window. Press Ctrl+P (or Cmd+P on Mac) to print directly. You do not need Illustrator, Inkscape, or any other software.
How do I save a stencil as a PDF on my phone?
On an iPhone or iPad: download the SVG, tap and hold to open in Safari, then tap the Share button and choose "Print". On the print preview screen, pinch-to-zoom outward on the preview to convert it to a PDF, which you can then save to your Files app or share. On Android: open the SVG in Chrome, tap the three-dot menu, choose Print, and select "Save as PDF".
Can I send a stencil PDF to a professional print shop?
Yes — and this is actually the best way to get a stencil printed larger than A4. Open the SVG in Canva (free) or Inkscape (free), resize to your desired dimensions (A1, A0, or a custom size), then export as PDF. Send the PDF to a print shop for large-format output. The SVG will be perfectly sharp at any size, so an A0 print (84 × 119cm) will look just as clean as an A4.
Are the PDF/SVG stencils free for commercial printing?
Personal printing is always free with no restrictions. If you are printing for commercial purposes — for example, printing and selling the stencils, or using them in products for sale — this requires a commercial licence. Please see the licence page for full details.