Preparing the design

The laser cutter can take two forms of input. It can take a raster image (pixel by pixel) for engraving, or a vector image for cutting and engraving.

Typically you will prepare your input file offline using software such as Inkscape, Illustrator, Fusion 360 or Corel Draw (amongst many others). This file will then be exported in Autocad DXF format and imported into the laser cutter software. Following tweaking it will be sent to the laser cutter for burning.

Design considerations

Think carefully about your design before you start. Trying to make deep cuts too close to one another will not give a satisfactory result.