Vector file for laser engraving

Laser software distinguishes between lines it follows and areas it fills. Both need the same starting point: an unambiguous closed contour. A laser can engrave a raster image, but it cannot cut one.

From a photo or a scan, exactly that contour is created here. How fine it turns out is set by the contour mode. For small engravings, fine or subpixel pays off because the edge gets computed between the pixels there.

Suitable source material

• Motifs with lines strong enough for the material
• Lettering whose counters stay open after burning
• Sources without gradients, otherwise the area gets restless
• Shapes that work as an outline and as a filled area

The route is the same for every source. Only the slider values differ.

1. Load the image and start in the result viewDrag your PNG, JPG or WEBP into the drop area. The result view shows right away what the source turns into.
2. Split black from whiteSet black level, contrast and brightness until every line you want is there and the rest disappears.
3. Remove leftovers with the lassoCircle whatever has to go. Hold Alt and the lasso flips around, so only the selection stays.
4. Check the contour in the vector viewInspect counters, gaps and the thinnest parts. Outlines shows the same shape as a bare line.
5. Smooth and simplify with restraintRaise both shape sliders in small steps until the pixel staircase is gone and the shape still holds.
6. Export the format you needDownload the result as PDF, SVG, EPS, DXF or a cleaned PNG. The download starts immediately.

Workshop software reads DXF most reliably, with every contour as a closed polyline. Newer programs import SVG with real curves. PDF works wherever the file only gets placed.