One of the most rewarding parts of laser engraving is turning a unique design into a permanent mark. Whether you’re branding gear, personalizing a build, or offering client services, clean vector files are the foundation of professional-quality engraving.

Why Vector Files Matter

Laser machines don’t “see” images like we do—they follow paths. That’s why vector formats like .SVG, .AI, and .DXF are essential.

Raster image (e.g., .JPG/.PNG) = pixel-based
Vector image (e.g., .SVG/.AI) = path-based = perfect for laser travel

Best Software for Vector Design

• Adobe Illustrator – Industry standard for precision
• Inkscape – Free and powerful open-source option
• LightBurn – Designed for lasers; lets you design and send files in one place
• CorelDRAW – Often used in commercial shops

Tips for Creating Laser-Ready Files

Use bold, clean lines
Avoid thin or overly detailed designs—they may not translate well at small sizes.

Convert all text to paths/outlines
This ensures fonts don’t change or get corrupted during import.

Keep fill settings in mind
Filled shapes vs outlines behave differently—test before engraving.

Size your artboard to match your laser bed or work area.

Converting Raster to Vector

Got a JPEG logo? No problem.

1. Open it in Illustrator or Inkscape
2. Use “Image Trace” or “Path > Trace Bitmap”
3. Adjust threshold until edges look clean
4. Expand or convert to paths
5. Save as .SVG or .AI

Pro Tip:

Before running your job, preview it in line mode to see how the laser will trace each path. This helps avoid surprises like double lines or broken paths.

Wrap-Up

Clean vectors = clean engraves. Whether you’re engraving serialized parts or branding a project, putting in the extra effort on your file prep pays off big time.

Next up:
“Fiber Laser Focus: Understanding Focal Distance and Why It Matters”

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