JPEG or PNG formats are the most common for recording images.Īs a recommendation, whenever possible work with a black and white or grayscale image, the results will be much more impressive.On the other hand, for engraving you need to use an image file . This file consists of a succession of pixels that form an image. The SVG format (Scalable Vector Graphics) format is the most common for this type of work. Thanks to this format we can create complex patterns in a very small file. The vector files needed for laser cutting are responsible for defining the lines, points, curves, and shapes for the cutter to follow.

Laser cutting requires a vector file, while engraving requires an image file. The two types of work will therefore need different types of files. Files used in laser cutting and engravingĪ laser cutter is capable of two types of work: It is capable of cutting a piece of material to a certain shape or makes precise holes in it, and it can also perform engraving work by creating an image on the material. In this post, we are going to talk about the different free and paid programs to vectorize an image. Laser machines use data files to obtain the pattern to be cut or engraved. Major file formats – SVG, PDF, JPEG and PNG – are widely supported.ĭepending on our needs, we can use a very complex design and vectorization program with a multitude of parameters and features or, on the contrary, use a simple and free tool.

Laser engraving software for photos