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Laser File Prep: Vector, Raster, and the Right Workflow

The single most common reason a laser job goes wrong isn't speed or power: it's the wrong file type for the job. This guide covers when to use vector vs raster, which formats actually work in LightBurn, xTool Creative Space, and Glowforge, and the exact tool chain for four production use cases.

Vector or Raster? Start here.

Every laser file is one of two types. Getting this right before you open your software saves hours of troubleshooting.

Vector

Mathematical paths and curves. Scales to any size without quality loss.

  • SVG, DXF, PDF
  • Used for cutting: paths define where the beam travels
  • Used for logo / graphic engraving: fills engrave the shape interior
  • Can be resized without redoing the file
  • If you have a JPG logo, vectorize it first
CuttingLogo engravingJig templates
vs
Raster

A pixel grid. The laser sweeps back and forth row by row and varies power per pixel.

  • PNG, JPG, BMP
  • Used for photo engraving: pixel brightness maps to laser power
  • Used for shaded / 3D engraving
  • Resolution matters: low DPI photos produce blurry engraves
  • Dithering converts grayscale to dot patterns the laser can reproduce
Photo engravingShaded artwork3D engraving
Quick decision guide
Cutting a shape?
Vector SVG or DXF
Engraving a photo of a person, pet, or landscape?
Raster PNG (use Photo Prep)
Engraving a logo from a business card?
Vector: vectorize the logo first
Engraving shaded or gradient artwork?
Raster: 8-bit grayscale PNG
Making a jig or template?
Vector SVG sized to your machine bed
Not sure what file you have?
Try opening it: if it zooms without getting blurry, it's vector

Workflows by use case

Each workflow shows the exact tool chain from raw file to ready-to-burn output.

✂️

Cutting (clean contours)

File type: VectorSVGDXF
1
Start with a vector file
SVG or DXF. If you only have a JPG/PNG logo, use the Vectorizer to convert it first.
2
Clean the SVG
Run it through SVG Cleaner to remove Inkscape metadata, invisible paths, and unconverted text.
3
Check kerf
If fit matters (box joints, slots, press-fits), calibrate kerf first with the Kerf Generator.
4
Import to LightBurn / xTool CS
Set the layer to Cut, enter speed/power from the Settings DB, test on scrap.
🔤

Logo or graphic engraving

File type: Vector fill or silhouetteSVGDXF
1
Convert raster art to vector
Drag your PNG/JPG into the Vectorizer. Use Silhouette mode for solid fills, Color Layers for multi-color logos.
2
Clean and simplify
Run through SVG Cleaner. For logos, delete any background layer: engrave is fill-only.
3
Import as engrave layer
In LightBurn set the layer to Fill (for hatching) or Offset Fill. In xTool CS, import as SVG and set to engrave.
4
Dial speed / power
Use the Settings DB for your machine + material combination. Start 10% lower on new materials.
🖼️

Photo or portrait engraving

File type: Raster (grayscale or dithered)PNGJPG: processed
1
Prepare in Photo Prep tool
Upload your photo. Apply CLAHE contrast, gamma correction, and choose a dither pattern. Download the processed PNG.
2
Choose dithering mode
Floyd-Steinberg for portraits. Ordered / Bayer for fine detail and halftone looks. Threshold for high-contrast logos on wood.
3
Import as image layer
In LightBurn use Newsprint or Jarvis dither (or import pre-dithered and use Threshold). In xTool CS import as bitmap.
4
Set scan interval (scan gap)
Match your scan gap to the target DPI. At 254 DPI the scan gap is 0.1 mm. At 508 DPI it's 0.05 mm. Use the Laser Calculators to find yours.
🎨

Shaded or gradient artwork

File type: Raster: grayscale or 3D engravePNG: 8-bit grayscale
1
Convert to 8-bit grayscale
Use Photo Prep to flatten colour and apply subtle gamma lift (1.2–1.6) to open midtones that would otherwise go too dark.
2
Avoid JPEG compression
Always export as PNG. JPEG artefacts engrave as noise rings at laser resolution.
3
Use 3D / variable power mode
In LightBurn enable 3D Engraving to map pixel brightness to laser power. In xTool CS use Grayscale mode.
4
Run a test grid first
Shaded engraves need a speed × power grid test on your exact material before the full job.

Format compatibility by software

Not all software reads all formats. SVG is the safest universal choice: every major laser platform imports it natively. DXF is preferred when files come from CAD software (Fusion 360, AutoCAD). AI and EPS must be exported to SVG before import.

FormatTypeLightBurnxTool CSGlowforgeLaserGRBLBest for
SVGVectorNativeNativeNativeVia converterCutting, logo engraving, jigs
DXFVectorNativeNativeNoNativeCNC-origin cut files, precise geometry
PDFVectorNativePartialNativeNoGlowforge cut files
PNGRasterNativeNativeNativeNativePhoto engraving, dithered artwork
JPGRasterNativeNativeNativeNativePhotos (use PNG for final output)
BMPRasterNativeNativeNoNativeLegacy LaserGRBL workflows
AI / EPSVectorNo*NoNoNoExport to SVG first

* LightBurn can import AI/EPS via a plugin on some builds, but SVG is more reliable. Glowforge accepts PDF as an alternative to SVG for cut files.

Why dithering matters for photo engraving

A laser is binary: it either fires or it doesn't. It can't produce true gray. Dithering tricks the eye into perceiving gray tones by varying the density and pattern of black dots: the same trick used in newspaper printing.

Different patterns suit different subjects. Floyd-Steinberg distributes error diffusion randomly and reads as photographic. Ordered (Bayer) patterns create a regular halftone look: good for product photos and flat artwork. Threshold (no dithering) produces high-contrast results good for logos on dark wood.

Dither mode quick pick
Floyd-SteinbergPortraits, pets, people
Ordered / BayerProducts, logos, fine detail
Jarvis / StuckiHigh-res engraves on slate, tile
ThresholdHigh-contrast logos on dark wood
Open Photo Prep →

Scan gap and DPI: the number that controls quality

When a laser engraves a raster image, it sweeps back and forth in horizontal lines. The distance between those lines is the scan gap (also called line interval). The scan gap directly controls the effective DPI of the engrave.

127 DPI
Gap: 0.20 mm
Rough draft / test burns
254 DPI
Gap: 0.10 mm
Standard quality: most engraves
508 DPI
Gap: 0.05 mm
High detail: photos, portraits
1000 DPI
Gap: 0.025 mm
Fine detail: slate, anodized

Higher DPI = more passes per area = slower job, lower speed needed, more heat per mm². Use the Laser Calculators to find the exact scan gap and pulse overlap for your machine and target DPI.

Open Laser Calculators →

All prep tools: quick reference

✏️
Photo → SVG Vectorizer
Convert photos and logos to laser-ready SVG and DXF.
🖼️
Photo Prep (Rasterizer)
Dithering, CLAHE contrast, gamma, material presets.
🧹
SVG Cleaner
Strip metadata, convert text to paths, remove invisibles.
🔄
DXF ↔ SVG Converter
Two-way conversion, mm-scaled, LightBurn compatible.
✅
Cut File Validator
Check for open paths, tiny features, and layer issues.
📏
Kerf Calibration Generator
Find your real kerf before cutting joints or press-fits.
🔭
Focus Ramp Test Generator
Find optimal Z height with a printable ramp test.
🧮
Laser Calculators
DPI, scan gap, pulse overlap, energy density.
🔥
Speed × Power Test Grid
Generate a test grid to dial in any material.
⚙️
Laser Settings DB
Community settings for 100+ machines and materials.

What Makers Say

★★★★★5.0· 6 reviews
View all on Etsy →
★★★★★

"Used it with a Glowforge: engraved beautifully with no changes. I will be purchasing more digital downloads from this shop."

: Anna

★★★★★

"I was struggling with lining up my NFC business cards. I was able to not only line them up much better but also do multiple cards at once: making that job so much easier."

: Camp

★★★★★

"Excellent quality and design. Cut clean and neat!"

: LYNN

★★★★★

"Great jigs. Appreciate the time saved not having to build this from scratch!"

: Bruce

★★★★★

"Excellent quality. Item as described. Expectations exceeded."

: Michael

★★★★★

"This template made my slate coasters so much easier. 4×4 coasters from Michaels drop in easily and are easy to remove. Def worth it."

: chris

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