Paper
This page lists 26 community-tested settings for Paper. Paper cuts cleanly on both diode and CO₂ lasers — the key is high speed and low power to avoid charring and burning. Thinner paper (80gsm) needs less power than cardstock (200–300gsm). Air assist is usually not needed and can cause tearing on lightweight sheets.
Card stock and heavy paper cuts with extremely clean, precise edges using a laser. Used for invitations, packaging, paper art, and stencils.
Paper catches fire easily — use very low power and keep the laser moving. Air assist helps prevent scorching. 300gsm cardstock cuts cleanly in one pass on most machines. Thin the masking tape to hold pieces flat.
Top setting per machine
Showing top 12 of 13 machines. See full list below.
Works with these machines
26 settings
Supplies to have on hand
Materials and accessories that pair well with Paper laser projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best laser settings for Paper?
A top-rated community setting for Paper on the xTool M1 is speed 800 mm/min, power 60%. There are 26 community-tested settings for Paper across 13 machines on this page.
Can a diode laser engrave or cut Paper?
Yes — there are 14 community settings for Paper on diode lasers and 12 on CO₂ lasers. CO₂ lasers generally cut faster and cleaner, but modern high-wattage diode lasers handle most paper work well.
Laser cutting paper — what you need to know
Paper is one of the easiest materials to laser cut, but getting clean edges without charring takes the right balance of speed and power. The golden rule: go fast, go light. A 40W CO₂ laser cutting 80gsm copy paper might run at 120 mm/s and only 9% power — barely anything. Diode lasers need a bit more power but the same principle applies.
Paper vs cardstock laser settings
Lightweight copy paper (75–90gsm) needs the least power and highest speed. Medium cardstock (160–200gsm) can handle slightly more power. Heavy cardstock and chipboard (250–350gsm) may need 2 passes or a modest power increase. The settings in the table above cover this range across the most popular machines.
Tips for cleaner paper cuts
- Turn off air assist — it blows lightweight paper off the bed
- Use a honeycomb or pin bed to support the sheet flat
- Tape the corners to prevent lifting mid-cut
- For intricate designs, reduce speed by 10–15% and power by the same — this gives the laser more time to cut cleanly without burning
- If you get consistent char on one side, check your lens focus
Related materials
See also: Cardstock 300gsm, Kraft Paper, Foam Board, Corrugated Cardboard.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
"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