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Laser Engraving File Formats Explained: Vector vs Raster, SVG vs DXF vs BMP

 

Laser Engraving File Formats Explained: Vector vs Raster, SVG vs DXF vs BMP

Laser engraving file formats comparison infographic showing SVG, DXF, BMP for cutting and photo engraving projects

"What file format should I use for laser engraving?" If you've ever asked this question, you're not alone. Choosing the right file format is crucial for getting the best results from your laser engraving machine. Whether you're cutting wood or engraving a photo onto metal, the format you choose affects the clarity, detail, and accuracy of your design.

In this guide, we'll break down the differences between vector and raster files, compare popular file formats (SVG, DXF, BMP, PNG, JPG), and show you when to use each one.

Table of Contents

  • Vector vs Raster: What's the Difference?

  • When to Use Vector Files

  • When to Use Raster Files

  • Popular File Format Comparison: SVG, DXF, BMP, PNG, JPG

  • File Saving Tips to Avoid Output Errors

  • Combining Vector + Raster in One Project

  • Real-World Use Case Comparisons

  • Final Thoughts

Vector vs Raster: What's the Difference?

Feature Vector Raster
Structure Made of lines and points Made of pixels
Scalability Infinite (never pixelates) Limited (pixelates on zoom)
Use Case Logos, text, precise cuts Photos, shading, textures
Common Formats SVG, DXF, AI BMP, PNG, JPG

In simple terms:

  • Vector = For precision and cutting

  • Raster = For shading and engraving photos

When to Use Vector Files

Use vector files when your design involves cutting, sharp lines, or outlines that the laser must follow exactly.

Examples:

  • Laser cutting acrylic or MDF parts

  • Engraving crisp logos or text

  • Creating geometric patterns

Why vector files?

  • Clear and scalable

  • Machine follows paths efficiently

  • Cleaner and faster cuts

Pro Tip: Use hairline or 0.01mm stroke width for best vector results.

When to Use Raster Files

Raster files are perfect for photo engraving or designs that need complex shading.

Examples:

  • Engraving a pet portrait on wood

  • Creating a photo frame with a grayscale image

  • Laser marking metal or glass with subtle tones

Why raster files?

  • Realistic detail and tone depth

  • Works best with high-resolution images (300+ DPI)

  • Ideal for grayscale and dithering techniques

Popular File Format Comparison

Format Type Compression Best For
SVG Vector Lossless Logos, text, laser cut paths
DXF Vector Lossless CAD designs, mechanical cuts
BMP Raster Uncompressed High-res photo engraving
PNG Raster Lossless Simple images, transparency
JPG Raster Lossy Avoid (quality loss, artifacts)

Avoid using JPG for final engraving. Instead, use BMP or PNG for clean image processing.

File Saving Tips

  • Vector: Convert text to outlines to prevent font issues.

  • Raster: Always save at 300 DPI or higher.

  • Use English filenames only (no special characters).

  • Preview in your laser software before engraving.

Combining Vector and Raster

Advanced engravings often mix both formats:

  • Vector for outlines, cuts, or text

  • Raster for photos or background textures

Separate each part into different layers and assign different settings (cut vs engrave) in your software (e.g., LightBurn).

Real-World Use Case Comparisons

Project Recommended Format
Business card engraving SVG or DXF
Pet photo on wood BMP or PNG
Wedding invitation with logo + photo Mixed (SVG + BMP)
Gear template for machinery DXF

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right file format for laser engraving isn't just a technical decision—it affects the final quality and success of your project.

Quick Summary:

  • Use SVG/DXF for clean cuts and outlines

  • Use BMP/PNG for photos or detailed textures

  • Avoid JPG for final work

Want to level up your laser engraving game? Start by understanding your file formats.

Next Steps:

  • Export your designs in both SVG and BMP

  • Test them on sample materials

  • Experiment with mixed-format engravings for high-quality results

Laser engraving starts with a file—but ends with creativity. Choose wisely and engrave beautifully!

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