How to Prepare a Logo for Laser Cutting
Laser cutting machines require vector SVG files with clean, closed paths. Preparing a logo for laser cutting means converting it to vector first, then optimizing the paths for the specific laser machine and material.
About How to prepare a logo for laser cutting
Laser cutters and engravers interpret vector paths — not pixels. Sending a raster PNG to a Glowforge or xTool limits you to raster engraving mode, which burns the image pixel-by-pixel rather than cutting precise vector paths. For clean laser-cut results, prepare a proper vector SVG.
Step 1 — Vectorize the logo Upload the logo to the vectorizer. Download the SVG with clean vector paths.
Step 2 — Open in Lightburn, Inkscape, or Illustrator For Glowforge: import SVG directly into the Glowforge app. Paths filled with color will engrave; paths with stroke only will cut. For Lightburn: import SVG. Assign layers by color — typically red for cut lines, black for engrave areas. For xTool Creative Space: import SVG and assign operations (cut, engrave, score) to each color layer.
Step 3 — Set the path type For a logo cut-out (the full logo shape cut from material): use the outer path as a cut layer, inner fills as engrave layers. For a logo engraving (burning the logo into a surface): all paths become engrave layers, no cut paths needed.
Step 4 — Check path closure All cut paths must be closed. In Inkscape: Extensions > Generate from Path > Interpolate. In Illustrator: Object > Path > Close Path.
Step 5 — Set material and power settings Each material (wood, acrylic, leather, cardboard) requires different speed/power settings. Consult the machine's material library for starting values.