Vectorize Image for Engraving
CNC routers, rotary engravers, and laser machines all use vector path data to guide the cutting or engraving head. Vectorize your image to get the SVG paths your engraving software needs.
About Vectorize image for engraving
Engraving machines — whether rotary (diamond-drag, carbide-tip), laser (CO₂, fiber, diode), or CNC router — follow mathematical paths, not pixel data. Vector files define those paths directly. Converting your image to a vector gives the engraver clean, smooth toolpaths that result in precise engravings.
Engraving machine software and file formats: — Epilog laser: EPS and SVG via CorelDRAW or Illustrator. — Glowforge: SVG native through the web app. — Trotec laser: JobControl accepts SVG, AI, EPS via driver. — Carbide Create / Vectric VCarve: SVG and DXF import for CNC routers. — Shapeoko, X-Carve, Avid CNC: SVG and DXF via CAM software. — Gravostyle and rotary engravers: SVG, DXF, or EPS artwork.
Image types that convert well for engraving: — Logos with clean outlines and solid fills. — Monograms and lettering designs. — Badges, seals, and crests. — Line art and illustrations.
For rotary engraving (trophies, plaques, awards): — Use single-line or stroke-based SVG paths where possible — the engraver follows the path center. — Filled shapes get raster-engrave treatment with parallel-line infill.
For laser engraving on wood, acrylic, leather, metal: — Use high-contrast outline SVG for cut and score operations. — Use filled shapes for area engrave (raster mode). — Export at correct dimensions from Illustrator or Inkscape before importing to the laser software.