Published 2026-10-13
A clean file gets you a faster quote and a better result. A messy one means back-and-forth and sometimes extra design charges. Check these eight things before you send a file.
1. Work at real size, in millimetres
Draw the part at the size you want it made, and set the units to millimetres. A file drawn in inches or in an unknown scale is the most common reason a part comes out the wrong size.
2. Use closed shapes for anything that is cut out
A line with a tiny gap does not make a shape the laser can cut around. Join the end points so each outline is closed.
3. Turn text into outlines
In CorelDRAW, Illustrator or Inkscape, convert text to curves. Otherwise the file may open on our side with a different font.
4. Remove duplicate and overlapping lines
Two lines on top of each other get cut twice. That wastes time, can burn the edge and increases the price. Use your software's "delete duplicates" or "weld" option.
5. Separate cutting from engraving
Put cut lines and engrave marks on different layers or colours, for example red for cut and black for engrave. Remove fills and hatching from anything that should only be cut.
6. Keep fine details realistic
Very thin bridges break, and very small holes in thick material do not cut cleanly. As a rough rule, keep narrow features at least as wide as the material is thick.
7. Remember the islands in letters
The centres of letters such as O, A, B and D fall out when cut. If you want them to stay, use a stencil style with small bridges, or ask us to add them.
8. Send the right format
DXF and SVG are the most reliable. AI, CDR and vector PDF also work. A PNG or JPG is fine for engraving, or as a reference we can redraw.
No design software? That is fine. Send a sketch or a photo of what you want and we will prepare the cut file for a small design fee.