SVG for Laser Engraving: Prepare Files from a PNG or JPG

Updated October 12, 2026 · 2 min read

Laser software wants shapes, not pixels. Here is how to get from an image to a file your laser can use.

SVG or DXF

Most laser programs, including LightBurn, read both. SVG is the usual choice for artwork. DXF is common when the file comes from or goes to CAD, or when real-world size in millimeters matters.

If your software complains about an SVG, a DXF is often the quicker fix.

Engrave or cut

Engraving fills areas. Solid shapes work best, and you can often engrave an SVG straight away.
Cutting follows outlines. You want clean, closed shapes with no stray specks.

Steps

Start with a bold, high-contrast image.
Trace it in black and white with the SVG tracer, or go directly to a DXF with PNG to DXF.
Raise Remove small specks so the laser does not chase dust.
Set the size. In the DXF tool you can enter the width in millimeters so it opens at the right size.
Check the preview, then open the file in your laser software.

Already have an SVG

Use SVG to DXF to convert it. It writes the outlines at the size you choose, so you do not have to rescale in software. Convert text to outlines first, since text is not converted.

Before you run it

Test on scrap material. Confirm the size in your software. Check that closed shapes are really closed, and merge overlapping shapes in your design software if you want a single cut line instead of two.

Curves in a DXF are stored as short straight segments, which every CAD and laser program can read, and which look smooth at normal sizes.

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