Vector vs Raster Artwork

Placing a bitmap inside an SVG does not make it vector

An SVG file can contain both vector paths and embedded raster images. The file extension alone does not prove that every object is resolution-independent.

Saving a JPEG as SVG does not recreate clean paths

A bitmap must be traced or redrawn to become vector artwork. Automatic tracing may require substantial cleaning before it is suitable for laser production.

Which File Format Should You Use?

Create the Artwork at Final Physical Size

Prepare the document at a 1:1 scale whenever the design software and project size allow it.

Recommended setup

• Use millimetres for physical product dimensions
• Set the document or artboard to the required finished size
• Measure the actual material and product
• Include slots, holes and assembly features at real size
• Keep the design within the usable machine area
• Record whether dimensions refer to artwork, cut size or material size

Do not scale by eye after import

Enter or confirm the precise width and height in xTool software. Visual comparison against the canvas is not sufficient for fitted products.

Lock the aspect ratio

When resizing logos and illustrations, lock the proportions unless intentional distortion is required.

Why SVG Artwork Sometimes Imports at the Wrong Size

SVG dimensions can be interpreted differently according to the file’s width, height, viewBox, units and DPI assumptions.

Common causes

• The source software exported using pixels instead of millimetres
• The SVG was created with a 72-DPI assumption
• The importing application interprets the file at 96 DPI
• The document has a viewBox but no reliable physical dimensions
• The artwork is inside a much larger artboard
• Transforms or nested groups affect the bounding box

How to avoid the problem

• Set the source document to millimetres
• Fit the artboard or page to the required artwork
• Export using a plain or standard SVG option
• Record the intended final width and height
• Check the imported dimensions before assigning parameters

DXF Units and Scaling Problems

DXF files may store geometry without a consistently interpreted physical unit. The importing application may need to know whether the source values represent millimetres, centimetres or inches.

Before exporting DXF

• Set the source CAD document to the intended unit
• Remove construction geometry that should not process
• Convert unsupported objects into basic lines, arcs or curves
• Check whether splines are converted correctly
• Remove duplicate lines
• Record the expected finished dimensions

After importing DXF

• Confirm the unit interpretation
• Check the overall width and height
• Inspect circles and arcs
• Check that closed profiles remain closed
• Confirm that text has not disappeared

Convert Final Text and Fonts to Paths

A receiving computer may not have the font used in the design. Some imported SVG workflows may also fail to display live text correctly.

Recommended text workflow

1. Complete the wording.
   Check spelling, punctuation, capitalisation and recipient names.
2. Confirm the font licence.
   Ensure the font may be used for the intended commercial work.
3. Keep an editable master.
   Save a version containing live text.
4. Duplicate the final artwork.
   Create a production version.
5. Convert text to paths or outlines.
   This turns the letters into vector shapes.
6. Inspect counters and spacing.
   Check the holes inside letters such as A, B, D, O, P and R.
7. Export the production file.
   Use a clean SVG or suitable DXF workflow.

Outlined text is no longer editable as normal text

Spelling corrections, font changes and automatic name replacement become more difficult after conversion. Keep the editable version safely.

Check minimum text size

Readability depends on the material, laser source, lens, focus, line thickness and engraving method. Test small text physically.

Weld Overlapping Script and Connected Text

Script fonts often contain overlapping letters. If each letter remains separate, the laser may process unwanted internal overlap lines.

Use welding or unite when:

• Script letters overlap
• A word must become one connected cut shape
• Two rows of text form one decorative object
• Overlapping shapes should become one silhouette

Inspect before welding

Confirm letter spacing and spelling first. After welding, the text normally becomes vector paths and is more difficult to edit.

Welding does not strengthen every design automatically

Thin joins can still break during cutting, cleaning or handling. Increase weak connections deliberately where necessary.

Understand Strokes, Filled Shapes and Visible Line Width

Design software may display a thick stroke, but the laser can still follow only the centreline of that vector path.

For a single scored line

Keep the object as a clean centreline path and assign the score process in xTool software.

For a physically wide engraved line

Convert the stroke to an outlined closed shape or create a filled vector object that can be engraved.

For cutting

The laser follows the path. Stroke thickness shown on the screen does not directly determine the physical cut width.

Repair Open and Closed Paths

Closed paths

A closed path forms a complete shape. Closed paths are commonly required for:

• Filled engraving
• Outer cut profiles
• Holes
• Slots
• Silhouettes
• Compound shapes

Open paths

An open path has separate start and end points. It may be appropriate for:

• Scored fold lines
• Decorative line engraving
• Alignment marks
• Single-stroke drawings

Accidental open paths

A small gap can prevent a shape from filling correctly, create an incomplete cut or cause unexpected software interpretation.

Join nearby nodes carefully

Zoom in and connect the correct endpoints. Automatically joining every nearby node can alter intentional spaces or create crossed paths.

Use Compound Paths for Holes and Counters

Compound paths allow an inner shape to become a hole within an outer shape.

Common examples

• The centre of the letter O
• The two counters inside the letter B
• A ring or washer shape
• A frame with an open centre
• A keychain hole
• A stencil letter

Why separate overlapping shapes can fail

If the inner and outer paths are treated as unrelated filled objects, the software may engrave the centre instead of leaving it open.

Combine carefully

Unite, subtract and overlap operations change the actual vector geometry. Grouping objects only keeps them together for selection and does not normally remove internal overlaps.

Remove Duplicate Lines and Unwanted Overlaps

Duplicate paths can cause the laser to process the same location more than once.

Possible consequences

• Unexpectedly dark score lines
• Excessive cutting depth
• Burnt corners
• Longer processing time
• Heat damage
• Parts becoming loose too early

Where duplicate paths come from

• Copying artwork on top of itself
• Tracing a visible stroke and retaining the original
• PDF conversion
• Expanding appearance effects
• Combining CAD exports
• Hidden layers
• Multiple objects sharing the same edge

Shared edges in nested products

Two adjacent parts may share a boundary. Leaving two identical cut lines can process the edge twice. Use a controlled common-line-cutting method only after testing the product and machine workflow.

Simplify Excessive Vector Nodes

Automatic tracing can create thousands of small nodes along what should be a smooth curve.

Problems caused by excessive nodes

• Slow software response
• Long file-import time
• Uneven laser movement
• Visible faceting
• Large processing files
• Difficulty editing the design

Simplify carefully

Reduce unnecessary points while preserving important corners, curves and brand details.

Redraw simple artwork where practical

A clean logo consisting of circles, rectangles and text may be faster to recreate accurately than to repair a poor automatic trace.

Expand or Remove Unsupported Effects

Design applications can create visual effects that are not simple vector paths.

Review these objects before export:

• Clipping masks
• Opacity masks
• Live effects
• Drop shadows
• Blurs and glows
• Gradient meshes
• Pattern fills
• Blend objects
• Live corners
• Envelope distortions

For cut and score paths

Convert the required result into simple, clean vector paths.

For shaded engraving effects

Consider rasterising the visual effect at a suitable final resolution and importing it as a bitmap engraving object.

Do not flatten the entire project unnecessarily

Keep cut paths as vectors and rasterise only the effects that genuinely require pixels.

Manage Raster Images Embedded Inside Vector Files

A product file may include a vector outline together with a bitmap photograph or texture.

Check whether the bitmap is:

• Embedded or externally linked
• High enough resolution at final size
• Cropped correctly
• Prepared for grayscale or dithering
• Positioned within the intended engraving area

Embed linked images before transfer

An externally linked bitmap can disappear when the SVG is moved to another computer or folder.

Keep process types separate

The photograph should be assigned to bitmap engraving, while its surrounding outline may be assigned to scoring or cutting.

Prepare Artwork for Engrave, Score and Cut

One shape can look different under each process

A closed circle assigned to engraving becomes a filled engraved disc. Assigned to score, it becomes an outlined circle. Assigned to cut, it becomes a separated circular piece.

Do not rely on the artwork colour alone

Select the object and verify the processing type and settings in the right-side parameter panel before starting.

Organise Layers, Colours and Objects

Layer organisation makes complex projects easier to select, inspect and process.

Suggested artwork roles

• Bitmap engraving
• Vector engraving
• Light scoring
• Internal cutting
• Outer cutting
• Construction or non-processing guides

Use clear colours

Assign visually different stroke colours to different process roles. Avoid using several nearly identical colours that are difficult to select.

Rename layers and important objects

Names such as “ENGRAVE LOGO,” “SCORE FOLD,” “CUT HOLES” and “CUT OUTER” are more useful than generic names.

Current Studio behaviour

Layer colour helps select and order objects, but a newly created object of the same colour may still require its processing type and parameters to be assigned. Verify every group before processing.

Set a Logical Processing Order

The artwork should remain stable while detailed engraving and internal features are completed.

Common starting sequence

1. Bitmap engraving.
   Process photographs and large shaded areas while the sheet remains stable.
2. Vector engraving.
   Complete filled logos, names and decorative areas.
3. Scoring.
   Add line details, fold references and outlines.
4. Internal cuts.
   Cut holes, slots and small enclosed features.
5. Outer cuts.
   Release the finished part after other processes are complete.

Why the outer cut is commonly last

A released part can shift, fall through the bed, tilt under air assist or move before engraving is complete.

Confirm machine-specific behaviour

The ideal sequence can vary according to material, fixture, conveyor, rotary setup and product design.

Account for Laser Kerf and Fitted Parts

Kerf is the material removed by the laser along the cut path. The effective width depends on the machine, material, thickness, focus, lens and settings.

Kerf affects:

• Press-fit slots
• Box joints
• Tabs
• Inlays
• Interlocking stands
• Letters fitting into recesses
• Mechanical prototypes

Do not use one universal kerf value

Measure a test piece using the actual production material, thickness and settings.

Slot width must reflect real material thickness

Nominal 3 mm plywood or acrylic may not measure exactly 3.00 mm. Use callipers and test the intended fit.

Check Minimum Features and Product Strength

A design can be visually attractive on screen but too fragile after cutting.

Review:

• Thin script connections
• Narrow bridges in stencil letters
• Small keychain holes
• Sharp internal corners
• Long unsupported projections
• Closely spaced cuts
• Heat-sensitive narrow sections

Material changes the practical minimum

Acrylic, plywood, paper, leather and metal blanks have different strength, heat response and handling requirements.

Consider cleaning and delivery

A delicate feature may survive laser processing but break during protective-film removal, cleaning, assembly or transport.

Prepare QR Codes and Barcodes Carefully

Use a clean vector source

Generate the code from the correct final data rather than tracing a screenshot.

Preserve the quiet zone

Keep the required clear space around the code. Decorative borders or text should not interfere with the modules.

Avoid excessive node complexity

Combine adjacent modules where appropriate without changing the code pattern.

Use sufficient contrast and size

Scan performance depends on module size, material contrast, engraving quality, lighting and the final viewing angle.

Test the physical product

Scan the completed sample using several phones before processing the full order.

Adobe Illustrator Preparation Workflow

1. Set document units to millimetres.
   Create the artboard at the final product or material size.
2. Clean the layers.
   Separate engraving, scoring, internal cutting and outer cutting.
3. Embed linked bitmap images.
   Confirm their final resolution and crop.
4. Expand required appearances.
   Convert strokes or effects that must become physical shapes.
5. Convert final text to outlines.
   Keep an editable copy before conversion.
6. Repair compound paths.
   Check holes inside letters and frame shapes.
7. Remove duplicate objects.
   Inspect using outline view.
8. Fit the artboard where appropriate.
   Avoid exporting a large area of empty space.
9. Export SVG.
   Use a standard, simple SVG workflow and verify the result after import.

CorelDRAW Preparation Workflow

1. Set the page and units.
   Work in millimetres at final size.
2. Separate objects by process.
   Use clearly named layers or object groups.
3. Convert required outlines to objects.
   Do this only when visible stroke width must become a physical shape.
4. Convert text to curves.
   Retain an editable master before conversion.
5. Check welding and intersections.
   Repair overlapping script and compound objects.
6. Remove hidden and duplicate geometry.
   Inspect the object manager and wireframe view.
7. Export SVG or suitable DXF.
   Reopen the exported file before sending it to production.

Inkscape Preparation Workflow

1. Set display and document units to millimetres.
   Confirm the page size.
2. Resize the page to the artwork where appropriate.
   Remove unnecessary empty canvas.
3. Convert text to paths.
   Use the path conversion after proofreading.
4. Use union and difference carefully.
   Create compound silhouettes and holes.
5. Simplify traced artwork.
   Reduce excessive nodes without changing the design.
6. Remove clipping masks and unsupported effects.
   Convert them to practical vector or bitmap objects.
7. Save as Plain SVG.
   This can reduce parsing problems caused by application-specific data.

Affinity Designer Preparation Workflow

1. Use millimetres and final dimensions.
   Set the document accurately.
2. Separate vector and pixel layers.
   Keep raster engraving independent from cut paths.
3. Expand strokes where required.
   Convert visible widths into physical shapes only when necessary.
4. Convert final text to curves.
   Keep an editable copy.
5. Resolve compound geometry.
   Check subtract, add and intersect operations.
6. Export SVG.
   Review the exported dimensions and imported result carefully.

Recommended SVG Export Checklist

Plain SVG

When a normal SVG fails to parse correctly, exporting as Plain SVG can remove application-specific data and improve compatibility.

Check dimensions after import

Do not assume the SVG retained the intended physical size. Confirm width and height numerically.

Reopen the exported file

Inspect the SVG in another application or browser to check for missing objects, changed text, broken masks and incorrect proportions.

Recommended DXF Export Checklist

Use DXF for geometry, not complex appearance

Gradients, photographs, transparency and complex graphic styling should not be expected to transfer as intended through DXF.

Check circles and curves

Some export workflows convert curves into many short line segments. Inspect round objects at high zoom after import.

Inspect the File After Importing into XCS or Studio

1. Confirm the design appears completely.
   Look for missing text, images, holes or layers.
2. Check width and height.
   Compare against the production specification.
3. Inspect at high zoom.
   Look for gaps, duplicate paths, faceted curves and unexpected objects.
4. Confirm the process type.
   Assign engrave, score, cut or ignore to each required object.
5. Check processing order.
   Arrange engraving, scoring, internal cuts and outer cuts logically.
6. Review the processing preview.
   Confirm that filled and outlined areas appear as intended.
7. Frame the design.
   Verify its physical position on the material or product.
8. Save the project.
   Keep the imported production setup and original vector file.

Look for missing text first

Text that was not converted to paths may disappear or change when the font is unavailable or unsupported.

Check filled shapes

Incorrect compound paths can cause holes to become filled or overlapping areas to engrave unexpectedly.

Run an Artwork and Material Test

Test the geometry

• Fine text
• Small holes
• Thin bridges
• Compound paths
• Slot fit
• QR-code scanning
• Outer dimensions

Test the processing settings separately

Artwork quality and laser parameters are different issues. A clean vector can still produce a poor result when focus, power, speed or material selection is incorrect.

Use the actual production material

Testing on a different colour, thickness, supplier or coating may not represent the final order.

Keep an approved sample

Store the physical sample together with the artwork version, material code, settings and jig information.

Common Vector-Artwork Mistakes

Recommended Vector-Artwork Workflow

1. Confirm the product specification.
   Record final dimensions, material, thickness and machine.
2. Create an editable master.
   Keep live text, original logos and linked design resources.
3. Prepare the artwork at final size.
   Use millimetres and accurate product measurements.
4. Separate processing roles.
   Organise engraving, scoring, internal cutting and outer cutting.
5. Clean the geometry.
   Repair paths, compound objects, duplicate lines and unnecessary nodes.
6. Convert final text.
   Outline or path the text after proofreading.
7. Prepare effects and images.
   Expand required vector effects and embed raster artwork.
8. Export SVG or DXF.
   Select the format appropriate for the design.
9. Inspect the imported file.
   Confirm dimensions, objects, process types and order.
10. Frame and test.
    Produce a sample using the actual material.
11. Approve and record.
    Save the production file, settings, material code and sample.

Vector Artwork Preflight Checklist

What Image Magic Recommends

Important Software and Production Note

Frequently Asked Questions