Accepted Files - Preparing your artwork

We are re-emphasizing again, we are NOT a design company. We are more like your local copier machine. We cannot offer any sort of designing services. Submitted files must be laser ready by the time it gets to us. We can offer minor adjustments but not the whole processing (for example, photos intended for engraving needs to be submitted and processed in a format optimized for the target material , if its for wood or acrylic etc.)

Overview

There are two types of graphical data: vector (Wikipedia) and raster (Wikipedia). Some graphics files contain only one type and others both. The laser interprets vector grapics as cuts and raster graphics as engraving patterns.

File format

There a number of file formats that can be used for laser cutting / engraving. The following are the most common file formats. Please ensure submitted artwork is scaled to size in inches (in). All artworks will be imported to Adobe Illustrator in original size in inches:

  • DXF or DWG – AutoCAD format
    This is best for cutting operations. Easy to generate from most 3D CAD programs.

  • AI – Adobe Illustrator format
    This is good for engraving and cutting. This is our preferred format.

  • SVG – Vector and raster file format
    This is OK for engraving and cutting, prefer Adobe Illustrator.

  • PDF
    This is OK for engraving and cutting, prefer Adobe Illustrator.     If file does not translate easily into the laser this may incur some processing fees.

  • Image files: PNG, JPG, BMP etc
    PNG, 500DPI - Photo engraving preferred format.

    • Please note: a 500 px x 500 px is not the same as 500 DPI (dots-per-inch)

    • Please go to Pixelcalculator to calculate the appropriate pixel size to generate a 500 DPI image file based on the target final engrave size.

      • For example: an image who’s final engrave size is 4” x 6” must be 2000 x 3000 pixels in order for the final image to be 500 DPI.

  • JPG, BMP etc - Raster files for engraving only. With the exception of photo engraving, submitting raster files for cutting and engraving will automatically cancel your order

Lineweight and color

Lineweights and colors are critical in setting up cut lines in a program. If you do not follow these instructions your job will not work.

  • Black is used for engraving (R0,G0,B0)

  • Red is used for cutting the outside border* (R255,G0,B0)*

  • Blue and Green are used for cutting internal holes or scoring (R0,G0,B255 or R0,G255,B0)

Lineweight

For cut lines you will want the lineweight to be set to the following:

  • AutoCAD → 0.00mm or 0.00in

  • Inkscape → 0.5pt or less (this will be called stroke)

  • Adobe Illustrator → 0.001pt (this will be called stroke)

Laser Engraved Photographs

File format

Photographs needs to be laser engraving ready when submitted to Maxie Marks Engraving. We recommend running your photograph through ImagR (https://www.imag-r.com/) and make sure to go through the following:

  1. Upload - your photo and import it as a grayscale

  2. Crop - your image as necessary

  3. Resize - your photo to the final engrave size (change units to inches) and enter 500 DPI (Make sure “Fixed Asset Ratio” is checked.

  4. Play around with the settings to generate a photo with the most contrast (more automatic settings can be unlocked with a paid membership but this is not required)

  5. Material - select the material you are intending on having the image engraved on. A paid membership will also give you the option to preview the engraving on the selected material to give you an idea on how it may look like.

  6. Download - your processed file as a PNG and submit the file to us.