Before you begin any laser cutting job, it’s important to understand the types of image files you’ll be working with—and how LightBurn handles them. The software treats vector and raster graphics very differently, and knowing the difference will help you set up jobs correctly.

What Are Vector Graphics?

Vector graphics are made from paths—lines, curves, and shapes—defined by mathematical equations. These files can be scaled infinitely without losing quality. In laser cutting, vectors are used for precise operations like cutting, scoring, and engraving outlines.

• Common formats: .AI, .SVG, .DXF, .PDF
• Used for: defining paths the laser follows
• Note: LightBurn supports .AI files (Adobe Illustrator™), but it does not support .EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) files.
• LightBurn uses vectors to assign cut, score, or engrave layers with customizable power and speed
• Adobe Illustrator™ is the industry standard vector graphics editor

What Are Raster (Bitmap) Graphics?

Raster graphics (also called bitmap images) are made of pixels—tiny squares of color arranged in a grid. They are resolution-dependent, and when used in laser engraving, the machine interprets the darkness of each pixel to determine how much to burn the surface.

• Common formats: .JPG, .PNG, .BMP
• Used for: engraving photographs or shaded artwork
• LightBurn converts raster images to engraving patterns using dithering or grayscale processing
• Adobe Photoshop™ is the industry standard raster graphics editor

Why This Matters

When preparing a job in LightBurn, it’s essential to choose the right type of file for the result you want. Vector graphics are ideal for clean cuts and outlines. Raster graphics are better for detailed surface etching. Mixing both in the same project lets you do complex, multi-pass jobs—like engraving a photo and cutting a shape around it.

If you place a raster image in Adobe Illustrator™ and import that .ai into LightBurn, it will treat the raster image as an etch and the vector paths as cuts. This allows you to prepare and combine both image types within a single workflow.

In the next steps, you’ll learn how to import files into LightBurn, assign layer settings for different types of graphics, and optimize jobs for clean, accurate results.