{"id":1692,"date":"2022-06-22T10:43:00","date_gmt":"2022-06-22T10:43:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nel-media.com\/en\/?p=1692"},"modified":"2024-01-08T14:45:51","modified_gmt":"2024-01-08T14:45:51","slug":"inkscape-laser-engraving","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nel-media.com\/en\/inkscape-laser-engraving","title":{"rendered":"Inkscape: How to Prepare an Image for Laser Engraving?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you’ve always wanted to engrave an image onto a specific material, here we’ll describe the basic process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experience the power of creativity with Inkscape, the free program that allows you to design and edit vectors with ease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is Inkscape?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Inkscape is a free vector graphic program that enables users to create and edit various vector graphics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"inkscape<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Vector graphics are mathematically defined curves and shapes that allow infinite scaling without losing quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This makes Inkscape an ideal tool for designing logos, illustrations, icons, posters, and much more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inkscape supports various file formats, including SVG, PDF, EPS, and AI, making collaboration with other vector programs easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are versions for multiple operating systems (Windows, Linux, macOS), and you’ll choose the version that suits you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can download Inkscape here.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Prepare an Image for Laser Engraving?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Once you’ve launched the program, you’ll need to adjust some parameters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"inkscape<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The introductory screen is similar to existing graphics processing programs, so we won’t dwell much on its description.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We had already selected the A4 format.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want a different format, you can change it using File> Document Properties<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Entering an Image for Editing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When entering the image, we must select a couple of non-critical options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Inkscape<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

We left Image DPI as ‘From file,’ which means the program will retrieve this data from the image.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DPI stands for Dots Per Inch<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, for quality printing on a printer, DPI should have a value of at least 300DPI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Image Rendering Mode<\/strong>, we choose Auto<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re using the program on a considerably older computer, select the Blocky<\/strong> option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Image Conversion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The image we loaded was in JPG format, and the program supports a wide range of other image formats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"inkscape<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you want to enlarge or reduce the document, you do so with the “+” and “-” keys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to scale the image, press the CTRL key and grab one of the arrows around the image.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This way, you’ll adjust the image size without losing the aspect ratio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trace Bitmap Function<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Select the image and use the Path> Trace Bitmap<\/strong> command to enter the conversion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Inkscape<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

On the panel that opens, you can leave the settings at their initial values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By pressing Update<\/strong>, you’ll see how the converted image will look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re not satisfied with the appearance, try changing the parameters and press Update each time to see the change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Press Apply<\/strong> to finish the conversion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Inkscape<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you don’t see a change, it’s because the converted image is under the original. Just select the image and slightly separate it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, select the original and delete it using the “Del” key because it won’t be needed anymore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To clarify, we’ve converted the image from raster format to vector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you send your work for laser engraving, it’ll be easily scalable without any loss of quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As you can see, the image is black and white because color is unnecessary for engraving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Entering Text<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

By clicking on the icon as shown in the picture, we begin entering text.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"inkscape<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The text editor<\/strong> is similar to those in all programs described here, so we won’t describe it much here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Inkscape<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

You can adjust the font type, size, line spacing, and alignment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Type the text that suits you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Inkscape<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Converting Text to Paths<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When satisfied with the text appearance, we need to convert it, just like the image.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Select the text and use Path> Object to path<\/strong> to convert it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Inkscape<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As you can see, this command transforms the text object we manipulated by changing the font, letter spacing, size, and letter spacing into a vector shape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We won’t be able to edit it as text anymore but as a set of curves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Curves<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Apart from various graphic objects (circles, square, polygons), Inkscape has a robust tool for creating curves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"inscape<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

You’ll probably mostly use Bezier curves, and when creating them, there are many other additional options available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are suitable for creating various ornaments, but we’re not using them in this example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Curves don’t require conversion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Have We Been Doing So Far?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

First, we converted the image from a graphic format to curves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, we also converted the text object into curves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To ensure the conversion was done correctly, we need to check it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

By clicking on the icon below the arrow (Edit path by nodes), we enter the curve editing mode.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, if you select the text, it should display a set of curves (points).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Inscape<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

By dragging any point on the curve, you can change its position and thus the shape of the letter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, every object you insert into the image needs to be converted in the same manner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When satisfied with the appearance, save your work using File> Save as<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We recommend one of the universal formats, usually PDF, or optionally DXF.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to edit something later, save everything in SVG, which is Inkscape’s basic format.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

Laser Engraving Service<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You can perform laser engraving here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We engraved a few things on specific materials with them, and they did an excellent job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can see how it looks in the pictures below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"natpis<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"logo<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Of course, the laser isn’t limited to just engraving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It can cut a wide range of materials.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Laser Cutting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you want to cut materials, then “dxf” is one of the universal formats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, you’ll need to do everything in one of the CAD tools and determine tolerances and scale, which is the subject of one of the upcoming posts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For such preparation, you’ll use AutoCAD<\/strong><\/a> or a similar CAD program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Llaser<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"laser<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Inkscape Extensions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Inkscape is one of the most widespread free programs for creating vector graphics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is an extension for it that, if you own a laser, can provide a CNC code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can download the extension here.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Inkscape<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It will convert everything you do in the Inkscape program into G-code used by the laser.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We strongly advise against using it for individuals without experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CAUTION: Laser, without following protective measures, can be extremely dangerous. It can cause eye damage, injuries, material damage, and fire!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re new to the Inkscape program, we recommend saving your work every few minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is because when exploring new features whose purposes you’re not familiar with, you can effectively block the program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, we made this in five minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Nelmedia<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The mentioned laser extension is not the only one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As one of the more popular vector programs, Inkscape has attracted a range of contributors, and now the number of various useful extensions has exceeded 7000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to various laser extensions, there are also extensions for plotters, frame and ornament creation, instrument and appliance signage, 3D printers, guides, barcodes, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can search and download the complete list here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have specific technical knowledge and want to have your device, you can find a wide selection of lasers on Amazon<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n