# How to Prepare a File for Laser Cutting (DXF/DWG) | Craftarea

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# How to prepare a file for laser cutting

Short answer

Prepare a metal cutting vector drawing at actual size in millimetres, with closed contours and outlined text. Mark the finished dimensions, holes and tolerances. Agree on minimum hole size, spacing and kerf compensation for the particular material and equipment before production.

Laser-cutting results depend on file scale, contours, dimensions and fonts. Closed cut contours, dimensions in millimetres and operations on separate layers reduce interpretation errors. This guide explains file preparation; agree the format version, hole size, spacing and kerf compensation for the particular material and equipment.

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## Key facts

Recommended format

DXF — agree the version in advance

Formats for compatibility review

DXF, DWG, AI, CDR, SVG, vector PDF

Scale and units

1:1, millimeters (not inches)

Minimum hole size

Confirmed for the drawing and material

Fit and fixing requirements

State dimensions and tolerances

Kerf (cut width)

Depends on material and equipment settings

Clearance between parts

Agree for the material and nesting layout

Quote turnaround

Timing by agreement

## What file does laser cutting need — DXF or DWG?

Cutting software needs vector contours. DXF is a common exchange format; agree its version and compatibility of DWG, AI, CDR, SVG or vector PDF in advance. After export, check scale, layers and closed contours. JPG, PNG and BMP are raster references that need vectorization before cutting; confirm that work’s scope and cost separately.

- DXF — agree the version with the provider
- DWG, AI, CDR, SVG, vector PDF — check compatibility
- JPG, PNG, BMP — not cuttable directly, needs vectorization

## Why must the drawing be 1:1 scale with closed contours?

The drawing must be made at real size — 1:1 scale, in millimeters, not inches. A file that has been scaled up or down produces a part cut at the wrong size. The second condition is closed contours: each line must start and end at the same point, with no gap. With an open contour the software cannot tell inside from outside, and the cut comes out incomplete. Also delete duplicate and overlapping lines: a doubled line means the laser passes the same path twice, which burns the edge and adds cutting time. Before sending, run your program's 'join/weld' and 'overkill' functions, which find both faults automatically.

## What is the minimum hole diameter for laser cutting?

Assessing hole diameter involves sheet thickness, metal grade, nearby contours, assist gas and machine settings. Heat accumulation in small holes can affect shape and edge quality. Send the required dimensions and tolerances; the team confirms the manufacturable minimum from the drawing. If the requirement does not suit laser cutting, the material, geometry or subsequent processing may need to change.

## How much clearance do parts need, and what is kerf?

Kerf is the width of material removed by the cut and depends on the material and machine settings. Specify the required finished dimensions and tolerances in the drawing. Agree on kerf compensation before adjusting geometry so it is not applied twice in the drawing and machine program. Press-fit parts, small holes and tightly nested outlines also need review of heat effects and spacing.

## How do I separate cut lines from engrave lines in one file?

If one part needs cutting and engraving, separate its contour and image by colour or layer. Agree the colour convention with the provider and describe it in the file. Convert text to outlines with “Convert to Curves” or “Create Outlines” so a missing font on another computer does not change the lettering. Character height, stroke width and readability depend on material and engraving method; assess small text with a sample.

## What if the part needs bending?

For bending, specify the flat pattern, bend lines, angle, radius and metal grade. A flat pattern is not simply the sum of the finished sides: bend allowance depends on material and tooling. Separate cutting and bending layers. Confirm bending availability, provider and the final flat pattern before ordering; plan production from the approved version.

## File requirements for laser cutting

| Parameter | Requirement | Note |
| --- | --- | --- |
| File format | DXF (recommended), DWG, AI, CDR, SVG, vector PDF | JPG, PNG, BMP need vectorization |
| Scale and units | 1:1, millimeters | A file drawn in inches is off by 25.4x |
| Contours | Closed paths | Open contour = incomplete cut |
| Duplicate lines | Removed | 'Overkill' / 'weld' functions find them |
| Hole diameter | Confirmed for the drawing and material | Confirmed for the drawing and material |
| Fine details and perforation | Confirmed for the drawing and material | Mark the required size in the drawing |
| Kerf (cut width) | Depends on material and settings | Agree compensation so it is not applied twice |
| Clearance between parts | Assess from drawing and nesting layout | Consider heat and part fixturing |
| Text | Converted to outlines | Assess text size and readability with a sample |
| Cut vs. engrave | Separate color or layer | e.g. red = cut, black = engrave |

## How It Works

1. 1

   ### Draw in a vector program

   Use AutoCAD, CorelDRAW, Illustrator or the free Inkscape — any program that supports DXF export.
2. 2

   ### Set 1:1 scale and mm units

   Draw at real size in millimeters. A drawing done 'approximately' or left in inches produces a part cut to the wrong size.
3. 3

   ### Close contours and delete duplicates

   Confirm each line starts and ends at the same point, then use 'join/weld' and 'overkill' to strip overlapping lines.
4. 4

   ### Check holes and clearances

   Mark hole diameters, positions and tolerances. Ask the team to confirm minimum dimensions and spacing for the material and drawing.
5. 5

   ### Separate cut from engrave and outline all text

   Move cut and engrave lines onto separate colors or layers, and convert every font to vector with 'Convert to Curves' / 'Create Outlines'.
6. 6

   ### Export to DXF and send it to us

   Attach metal grade, thickness, quantity and the required handover date. Confirm format compatibility and the final drawing before cutting.

## Frequently Asked Questions

Which file format is best for laser cutting?

DXF is a common vector format. Confirm the DXF version and compatibility of DWG, AI, CDR, SVG or vector PDF with the selected software before ordering.

Can I send a JPG or PNG file?

Not directly — these are raster, or pixel-based, formats and the laser cutter cannot read them. They must be converted to vector first, which takes extra time and often a separate fee.

Why does every contour need to be closed?

A closed contour means the line starts and ends at the same point. If a gap remains, the software cannot tell the inside of the part from the outside and the cut comes out incomplete.

What is the minimum hole diameter?

The manufacturable minimum hole diameter depends on the metal grade, thickness, geometry and particular equipment. Specify the required size in the drawing; the team confirms feasibility after reviewing the file.

How much clearance should there be between parts?

Spacing depends on thickness, geometry, kerf, fixturing and heat distribution. Agree nesting with the provider; one universal minimum does not apply to every material and machine.

Does text need to be converted to outlines?

Yes, always. If text stays as an editable font and we don't have that font installed, the letters shift or disappear. 'Convert to Curves' or 'Create Outlines' solves this before you send the file.

My part needs bending — how should I draw it?

Mark the flat pattern, bend lines, angle and radius separately. Confirm bending availability and provider before ordering; approve the final flat pattern before cutting.

I don't have my own drawing — can I still order?

Send a sketch or photo with exact dimensions. Agree vector drawing preparation, cost and the version to approve before ordering; the file service has a separate guide.

## Related Services

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Send your artwork, quantity and preferred deadline — we will confirm pricing and production details after reviewing the project.

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