What is a Vector File?

You may have heard through Make Mode or elsewhere that you need a vector file for laser cutting. This type of graphics software lingo is not always intuitive, so we created this page to help describe what makes something a “vector filed”.
There are two different kind of graphics used by computers. One is a “bitmap”, which includes many familiar image extensions such as (.jpeg, .tif, .psd, .gif).

Bitmaps are images generated through colored pixels.
The other is a “vector”. Vectors are constructed by mathematically based curves, points, and control points rather than pixels.

For laser cutting jobs, we require vector files. Some vector editing and creation software, such as Gimp and Inkscape, is free.

Commonly Used Graphics Editing Software

AutoCAD

Corel Draw

Adobe Illustrator

Accepted Vector File Extensions

.SVG – Scalable Vector Graphics File
.EPS Encapsulated PostScript
.AI – Adobe Illustrator File
.DXF – AutoCAD Drawing Interchange Format
.CDR – CorelDRAW File

Raster Text Example

Incorrect:
Text is an image which can not be accurately scaled and has no real outline.

Text (Raster vs Vector)

Similar to working with a low-res image file of a logo, text must be sent as vector outlines to avoid pixelation and to help our laser cutter read the file accurately.

Vector Text Example

Correct:
Text are outlines and fill. The information here are control points and curves. In this case, the outlines are transparent and the fill is black which indicates engraving.

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Incorrect:
Text is editable. We may not have the same font files installed and the file may be altered unexpectedly.

Text (Editable vs Vector)

Many times, when we are sent files with editable text, we can’t open them. If you are using a font that is used for Macs, or a non-standard font used in the Adobe Creative Suite, we cannot use the text for cutting or engraving.

Correct:
Text are outlines. The information here are control points and curves. In this case, the outlines are blue – which indicates a score line.

Incorrect:
Image of a logo to be engraved becomes pixelated.

Engraving (Raster vs Vector)

For engraving logos, we need a vector version. If that is not available, we can possibly use a high resolution image.

Correct:
Image of a logo is vector and can be scaled without distortion.
Stroke Color: Transparent
Fill Color: Black RGB (0,0,0)

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Incorrect:
Image of a “cut line” becomes pixelated.

Cut Lines (Raster vs Vector)

We cannot use images files containing “cut” lines for either production or giving estimates. The image on the left shows how images of cut lines do not lend to laser cutting – they are pixelated and, ultimately, not accurate.

Correct:
Vector Cut lines.
Color: RGB Red (255,0,0)
Line weight: .001”