Free file check · A real person checks every file · $65 minimum
Get a laser cutting quote.
Send your design and we cut, engrave, score, or mark it. A real person reviews every file and sets your actual price before anything is charged — usually the same business day.
Tell us what you're making.
Fill in what you can — anything missing, we will ask in the reply. Best for detailed jobs, business orders, and file fixing.
File submission guide
Click any section for the details. No file? Send a photo or sketch — our file-fixing team builds one ($40/hr, only billed after you approve).
Accepted file formats
| Accepted | AI, DXF, PDF — vector only |
| Safest export | PDF, in most cases |
| Not accepted for cutting | JPG, PNG, SVG, native software files (raster files work for engraved photos only) |
| No file at all? | Send a photo, sketch, or reference — file fixing is $40/hr, only billed after you approve |
Design setup rules
| Scale | 1:1 — real-world dimensions. We will not auto-scale. |
| Line weight | Hairline or 0.001″. Heavier lines read as a fill, not a cut path. |
| Layers | Single layer. Map cut / score / engrave by color. |
| Hidden objects | Remove all — hidden geometry gets cut anyway. |
| Text | Convert to curves / outlines before exporting. |
Cut vs. score vs. engrave
Map each operation to its own color in your file so we know what you want where:
| Cut | The laser goes all the way through the material. Used for the outline and interior cut-outs. Convention: red. |
| Score | A shallow surface line that does not go through — for fold lines, perforations, decorative depth, alignment marks. Convention: blue. |
| Engrave | The laser removes a thin top layer to mark a surface — logos, text, photos, textures. Vector for line work; raster (PNG/JPG) for photos. Convention: black fill. |
DXF / CAD export settings
| Version | AutoCAD 2023 or earlier |
| Units | Millimeters — switch to mm before exporting (inches can import at 25× scale) |
| Text | Convert to curves / outlines |
| Curves | Export as splines |
| Fills | Unfilled — wireframe only |
| Bitmaps | PNG |
Software-specific export
| Adobe Illustrator | Export as PDF (best compatibility) or AI. Convert text to outlines first. Set strokes to hairline. |
| CorelDRAW | Export as DXF, AutoCAD 2023 or earlier. Wireframe mode, all fills off. |
| AutoCAD / Fusion 360 | Native DXF export. Confirm units are millimeters before exporting. |
| Rhino / Vectorworks | Export DXF as splines, units in mm, text converted to curves. |
Common mistakes & why files get rejected
- Text not converted to outlines — text stays text and can't be cut. Always convert to curves/outlines before exporting.
- Thick stroke weights — lines should be hairline (0.001″ or less). Thick lines cut wider than intended.
- Wrong units in the export — use millimeters. Inches can import at 25× scale.
- Hidden objects left in the design — hidden geometry gets cut. Select all and delete anything you don't want cut.
- Multiple overlapping layers — use a single layer, each operation on its own color.
- Raster artwork sent for cutting — JPG/PNG can't be cut. Vector only. Raster is fine for engraved photos.
If we send a file back before quoting, it is almost always one of the above. We flag it, tell you exactly what to fix, and offer file fixing at $40/hr if you would rather we handle it. Nothing is billed until you approve.
Tips for best results
- Test with a proof. For complex designs, ask for a low-power test cut on cheaper material first.
- Account for kerf. The laser removes roughly 0.003″–0.005″ of material. For precision press-fits, leave a 0.007″ gap minimum.
- Simpler files quote faster. Clean geometry means a faster quote and turnaround.
- Ask about engraving depth. Depth depends on the material — contact us for recommendations.
- For the cleanest acrylic edges, choose cast acrylic over extruded.
What we cut and what we stock.
Stocked materials are ready to go — no ordering, no lead time. Anything else, bring your own laser-safe material or specify in the notes and we will source it.
Stocked — ready to go
- Acrylic, 1/8″ — clear, black, white
- Wood, 1/4″
- Wood, 1/8″
- Mylar (for stencils & templates)
By order — available with a small lead time
- Acrylic in other colors (frosted, fluorescent, mirrored, custom — specify in your notes)
- Other thicknesses on request
- Specialty wood (walnut, cherry, maple, basswood, balsa)
Bring your own
- Leather (natural, vegetable-tanned only)
- Fabric (cotton, polyester, felt, denim)
- Paper, cardstock, museum board
- EVA foam, foam core, cork
- Laser-safe rubber
- Anything else — ask first if unsure
What we will not cut: PVC / vinyl, polycarbonate (Lexan), ABS, fiberglass, MDF, PETG, Delrin, anything with rubber or PVC backing, flame-retardant treated fabrics, glass, or metal. Full materials reference →
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