How to Design for Laser Cutting and Engraving
All laser cutters and engravers require vector files, such as SVGs and DXF files to be able to engrave and cut. Many of these files can be found online or you can create your own using both free and paid software. Hydra Laser is also able custom design for you if required.
Where to Find Files for Engraving or Cutting
Hydra Laser is able to take black and white images and easily convert these images into engravable files. If you are sending us a design to be engraved, the area to be engraved must be visible in black and not pixilated. We are also unable to laser engrave water marked images.
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Hand Drawn Image
Converted to SVG
Business Logo
Laser Engraved onto Product
Promotional product
Where to find Images and Designs
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1000s of free SVG and DXF images and signage can be found online. Simply do a google search using key words DXF or SVG. Simply download, pick your product and upload the design to us to get it engraved or laser cut.
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Design Bundles - This website has 1000s of free and paid designs. Everything from engravable images to signs for around the home.
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Etsy is an online marketplace that connects sellers with buyers. It is primarily used for selling vintage items, handmade goods, art, and crafts. But has a large amount of designs that are able to be laser engraved and laser cut. Simple search for laser cut designs or SVG/DXF for engraving and cutting.
Design using software that creates vector files
Designing your own image for engraving or creating a custom sign can be fun and rewarding. There are a number of software options available. and can be simple to use with very little previous knowledge.
1. Adobe Illustrator (paid software)
One of the best SVG editors for Windows and Mac, Adobe Illustrator can be your go-to SVG tool every time you need an SVG image. Creating some of the best vector images is possible with Adobe Illustrator as it is one of the best within this large global vector editing software market.
2. Inkscape (free software)
One of the best free SVG editors, Inkscape is compatible across platforms and that makes it a favorite with illustrators, and web/graphic designers.
3. Vectr (free software)
Vectr is a free SVG editor with which creating any vector task or vector graphics is easy. It has some of the most incredible features and functions that help in creating the most wonderful icons including free SVG icons and images.
4. Vecteezy (free and paid options)
Vecteezy is a completely operational online free SVG editor that can help alter, change, and even fine-tune different contents. With it, you can obey your branding regulations, and also bring around different variations in the same image. Even though the tools available for free with it are enough, if at any point you wish to upgrade, you can do so to unlock additional features and functions.
Pay a Designer
Looking for something professional? There are thousands of graphic designers available online who will be able to design you the perfect image or sign for lasering.
We have listed some of our favourite designers below.
Wicked Custom Creations
Lee from wicked custom creations specialises in hand drawn art that is turned into a SVG enabling it to be laser engraved on a wide range of products,
AWS Graphics
AWS Graphics, your one stop graphic design shop. Fully Qualified graphic designer, Andrew Stewart, specialising in Automotive Design. Andrew is able to design custom SVGs to match your graphic design so you can have a personalised matching laser engraved product.
