Inkscape for Laser Cutting: Complete Guide
Why Inkscape for Laser Work
Inkscape is the most capable free vector editor for laser prep. Runs on Windows, Mac, Linux. The trace bitmap tool, node editor, and boolean path operations are all best-in-class for free software. Exports SVG and DXF — the two formats laser software needs most.
Document Setup
File → Document Properties (Shift+Ctrl+D):
- Units: mm
- Document size: match your laser bed or material piece
- Background: white for accurate preview
Essential Drawing Tools
Rectangle (R): click-drag. Hold Ctrl for square. Ellipse (E): hold Ctrl for circle.
Bezier/Pen (B): click for corners, click-drag for curves. Most powerful tool for custom shapes. Double-click or Enter to finish.
Text (T): always convert to paths before exporting — Path → Object to Path (Shift+Ctrl+C). This embeds the letter shapes so the laser software sees vector paths, not font references.
Boolean Path Operations
Union (Ctrl+Plus): merges overlapping shapes into one outline. Good for combining separate elements into a single cut path.
Difference (Ctrl+Minus): subtracts the top object from the bottom. For holes: draw the hole shape on top, select both, Difference.
Intersection (Ctrl+Asterisk): keeps only the overlapping area. For trimming paths to a boundary.
Divide (Ctrl+Slash): splits paths at all intersections. Good for puzzle and tiling designs.
Trace Bitmap
Path → Trace Bitmap (Shift+Alt+B)
Brightness Cutoff: best for clean logos and solid artwork. Threshold 0 to 1 — start around 0.45.
Edge Detection: traces edges only. Good for line drawings you want as single strokes.
After tracing:
- Delete the original raster image
- Ungroup (Shift+Ctrl+G)
- Path → Simplify (Ctrl+L) — run 2-4 times to reduce node count
- Delete stray small paths and background shapes
Node Editor (N Key)
Click nodes to select. Drag to move. Node types:
- Smooth: handles in line = smooth curve
- Cusp: handles independent = sharp corner
- Symmetric: equal handle lengths
Double-click a path segment to add a node. Select a node and press Delete to remove it while preserving the path shape.
Organizing for Laser
Use consistent colors for different operations:
- Red strokes → cut paths
- Blue strokes → score/vector engrave
- Black fills → raster engrave areas
Import into LightBurn where each color becomes a separate layer with its own power and speed settings.
Exporting
SVG (File → Save As → SVG): best for LightBurn. Preserves all path data.
Plain SVG: simpler format, also works. Try this if standard SVG causes LightBurn import issues.
DXF (File → Save As → DXF): for laser controllers preferring DXF. Use R14 format for broadest compatibility.
Common Issues
Text missing in laser software: forgot to convert to paths. Always Path → Object to Path before export.
Wrong scale after import: verify document units are mm and objects have correct dimensions. Double-check in LightBurn after import by checking a known-size object's dimensions.
Too many nodes after trace: run Path → Simplify repeatedly. Target 50-200 nodes per shape for smooth laser movement.