Laser Cutting Designs

A design listing shows a finished product. A usable file is a different thing: correct scale, closed paths, sensible layers, and a licence that matches how you intend to sell the result. Here is what to check.

Formats and what they mean

• SVG — vector, resolution-independent. Ideal for laser cutting, but check the viewport units on import.
• DXF — vector, common in CNC and CAD. Many variants exist; open it in your own software before cutting.
• CDR / AI — native vector editors. Useful if you own the software.
• PNG / JPG — raster. Suitable for engraving, not for cutting profiles.
• PDF — can be vector or raster. Check that paths are real paths, not an embedded image.

Check scale before anything else

Import the file and measure a known dimension. If a 300 mm sign imports at 118 mm, the file was authored in different units. Fix the scale in CAD, not in the laser software, and re-check that stroke widths and small features survived.

The unit converter is useful when a file only gives you pixel dimensions and a DPI value.

Check the geometry

• Closed paths where material must drop out.
• No duplicate or overlapping lines that cause double-cutting and burn marks.
• Minimum feature size your machine and material can actually produce.
• Text converted to paths, or fonts you own.
• Kerf allowance if the design includes joints — measure yours with the kerf calculator.

Check the licence

“Commercial use” means different things in different listings: selling finished physical products, reselling the digital file, or unlimited production. Read the terms on the product page. If a listing does not state it, ask before buying.

About the Cooldelo catalogue

Design collections are being prepared for the shop. When a collection is live it appears in the shop with its real product count, formats and licence terms on the product page — no invented totals and no placeholder claims.

Make the file yours

Ready-made designs are a starting point. Changing dimensions, material thickness and engraving turns a generic file into a product that fits your market. The free tools help you cost the variation before you commit to a production run.