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ARTWORK FILES

When using the laser to cut, engrave or mark, we need to have a VECTOR FILE of your artwork, whether it's your company logo, text or images.

 

​There are two different file formats - VECTOR Files and RASTER Files.

​

The two formats store different types of information which can be used in a variety of ways, using design software programmes, as explained below.​

WHAT IS A VECTOR FILE?

A vector image is made up of points, lines and curves (or paths) that contain colours, gradients and other editable effects. It can be re-sized easily; scaled from a small business card up to a huge billboard and vice versa without losing resolution.

 

​A vector image can be identified by enlarging or zooming in on the image and it will always appear smooth. Text is very much a common type of vector image as it doesn't matter how much you increase the font size, it will look the same.

 

​File sizes are very often smaller and are easy to transfer from one computer to another and over the internet.

 

​Vector file formats are CDR, AI, DXF, DWG, EPS and SVG and are most commonly used in programs such as Illustrator, AutoCAD and CorelDRAW.

Vetor Files Formats
Vector File
WHAT IS A RASTER FILE?

A raster image (aka a bitmap) is made up from tiny blocks (also known as pixels) of colour.

 

Because the image is formed using a fixed number of blocks, it cannot be re-sized and manipulated without losing its resolution - meaning the image will not be smooth; it'll be distorted and look "pixelated".

 

​A raster image can be identified by zooming in on the file where you'll see the little individual squares.

 

​File sizes are often quite big as there's a lot of information and problems can occur when transferring files.

 

​Raster file formats are JPG (JPEG), GIF, PNG, TIF and are most commonly used in photographs.

Raser File Format
Pixel Image

ACCEPTED FILES

To create your designs using our cutting, engraving, marking or printing services, we ideally need VECTOR files of your artwork/logo/graphics etc., compiled using drawing editing software, ie. CorelDRAW® (.cdr), Adobe Illustrator® (.ai) or AutoCAD® (.dwg).

 

We use CorelDRAW® and find it fairly easy to use, but there are many other design software applications available, many of which offer free trials and lots of information and tutorials can be found on YouTube.

Accepted VECTOR files:

 

We accept the following file formats for any of our cutting, engraving and marking services:

 

  • .cdr files

  • .eps files

  • .ai files

  • .svg files

  • .dfx files (older versions)

  • .dwg files (older versions)

  • .pdf files

DWG & DFX FILES
Sometimes we experience problems when opening .dwg and .dfx files, especially if they have been created on newer and updated versions of the software. If you're using a new version of the software, please save as a .pdf file and send to us. If we encounter any problems, we will let you know.

PDF FILES
PDF files are a widely-used document file format and used for many applications.

We can open and convert PDF files into CorelDRAW® providing the original artwork has been designed as a vector file using design software – not a raster image (.jpg, .png etc.)

CONVERSION OF ARTWORK FILES

To convert raster files and/or convert your artwork into laserable artwork, we offer a conversion service at £48 per hour – charged at 15 min increments. Please get in touch for a quote.

Tell us about your project and see how we can help...

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