Though the fast development of laser engraving & cutting technology and the rapid market growth makes it possible for manufacturers to provide more affordable products and solutions to end-users, where to find idea laser-cutting design files has been a really difficult job for beginners.

Thus the idea to bring creative ideas into reality and enjoying the convenience of technology by applying laser cutting and engraving technology to our daily life including home improvement, hobbies, and home business becomes a challenging journey and many beginners might lose confidence at the very beginning. In this post, we will organize the top 13 websites for beginners to find some stylish and amazing designs and files for laser engraving and cutting.

Laser Cutting Design Files Formats/Types for Laser Cutting Machine

First of all, it’s important to figure out what types of files are used for laser cutting and engraving. For laser cutting files, there are mainly five types that are suitable for most laser machines.

A. Vector files

Instead of being made up of pixels, vector files provide a distinct path with lines and coordinates that the laser machine should follow, thus they are not affected by the resolution and their sizes can be adjusted infinitely but appear clear and crisp.

Several vector file formats are available for use when it comes to laser cutting/engraving. They include:

• AI (Adobe Illustrator) – one of the most popular vector file formats used in laser cutting. It is common for cutting shapes and designs, or engraving graphics such as logos. It is used with Adobe Illustrator software.
• SVG (Scalable vector graphics) – it is used to create graphic images that can be size-adjusted while remaining smooth and clean. It can be used with SVG Edit.
• CDR (CorelDraw) – It is used with CorelDraw or other Corel programs.

B. CAD & 3D Design files

Another laser cutting design file format is the CAD files that are created with CAD software including AutoCAD, FreeCAD, TinerCAD, Fusion 360, Solidworks, DraftSight, and others. CAD files are vector in nature and are mainly used to create complex 2D or 3D designs for laser cutting. Examples of CAD file formats used in laser cutting include:

• DXF (Drawing Exchange Format) – popularly known as AutoCAD DXF, it is a CAD file developed by Autodesk. DXF files are ideal if you are looking to create mechanical parts or metal fabrication projects (laser cut signs, etc.).
• DWG (DRAWING) – a CAD vector file used for creating 2D or 3D designs. It is native to the AutoCAD program, and thus supports all of its features.

C. Compound files

Some files can store both vector and raster graphics. And to laser cutting these files, please make sure the content in the files is also a vector in nature. These files format include:

• EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) – a graphic file image that can be found on the Adobe Illustrator software. It is mainly used to create 2D vector images, but can also store text and bitmap images.
• PDF (Portable Document Format) – It can either be vector or raster depending on the software program used. For example, Adobe Illustrator or CorelDraw will create vector PDF files. On the other hand, Photoshop and Corel Paintshop will create raster files

D. Gcode Files

Gcode file is also very common for CNC and laser cutting machines. When come to laser cutting, the .nc files are very popular options among all Gcode files.

E. Raster/Bitmap files

Raster files, also known as bitmaps, are graphic images that are made up of pixels. They are used in laser engraving or laser etching (marking). However, it is possible to convert them to vector images and then use them for laser cutting. Please note you might spend some time marking the cutting area and engraving area with different colors in Lightburn (other laser software does not provide this function.)

• BMP (Bitmap image file)
• JPEG (Joint Photographic Expert Group) – one of the most popular raster image files. However, it tends to compress images, leading to pixel loss.
• GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) – a raster file format that only supports up to 256 colors. Mainly used for creating animation images.
• PNG (Portable Network Graphics) – was designed to replace GIF files in terms of color options (48-bit color options). PNG files also have the added advantage of lossless compression
• TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) – popular with commercial printing since it supports Photoshop’s program features while creating lossless compression images.

Laser Engraving Files Format/Tyle

As for laser engraving, the situation would be much easier. You can use most of the popular image file formats in the market starting from jpg, jpeg, etc.

Top 10 Laser Cutting Design Files Free Download Websites

1. 3axis.co

• File Formats: BMP, CDR, DXF, DWG, PDF, STL
• Quantity of Files: 20,000+
• Costs: Free
• Features: Cutting, Wide variety
• Registration: Not required
• Website: https://3axis.co

3axis.co offers a rich and wide variety of vector files for laser cutting designs. You can find amazing ideas and templates for projects like gift boxes, lampshades, rocket models, clocks, chessboards, wall decorations, and many more. All these creative and practical design files would add much fun to your daily life and the file format selector could help find target files easily.

2. Laser Ready Templates

• File Formats: AI, CDR, DXF, EPS, PDF, SVG
• Quantity of Files: 5,000+
• Costs: Free & Paid
• Features: Engraving, Cutting, Art, Life
• Registration: Not required
• Website: https://laser-templates.com

Laser Ready Templates is an online store for laser cutting and engraving design files. Its rich collection covers themes including wooden boxes, chandeliers, holiday gifts, interior decor, invites & envelopes, puzzles, signs, etc. The website also provides a detailed description with material suggestions.

3. Thingiverse

• File Formats: AI, BMP, CDR, DXF, PDF, STL, SVG
• Quantity of Files: 4,000+
• Costs: Free
• Features: Engraving, Cutting, Creative
• Registration: Not required
• Website: https://www.thingiverse.com/

Whether you are a fan of 3D printing or laser cutting, Thingiverse is an excellent community to hang around.  It is an idea-sharing community that encourages creation. Like other social media platforms, it allows users to share, discuss and engage with other community members on creative ideas.

4. Library Laser

• File Formats: AI, CDR, DXF, PDF, SVG
• Quantity of Files: 1,200+
• Costs: Free & Paid
• Features: Cutting, Decorations, 3D models
• Registration: Required
• Website: https://www.librarylaser.com

Library laser is an online shop of laser cutting and engraving files but offers a large number of free templates. The designs and templates mainly focus on home decoration and you could always find inspiration and ideas for home improvement and enriching your life with eye-catching laser creations.

5. Dreaming Tree

• File Formats: SVG
• Quantity of Files: 740+
• Costs: Free & Paid
• Features: Cutting, Cards, Childhood, Festivals
• Registration: Required
• Website: https://3dsvg.com/

Dreaming Tree is an online shop that sells laser cutting design files but also provides a large number of free templates. Most designs are for festivals and celebrations that use colorful cardstock as the materials. With those templates, you will be able to create brilliant and lovely works that remind people of fairytales and childhood. For each design, you can also find attached a useful assembly tutorial and material list.

6. Free Patterns Area

• File Formats: DXF, DWG, EPS, PDF, PNG, STL, SVG
• Quantity of Files: 200+
• Costs: Free & Paid
• Features: Engraving, Cutting, Vector graphics, 3D models
• Registration: Not required
• Website: https://www.freepatternsarea.com/free-projects/

Free Patterns Area provides a wide collection of vector files for cnc router systems and laser-cutting machines. The files could fall into two categories: 2D and 3D vector files. The 3D project files enable users to build 3D objects with 2D sized parts which are usually cuttable and printable materials. 2D vector files are mainly decorative patterns and images that are considered home improvement decorations.

7. Ponoko

• File Formats: EPS, PDF, SVG
• Quantity of Files: 200+
• Costs: Free
• Features: Cutting, Electronics enclosures
• Registration: Not required
• Website: https://www.ponoko.com/free-laser-cutting-files-templates

The free laser cut files from Ponoko are ready-to-use laser cutting design files and templates that are specially designed for electronics enclosures, faceplates, or anything in between. You might also find some really interesting tools and ideas for our daily use to get start your cutting.

8. Boxes.py

• File Formats: AI, DXF, G-code, PDF, PLT, PS, SVG, SVG_Ponoko
• Quantity of Files: 200+
• Costs: Free
• Features: Cutting, Boxes, Customized
• Registration: Not required
• Website: https://www.festi.info/boxes.py/?language=en

Boxes.py is an Open Source box generator written in Python. It features both finished parametrized generators as well as a Python API for writing your own. It features finger and (flat) dovetail joints, flex cuts, holes and slots for screws, hinges, gears, pulleys and much more.

9. Vecteezy

• File Formats: AI, EPS, JPG, PDF
• Quantity of Files: 1,000,000+
• Costs: Free
• Features: 2D design, Bright, Simple
• Registration: Not required
• Website:  https://www.vecteezy.com/free-vector/laser-cut?license-free=true

Vecteezy provides a large number of free vector files, photos, and stock videos for designers and creators to help get projectors done. The files on the website are featured for their bright and vibrant styles and involve themes including backgrounds, nature, travel, and food.

10. Maker Union

• File Formats: DXF
• Quantity of Files: 230+
• Costs: Free
• Features: Vectors, 2D designs
• Registration: Required
• Website: https://www.makerunion.com/downloads/dxf/

Maker Union offers high-quality design files in DXF format – completely free. From Christmas trees to Halloween-themed designs, Maker Union got you covered for your DXF design needs. What’s more, the vector files are organized and grouped by different themes. After clicking download, you would get various interesting designs and files under the same topic.

Top 3 Paid Laser Cutting Design Files  Download Websites

1. Etsy

• File Formats: AI, CDR, DXF, EPS, PDF, SVG
• Quantity of Files: 63,000+
• Costs: Paid
• Features: Engraving, Cutting, Wide variety
• Registration: Not required
• Website: https://www.etsy.com/

Etsy is the global marketplace for unique and creative goods. It’s home to a universe of special, extraordinary items, from unique handcrafted pieces to vintage treasures. The website also includes various laser engraving and cutting templates.

2. So Fontsy

• File Formats: SVG, PSD, PNG, EPS
• Quantity of Files: 100,000+
• Costs: Paid
• Features: Vectors, 2D, Fashion
• Registration: Required
• Website: https://sofontsy.com/collections/laser-cut-files

So Fontsy is an online shop for a rich collection of design files involving all kinds of projects from ordinary signs to embroidery. The website does provide a dedicated section for laser-cutting designs. Many talented designers have contributed countless creative and stylish designs and templates to the website and it’s quite easy to find some eye-catching designs that fit your projects.

3. The Hungry Jpeg

• File Formats: DXF, EPS, JPEG, PNG, SVG
• Quantity of Files: 100,000+
• Costs: Free & Paid
• Features: Crafts, Fonts, Graphics, Templates
• Registration: Required
• Website: https://thehungryjpeg.com

How to Edit Laser Cutting Design Files?

Not all design files are ready to use and in some cases, you might need to edit the laser cutting design files to get ideal results for your projects. Here are many software in the market and the following are some of the most popular options that might help you complete the task. As mentioned above, there are mainly five types of file formats that are suitable for most laser cutting machines, and for each file type, you might need different software to edit the images.

1. Vector Files (AI/SVG/CDR Files)

• Inkscape: https://inkscape.org/release/inkscape-1.1/ (FREE)
• Adobe Illustrator: https://www.adobe.com/products/illustrator.html (PAID)

2. CAD & 3D Design files (DXF/DWG Files)

• AutoCAD: standard plan at $220 per month
• FreeCAD: Free
• TinkerCAD: Free
• Fusion 360: monthly plan starts at $60
• Solidworks: offers training and co-marketing resources for free

3. Compound files

The image files could be edited by multiple software but then saved as compound file styles including EPS (usually edited by Adobe Illustrator) and PDF (vector files from Adobe Illustrator or CorelDraw and raster files from Photoshop and Corel Paintshop saved as PDF files).

4. Gcode Files

There are many software options in the market and for .nc files, you might use NC Viewer to view and edit the file. Information for another Gcode file editor could be found here: https://all3dp.com/2/best-g-code-editors-online-offline/

5. Raster/Bitmap Files (BMP/JPEG/GIF/PNG/TIFF)

• Photoshop: plan starts at US$20.99/mo
• GIMP: Free
• Corel Painter: $99 at Amazon

Conclusion

To take full advantage of laser cutting and engraving technology, it’s important to understand what laser cutting design files and format your laser machine use and find the ideal design files for your projects. With the above 13 design files download websites, even beginners would no longer worry about the limited access to laser cutting design files and ideas and enjoy the fun of creation freely. And if you get any better websites or source to recommend, please feel free to leave comments.