Laser cut file formats explained in plain English: what SVG, DXF, EPS, PDF and LBRN2 files do, which software opens them, and which one to choose first.
Download a laser design and the folder can look like alphabet soup: SVG, DXF, EPS, PDF, LBRN2, maybe a PNG. They are not all needed, and they are not all equal. This guide explains the common laser cut file formats one by one, what each is good for, which machines and programs open it, and which one to reach for first.
Every laser file falls into one of two groups.
Vector files describe lines and shapes mathematically. The laser can follow them, so they can be cut, scored or filled for engraving. SVG, DXF, EPS, PDF (usually), AI, CDR and LBRN2 are vector formats.
Raster files are grids of pixels: JPG, PNG, BMP, TIFF. The laser can engrave them by scanning back and forth, but it cannot cut them, because there is no path to follow.
If you want to cut a shape out of a photo or a logo saved as a PNG, it first needs tracing into vectors.
The most widely used format for hobby and small-business lasers. SVG keeps exact colours, fills and strokes, which makes it ideal for colour-coded cut, engrave and score layers.
The CAD exchange format. DXF stores precise lines, arcs and circles and is read by almost every cutting machine, including CNC routers and plasma tables.
The pros and cons of these two are covered in depth in SVG vs DXF for laser cutting.
Encapsulated PostScript is an older print-industry format. It holds vectors and colours and is still a reliable way to move artwork into CorelDRAW and Illustrator.
PDF is not only for documents. A vector PDF holds precise artwork, and a 1:1 PDF is drawn at full size, so it prints at the exact dimensions of the parts.
This is LightBurn's own project format. Unlike the others, it saves laser settings: layer power, speed, number of passes, fill mode and cut order travel with the design.
.lbrn; current versions save .lbrn2.These are the native formats of Adobe Illustrator and CorelDRAW. They are great for editing in their own programs but awkward for everyone else. Most laser software does not open them directly, and versions change often. Both programs open SVG, DXF, EPS and PDF without trouble, so those are usually the better way to share a design.
Raster images for engraving photos, textures and artwork. Resolution matters: aim for roughly 250 to 400 DPI at the final engraved size as a starting point, and test, since the best value depends on your machine and material.
Some software has its own project format, such as xTool Creative Space projects or RDWorks files. These save settings but only open in that software. G-code is what diode and GRBL lasers actually run, but you rarely edit it by hand; your laser software generates it.
A simple order of preference:
This is why a good download includes several formats. Files from the Digital Creation laser cut tool come with SVG, DXF, LightBurn (.lbrn2), EPS and a 1:1 PDF for every sheet. There are no CDR or AI files, because CorelDRAW and Illustrator open the DXF, SVG, EPS and PDF directly.
Most designers use colour to separate operations. A common scheme is red #FF0000 for cut, blue #0000FF for engrave, green #00FF00 for score, and black for reference marks such as part names that should not be cut.
SVG, EPS, PDF and LBRN2 keep these colours exactly. DXF keeps them if they match its basic colour index, which pure red, green and blue do. After import, check that each colour landed on its own layer and set its mode. If you are unsure what each mode actually does to the material, read laser cutting vs engraving vs scoring.
Once your format is sorted, the next step is getting parts to fit together. The guide to laser kerf explains why parts come out slightly smaller than drawn. If you want a ready-made file to practise with, create a box or tray from your measurements and open each format to see the differences for yourself.
Most hobby and small-business lasers use SVG or DXF for cutting. LightBurn also uses its own LBRN2 format, and raster images such as PNG are used for engraving only.
Yes, if the PDF contains vector lines. Glowforge, LightBurn, Illustrator and CorelDRAW can all import vector PDFs. A PDF that only holds a scanned image can be engraved but not cut.
No. Illustrator and CorelDRAW both open SVG, DXF, EPS and PDF, which are easier to share and work in more programs.
It is a LightBurn project file. It stores the design together with layer settings such as power, speed and passes, so check those settings against your own machine first.