If you want to buy your own laser cutter, consider buying a used model to reduce the cost.

Glass can be engraved but cannot be cut. Thick metal cannot be cut.

If you are using a photo, make sure it has plenty of contrast and not many shadows. [3] X Research source

Popular software options are Adobe Illustrator and CoreIDRAW. These can be downloaded online.

For example, if your material is 10 centimetres (3. 9 in) x 20 centimetres (7. 9 in), enter 10 centimetres (3. 9 in) as the width and 20 centimetres (7. 9 in) as the height. Make sure that you have selected the correct unit of measurement.

As you get used to the laser cutter you are using, experiment with different effects. In the algorithm effects toolbar you can vary the depth and patterns of engraving. If you are cutting a picture of people, select “ordered dithering” in the algorithms toolbar. This effect will help the people to stand out.

Don’t forget to resize your image if you trim the material. If your material has a bend in it, place a weighty metal rod on the edges of the material to hold it down.

Purchase rubbing alcohol from a drugstore or grocery store.

If there is no lens height button, you will need to adjust the height manually. Read the user manual of your laser cutter model to find out how to do this, as the process varies between models. [9] X Research source

Don’t use any materials that contain chloride, even if you are using a fume extractor.

If you want to print multiple copies of the same item, replace the cut object with a new piece of material and press print again.