---
title: "Designing for Laser Cutting: Basic Raster"
description: Learn how to select images to do simple engravings with a laser cutter using basic raster settings
image: https://blog.fslaser.com/hubfs/Alysha/raster.png
---

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![](https://blog.fslaser.com/hubfs/Alysha/raster.png)

Friday, August 18, 2017

# Designing for Laser Cutting: Basic Raster

| ![raster.png](https://blog.fslaser.com/hubfs/Alysha/raster.png) |
| --- |

Learn a basic raster with a [laser cutter](https://fslaser.com/Products/Lasers) is a simple engraving, typically of a black and white image. When designing raster projects, keep in mind that the “black” is where the laser is affecting your material. Basic raster outcomes are affected by how you adjust your speed, power, black & white threshold, and Dots Per Inch (DPI). This is particularly true with images that have high DPI.

| ![blurry.jpg](https://blog.fslaser.com/hubfs/Alysha/blurry.jpg) |
| --- |

 

**Image Quality**

Raster image quality is measured by pixel density. The more pixels per inch, the sharper an image will appear. Pixelation occurs when the number of pixels per inch in an image is low, causing each pixel to have visible edges. This distortion becomes worse as the image is enlarged.

![bug comparison.jpg](https://blog.fslaser.com/hubfs/Scott%20Blogs/bug%20comparison.jpg)

**Tracing bitmaps and converting them into vectors allows you to scale an image while avoiding pixelization from occurring. Because vector images can be engraved as well, they typically work better for a custom basic raster. Vector images are the native format for Illustrator (and Inkscape) and vectorizing images with those programs is an easy process using the Live Trace functions to create your design. Once an image is vectorized, it can be easily**** scaled and edited without pixelation.**

| ![bw threshold.jpg](https://blog.fslaser.com/hubfs/Alysha/bw%20threshold.jpg) |
| --- |

 

**Adjusting Black & White Threshold**

In our [laser software](https://fslaser.com/software), other colors (including vector lines in the same design) will register as an engraving if the black and white threshold is not adjusted. The Black & White Threshold application replaces each individual color pixel in an image, with a black or white pixel image. You can adjust the intensity toward black or white, but it is best to find a good contrast.

If vector lines are present in your raster job, best practice is to make them a lighter color, so they don’t register as a raster.

**Adjusting Rasters with Vector Lines  
**

| ![bw thres.jpg](https://blog.fslaser.com/hubfs/Alysha/bw%20thres.jpg) |
| --- |

If they are still registering as an engraving, simply adjust the b/w threshold to remove the unwanted rastered sections.

| ![bw thres adjust.jpg](https://blog.fslaser.com/hubfs/Alysha/bw%20thres%20adjust.jpg) |
| --- |

**Learn More**

![Designing Cover.jpg](https://blog.fslaser.com/hubfs/Scott%20Blogs/Designing%20Cover.jpg)

To learn more, download our free ebook, *[Designing for Laser Cutting: A Technical Ebook for Creatives](https://laser101.fslaser.com/), *where you will discover more design tips such as:

- *Choosing Image Files*
- *Designing for Vector Cuts*
- *Utilizing Kerf in Design*
- *3D Object Stacking Designs*
- *And dozens of other tips and techniques*

********

*Look for more ebooks, coming soon, from [Full Spectrum Laser](https://fslaser.com/software).*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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