---
title: "Designing for Laser Cutting: Vector Cutting"
description: Create multiple laser cutting projects from one vector design while improving your vector results with a laser cutter
image: https://blog.fslaser.com/hubfs/Design%20Assets/Samples/davinci%20flying%20machine%20wood.jpg
---

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---

![](https://blog.fslaser.com/hubfs/Design%20Assets/Samples/davinci%20flying%20machine%20wood.jpg)

Friday, August 18, 2017

# Designing for Laser Cutting: Vector Cutting

| [![Just Vector out.jpg](https://blog.fslaser.com/hubfs/Alysha/Just%20Vector%20out.jpg)](https://laser101.fslaser.com/) |
| --- |

With just one concept, [laser cutters](https://fslaser.com/) can create multiple outcomes with just minor design variations in design software. We start with a basic pattern created in [Adobe Illustrator](https://www.adobe.com/products/illustrator.html?sdid=KKQML&mv=search&s_kwcid=AL!3085!3!196928852568!e!!!!adobe%20illustrator&ef_id=V2wpjAAABBS19xVn:20170816005547:s) as a vector file and saved as a PDF. **  
**

| [![Vector Cut.png](https://blog.fslaser.com/hubfs/Alysha/Vector%20Cut.png)](https://laser101.fslaser.com/) |
| --- |

**Basic Vector Cut**

Here is a simple vector cut of our pattern in the software, the red lines tell the laser what to cut. All red lines will be cut through the material creating the empty space in the final project.

| [![Vector Marking.png](https://blog.fslaser.com/hubfs/Alysha/Vector%20Marking.png)](https://laser101.fslaser.com/) |
| --- |

**Vector Marking**

We can outline (as opposed to fill) parts of the pattern for a second design option. Again, we will instruct the laser using our vector properties in this design, the blue lines will not be cut through on our material, but instead will be marked.

| [![Raster and Vector Cut.png](https://blog.fslaser.com/hubfs/Alysha/Raster%20and%20Vector%20Cut.png)](https://laser101.fslaser.com/) |
| --- |

**Vector Cut with Raster Fill**

We can also combine vector cutting with engraving in this case the laser will raster in the black fill and cut the red line.

**Vector Cutting Tips**

Now that you understand the basics, let’s examine some ways to avoid common mistakes.

**** ****

| [![stroke.jpg](https://blog.fslaser.com/hubfs/Alysha/stroke.jpg)](https://laser101.fslaser.com/) |
| --- |

 

**Setting Stroke Thickness**

The laser spot is about 0.005″ in diameter. To avoid the laser making a double pass or cutting two lines, we want to set the thickness of our vector line to the smallest “stroke” (in Illustrator, this is called “hairline”).

**** ****

| [![acrylic cut.jpg](https://blog.fslaser.com/hubfs/Alysha/acrylic%20cut.jpg)](https://laser101.fslaser.com/) |
| --- |

 

**Order of Operations**

If you are combining vector and raster techniques in the same job, consider the order of operations carefully. If you vector cut the shape before you fill in the design, your piece may slip from the material, offsetting everything that comes after. Set your raster engravings to be first and your vector cuts last.

[![Designing Cover.jpg](https://blog.fslaser.com/hubfs/Scott%20Blogs/Designing%20Cover.jpg)](https://laser101.fslaser.com/)

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*
- *Raster Engraving Techniques*
- *Utilizing Kerf in Design*
- *3D Object Stacking Designs*
- *And dozens of other tips & techniques*

**

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

 

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