How to utilize Illustrator for laser cutting

1. Laser Cut
Step-by-Step Instructions
Illustrator
Manami Ishimura

2. 1. Set Format
Select Inches

3. 1. Set Format
Name a file following the convention:
SurnameGivenname_LaserCutfile
Set the dimensions:
Width 20” Height 28”
Or
Width 28” Height 28”
If you need bigger size of wood, please let the
Instructor knows.

4. 2. View Ruler

5. 3. Attach an image of template

6. 4. Re-size the attached image

7. 4. Re-size the attached image
If the unit of the ruler is pixel or a different unit from inches….

8. 4. Create a new layer

9. 5. Change the color setting

10. 6. Trace the template using Pen Tool
https://digitalsynopsis.com/design/adobe-illustrator-pen-tool-tips/

11. More tips for Pen Tool

12. 7. Create a guide line

13. Tutorial Videos for Pen Tool
https://youtu.be/h7Yiy7sYHsY https://youtu.be/LsppEZJ7DYY

14. Tip: Change the size of line

15. How to measure length of an object
• https://youtu.be/OJNjxJ9XJXU?t=23

16. Convert JPEG image to Vector
• https://youtu.be/NAQ2S_4ElC8
• Laser cutter ONLY needs Black outline and No shape color

17. Tip: How to find Vector files
• You can also find a vector file online
• Search “Vector free download ‘object name that you are looking for’”

18. Tip: Outlining Text
• Texts need to be outlined (converting Vector format) for laser cutting

19. Cut or Engrave?
• Laser cut has options that you can cut all way through or engrave that
burn the surface giving a depth.
• If you like to cut AND engrave, Take a screenshot and make a PDF file
of your laser cut image giving a note pointing which lines to be cut
and which lines to be graved.

20. 7. Add another art board

21. 8. Unseen template image

22. 9. Save

23. Optional: Inkspace
• https://youtu.be/LLvapWUggGw

24. Example

25. ANILA QUAYYUM AGHA

28. Other Illustrator Tutorials
• https://digitalsynopsis.com/design/adobe-illustrator-pen-tool-tips/
• https://design.tutsplus.com/tutorials/illustrators-pen-tool-the-
comprehensive-guide--vector-141