If you’re new to laser engraving, you’ve probably seen two terms pop up often: raster engraving and vector engraving.

Both are essential to creating high-quality laser projects, but they work very differently. Understanding their differences will help you:

• Choose the right mode for your project
• Improve engraving efficiency and quality
• Combine modes for creative and professional results

1️⃣ What Is Raster Engraving?

Raster engraving is like how a printer works—your laser moves back and forth across the surface line by line, firing where it needs to remove material.

Best for:

• Photos, logos, and bitmap graphics
• Large filled areas or designs with shading and gradients

Key Characteristics:

• High detail – Perfect for photos, portraits, or fine textures
• Slower speed – Laser must scan the entire area, even empty space
• Surface engraving only – Great for visual impact but not for cutting

💡 Example projects:

• Wooden photo frames with engraved images

• Acrylic plaques with gradient-filled logos
• Leather wallets with decorative patterns

2️⃣ What Is Vector Engraving?

Vector engraving (sometimes called line engraving) is when the laser follows the exact vector paths of your design, like a pen drawing a line.

Best for:

• Text, signatures, and simple line art
• Outlines, borders, or pre-cutting marks

Key Characteristics:

• Fast – The laser only travels along the defined lines
• Clean, sharp lines – Ideal for small lettering or minimalistic designs
• Can double as cutting if you increase power and reduce speed

💡 Example projects:

• Metal nameplates with etched outlines
• Wooden puzzles or model outlines

• Jewelry or keychains with signature engravings

3️⃣ Raster vs Vector Engraving – Key Differences

Here’s a quick summary of how they compare:

Motion:

• Raster = back-and-forth scanning
• Vector = follows path lines directly

Speed:

• Raster = slower (covers whole area)
• Vector = faster (only follows lines)

Use Cases:

• Raster = photos, shading, large fills
• Vector = text, outlines, precise linework

Depth:

• Raster = shallow surface engraving
• Vector = lines can be engraved or cut

💡 Pro Tip: In LightBurn or similar software, you can combine both modes:

• Raster for filled logos or photos
• Vector for outlines or borders

This gives professional results in a single job.

4️⃣ When to Use Raster, Vector, or Both

Raster Only:

• Photo engravings on wood or acrylic
• Decorative leather patches
• Awards and plaques with filled text

Vector Only:

• Outlines for cutting or scoring
• Simple logos or single-line signatures
• Fast production marking

Combined Workflow:

• Logos with filled raster centers and vector outlines
• Layered wood or acrylic signs
• Engraved and cut ornaments or keychains

5️⃣ FAQs

Q: Can I cut with raster engraving?

A: No. Raster is for surface marking. Cutting requires vector paths with proper power and speed.

Q: Which mode is better for photos?

A: Raster engraving. It captures shading and details that vector cannot.

Q: Can I engrave text using raster mode?

A: Yes, but small text is faster and sharper with vector engraving.

Conclusion

Both raster and vector engraving are essential tools for laser creators:

• Raster delivers detailed images and shaded artwork
• Vector produces crisp lines, text, and cut-ready outlines

Once you learn how to combine both modes, you’ll create professional, efficient, and versatile laser projects.

✨ Want to see real raster and vector projects, with settings and files? Visit the Atomm Community to learn from other makers and download inspiration.