It is very rewarding to use a laser-cutter for text, as lettering usually requires high precision and attention to detail is crucial. In this tutorial we will go through different options for engraving and laser-cutting lettering with Mr Beam, with an emphasis on setting-up your vector-file correctly for cutting.

1. Create a text object directly in the Mr Beam software and engrave it. 
The simplest way to engrave a text with Mr Beam is to use the text tool directly in the Mr Beam software, where you will find various fonts to choose from. Please be aware that this way you can only engrave your text.


2. Create text in another graphic program and engrave it. 
If you would like to use a different font or complex text elements, or want to create a sophisticated multi-line layout, we recommend using a proper graphic program (e.g. Photoshop, Gimp, Illustrator or Inkscape). You can save your design in any standard file format (JPG, PNG, GIF, SVG, DXF, etc.), they are all suitable for engraving.

3. Create text in another graphic program and cut it out.
If you would like to cut out lettering, you must save your design as a vector file (SVG or DXF). You can edit with a vector editing program of your choice (e.g. Illustrator or Inkscape). 

For a cutting job the lettering should only have a stroke colour, no fill colour. 

Please make sure to convert your text into a path once you are happy with the design. This is how it works in Illustrator: right click on the text object > convert into paths. In case you forget this step, you will get a warning message in the Mr Beam software, once you upload and place your design on the working area.  


If you would like to cut our lettering which should hold together and not fall apart - e.g. for a cake topper - please make sure that all the letters and their elements are connected with each other. 

Tip: To get rid of redundant lines, mark all your text elements and choose "Combine" in the shape mode of the pathfinder menu in Illustrator.  


Now you can adjust the details in your text design, if needed. For example, if you have some parts which might be too thin or too delicate after cutting, you can pull some vector lines further apart, using the direct selection tool. Or connect the dots of the "i"'s in your design with the rest of the lettering.


Have a look at our design store and scroll through our designs to gain more insight into how a lettering design suitable for laser cutting can look like.


If you are looking for a free software for text editing, Inkscape might be a good option for you. Have a look at this video-tutorial by Euer Konstantin, where he explains how to set up a text file in Inkscape and lasercut it with Mr Beam!