Ditch AutoLaser and get Lightburn which can open SVG files.

Open your file in Inkscape and export to DXF from there.

Now you can’t export to DXF from Affinity Designer, but I have two work arounds for you: They even offer a free trial, so you can try it out before purchasing. It’s almost as good as Illustrator and better than Inkscape. Update: Since writing this article, I’ve discovered Affinity Designer and have been using it ever since. Note: If you use a Mac (like I do), you will need to install and run XQuartz first. Inkscape is pretty good, there are a lot of tutorials online explaining how to use it, and best of all, it’s free. Get Inkscape here. I prefer Illustrator for vector, however, I cannot justify the cost right now. You can find a list of free software here. There are free raster programs available, but I have not tried any of them myself.

It’s $10 a month and includes Photoshop and Lightroom. I’ve been using Photoshop for almost 20 years, and I already subscribe to the Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan. (More info on vector and raster later in post) To prepare files for the laser, I use Inkscape Affinity Designer for vector, and Photoshop for raster. Unless you hate yourself, and enjoy things being more difficult than the need to be. You can use AutoLaser to create your images, but I can’t think of why you would want to. The software for the machine is AutoLaser, and it’s…something. Information about the laser can be found on the manufacturer’s website. Hmmm, I betcha that’s why it’s called an x700. I am using a Redsail x700, 60 watt CO2 Laser Tube. Some of the information I will be posting will apply to laser cutting in general, and some will be software and/or hardware specific.

That means you get to experience my journey first hand, mistakes and all! Doesn’t that sound like fun?

I will be writing these posts as I go, so the topics will be in the order I learn them myself, not necessarily in the order a handbook would be laid out. If you believe that, I have a bridge to sell you. Like most things in life, it’s super easy, everything works exactly the way it’s supposed to, and I do everything right the first time. I have started using a laser cutter at my local makerspace, and decided to start documenting what I learn. It delves deep into tech nerdery If that’s not your thing, turn back now! I’m still going to write posts about crafts and cookies (hmmm, cookies), so fret not. Warning: This post is different from my other posts.

Free trial version of sure cuts a lot