Laser Cutter Design with Inkscape

By FPL_Adam

Engraving and cutting using a laser cutter can be a lot of fun at the library. Being able to create your own custom designs that can be cut or engraved REALLY unlocks all the potential of the laser. In order for the laser to cut out a shape, the design needs to be created with vector lines and that takes software that can create vector artwork.

The good news is that Inkscape is a free open-source software that can create vector artwork to be cut or engraved on a laser cutter. Learning Inkscape doesn’t happen overnight, and there is always something new even the experienced can learn. So, let’s jumpstart your learning with a simple keychain project that covers all the essentials for creating laser cutter designs in Inkscape: