How to Use Laser Cut Files with Glowforge: A Beginner's Guide
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Glowforge is one of the most popular lasers for home makers, and our files are made to work with it straight away. This guide covers how to load a design, prepare it for cutting and avoid the common mistakes that waste material.
Which file to upload
Glowforge's web app accepts SVG, PDF, JPG and PNG. For cutting, always use the SVG or PDF from our ZIP - these are vector files, so Glowforge recognises the lines as cut and score paths. Image files (JPG, PNG) can only be engraved.
Uploading the design
- Unzip the download on your computer.
- In the Glowforge app, click Create and choose Upload.
- Select the SVG file. The design appears on the bed preview.
- Check the size against the dimensions in the product listing. If it looks wrong, see why SVGs import at the wrong size.
Setting cut, score and engrave
Glowforge groups paths by colour. In the left panel, set outer outlines to Cut. Set inner detail lines you want marked but not cut through to Score. Any part you do not want to process can be set to Ignore.
Fitting parts on the bed
Many of our files put several parts or designs on one page. Click and drag individual parts to arrange them on your material and leave a few millimetres between pieces. If the design is larger than your material, ignore the parts you do not need and cut them in a second job.
Material settings
Proofgrade materials have settings loaded automatically. For other plywood, MDF or acrylic, choose Uncertified Material, enter the thickness you measured with calipers, and run a small test cut. Slotted projects are drawn for the thickness stated in each listing, so measure your sheet first.
Common Glowforge mistakes to avoid
- Cutting a slotted project at the wrong size. Resizing a box or stand changes the slot width - cut it at the stated size.
- Skipping the test cut. Plywood varies sheet to sheet; a 2 cm test square saves a whole board.
- Uploading a PNG. PNG and JPG files engrave only. Use the SVG to cut.
Looking for your next Glowforge project? Browse our best-selling laser cut files - every ZIP includes an SVG ready for Glowforge.