LightBurn, a professional software specially designed for laser cutting and engraving, supports a wide range of laser equipment, including fiber lasers and diode lasers. It can be directly connected to devices and offers versatile functions—from adjusting power, speed, and cutting parameters to built-in tools like drawing, node epditing, and hierarchical management. LightBurn also supports mainstream file formats such as SVG, DXF, and PDF. Both novice and professional designers can effortlessly create complex designs through its intuitive interface. To maximize its potential, users need compatible files—thankfully, LightBurn provides access to a vast hidden file library. In this blog, we recommend fifteen user-friendly and simple laser cutting file-sharing platforms for your projects.
1. Type and Formats of files that suit for LightBurn
The file formats determine the accuracy and conpatibility of the design. The following are the mainstream formats supported by LightBurn:
1.1 Vector formats recommendation
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SVG: It scales without the loss of precision, supports layered editing. SVG files are widely used because of their versatility and compatibility with various software. They retain image quality when scaled and are considered one of the best options for making laser-cut designs. SVG files are more used for icons, art patterns and textual engraving.
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DXF: A CAD data file format designed to facilitate data exchange between AutoCAD and other software applications. DXF files are mostly standard formats for engineering drawings, suitable for precision parts or conbinedstructures. However, be careful to check the unit (mm/inch) when importing files so that to avoid scale errors.
- PDF: This is a widely accepted file format developed by Adobe. It is a widely used file format with cross-platform, rich content, high security and compressible features, supporting text, images, tables, hyperlinks and other elements.
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EPS: A vector graphics file format, mainly used for high-quality printing and professional typesetting. It contains vector graphics, bitmap and PostScript code, supports unlimited magnification without distortion, suitable for advertising design, printing and publishing scenes. Usually used to work with logos, illustrations, or types that require high resolution at any scale.
- CDR: This is the proprietary vector graphics file format for CorelDRAW software, used to store vector graphics, text and images. It supports lossless scaling and editing and is widely used in trademark design, poster production, advertising design, typography and other fields. However, compatible plug-ins need to be installed and imported to reformat the elements.
1.2 Bitmap formats (Carefully use)
- BMP/PNG/JPG: Suitable for simple sculpture, need to be converted to vectors through LightBurn's image tracking function, otherwise the edges will appear jagged.
When the file is bitmap and the user wants to engrave vector images, it is recommended to choose SVG first. If the user wants to directly engrave bitmap images, it is preferred to choose DXF files to reduce the trouble of format conversion.
2. 15 Serviceable websites for free laser cut files
Laser engraving or cutting content left a lot of space for producers to display, in the face of many online laser cutting file sites, the basis of the creators are also different, the following content will be in accordance with the novice entry, advanced training and professional level, three categories for the recommended 15 sites for classification, each site was marked with the theme of the site, file format and whether the free question, so that you can find what you want.
1. Recommendation for beginner
(Directly use without any editing or file format conversion)
1.1 EM-Smart (https://em-smart.com/pages/resource )EM-Smart is a professional and official website of desktop laser engravers. Its content bot only includes all kinds of fiber laser engravers and the lastest dual-light source (20W Fiber + 20W Diode) laser engraver, but also includes various expansion content. In the resources section of the official websie homepage, we can see EM-Smart's parameter references, related software downloads and free vector file sharing in the download interface. The vector files can be downloaded directly into LightBurn for use without secondary format conversion.
- Theme: animal and plant, holiday , logo and other graphic marking content
- File formats: All are in SVG format, which can be directly imported into LightBurn for use
- All files are free content, no additional charge is required
1.2 Vecteezy (https://www.vecteezy.com/)Vecteezy is an online platform that provides high-quality vector graphics, design templates, videos, and other creative resources, with basic features free of charge. It is suitable for personal, commercial and educational use. In addition, Vecteezy offers powerful search and filtering functions, allowing users to quickly find the resources they need based on keywords, categories, colors, sizes and other conditions.
- Theme: Animals and plants, festival celebrations, natural landscapes, character images, abstract art, and modern design, among many other themes.
- File Formats: Provides various formats for vector graphics, including SVG, PNG, JPG, AI, EPS, PDF, etc.
- Other: Users can directly edit and customize vector graphics on the website.
- Offers a large number of free and some paid vector graphics, icons, design templates, and videos.
1.3 Pixabay (https://pixabay.com/)Pixabay is a comprehensive material material platform more focuses on free high-quality multimedia resources, mainly serving designers, content creators and ordinary users. Its content covers more that 4 million high-definition pictures/illustrations, thousands of video clips, etc.
- Theme: Animals and plants, characters, architecture, natural scenery, abstract design, holiday celebrations and others.
- File formats: The picture is provided in JPG/PNG format, and the vector picture is SVG, which is suitable for design expansion or laser cutting.
- Others: The intelligent search function supports quick filtering by keywords, color, type, size, etc.
- All resources are based on the CC0 agreement and can be used commercially, modified, and signed without authorization. Unlimited daily downloads, you can use it directly without registration (unlock more features after registration).
1.4 Canva (https://www.canva.com/)Canva is a full-featured online graphic design platform with core features including drag-and-drop editing tools, massive design templates and AI-aided design capabilities. Users can quickly create posters, PPT, video covers and other content through the template library, and directly use millions of images, fonts, icons and other resources provided by the platform. For some simple logo designs or other simple graphic designs, Canva can be used without jumping to other platforms.
- Theme: Template includes animals and plants, characters, natural scenery, logo design and other theme content
- File formats: Canva supports exporting files in a variety of formats, including PNG, JPG, PDF, SVG, etc.
- Free version users can use basic materials, but some resources need to be marked with sources or prohibited from commercial use (such as elements with "Pro" logo).
1.5 FreePatternsArea (https://www.freepatternsarea.com/)FreePatternsArea provides free vector files, templates, 2D CAD drawings, and laser cutting projects, covering 3D laser cutting models and 2D designs. The site is divided into two categories:"Free CNC Laser Cutting Projrcts" and "Free Vector/CAD Files," with all resources hand-drawn and converted into high-quality formats for free download by individual users for use in handcrafting, home decoration, or prototyping.
- Theme: Design covers crafts, home furnishings, machinery, and other fields, suitable for artisans, designers, and DIY enthusiasts. It includes 3D models, 2D vectors, templates, and CAD drawings, applicable to laser cutting, 3D printing, and hand carving.
- File formats: Supports over 10 formats including SVG, DXF, CDR, DWG, STL, and is compatible with mainstream design and cutting software.
- You can download directly without registration or payment, and the design quality is relatively high.
1.6 K40 laser cutter (https://k40lasercutter.com/)k40lasercutter.com is an all-in-one service platform primarily focused on K40 laser cutters, but the free laser cutting file sharing on its homepage has high-quality files covering a wide range of topics, although the overall quantity is not large, it is user-friendly for new users of laser engravers. Users only need to download the files and import them into LightBurn without needing to convert the file formats. The patterns are clear and simple, making it easy for users who are new to LightBurn.
- Theme: k40 lasercutter includes a wide range of topics such as natural landscapes, festival celebrations, character images, animal and plant icons, suitable for DIY enthusiasts and crafters with different needs.
- File formats: Most laser cutting files are in SVG and DXF formats.
- All shared laser cutting files can be downloaded for free after filling in the email, with no additional charges.
2.Applicable to advanced users
(After downloading, users need to modify or convert the format by themselves, and they should have a basic understanding of laser engraving.)
2.1 3aixs.co (https://3axis.co/)3axis.co is a design file resource platform for manufacturing technology enthusiasts (such as laser cutting, CNC processing, 3D printing), mainly providing multi-domain projects with a combination of free and paid options. The website clearly marks commercial licenses, suitable for advanced users and small-scale business.
- Theme: Contains a large number of handcrafted items, home decorations, model designs, and others.
- File formats: Supports general formats and professional formats (AI, STEP, SolidWorks) such as DXF, SVG, STL, compatible with various software and devices.
- A large number of free and paid files, meeting different requirements (including a dedicated category for laser cutting).
- Clearly mark the copyright license, some designs can be commercially used or modified for profit.
2.2 DesignBundles (https://designbundles.net/)Design Bundles offers an extensive library of free laser-cut and engraved files that cover a wide variety of unique projects, offering a diverse range of laser-cut and engraved files on topics ranging from decorative patterns to utility. Suitable for both personal and commercial use, it provides users with a wide range of creative possibilities.
- Theme: including animal patterns, letters, badges, butterflies, crosses, flowers, ornaments, holiday and special occasion designs, jewelry, decorations, toys, learning games, desktop organization tools, coasters, etc.
- File formats: Files are usually provided in formats such as SVG, DXF, PNG, EPS, AI, CDR, and PDF, ensuring compatibility with most laser cutting and engraving machines.
- All resources are free to download without registration or payment, and users can start their creative projects right away.
- All designs come with personal and commercial use licenses, and users don't need to worry about copyright issues.
2.3 CUTTALO (https://www.cuttalo.com/en/)The free download page for CUTTALO's laser cutting project mainly provides free design files and DIY projects for laser cutting enthusiasts, offering a variety of choices for different needs. It provides optimized design
- Theme: The project covers holiday decorations, practical tools, home items (storage boxes, bookshelves), puzzle toys, etc., to meet personalized needs.
- File formats: It provides general formats (DXF, SVG) and professional formats (AI, CDR), compatible with different devices and software.
- You can get high-quality design files for free and reduce creation costs.
2.4 Ameede (https://www.ameede.com/)Ameede is a free vector file download site that focuses on laser-cut projects, covering designs such as multi-layered decorative motifs (such as trees, mandalas, figures) and animal patterns. The content of the website is mainly based on simple geometric shapes and basic decorations, but the composition patterns are relatively complex, which is suitable for users who have a basic understanding of laser engraving or need to quickly make simple crafts.
- Theme: Divided into decorations (such as numbers, mandalas) and animal patterns, which is convenient for quick positioning.
- File formats: Support CDR, DXF and PDF formats, adapt to mainstream laser cutting software and equipment.
- All resources are free to download and no registration or payment is required.
2.5 Laser File Finder (https://www.laserfilefinder.com/)Laser File Finder is a resource platform focusing on laser cutting and engraving design files, with core functions including providing high-quality downloadable design templates (such as SVG, DXF, PDF, etc.). The website may contain a design file library, software tool recommendations (such as LightBurn, CorelDraw compatible files), user tutorials (such as file import, machine parameter settings), and community forums to help users quickly obtain creative materials compatible with laser equipment.
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Theme: Designs cover personal and commercial needs, holiday decoration (Christmas tree, jack-o-lantern), wall pendants, jewelry design, furniture templates, stationery, storage boxes, customized signs, gift retail packaging design, etc.
- File formats: The design files of this platform provides multi-resolution vector files (SVG/DXF) and engineering files that can be directly cut, some with laser parameter reference.
- All laser cutting files shared on the website can be downloaded for free, no login required.
2.6 Freepik (https://www.freepik.com/ )Freepik is a comprehensive creative resource platform that provides a wide range of design resources and AI creation tools, helping users efficiently create designs with creative design at its core. The platform also includes image editing, icon generation, sketch to image conversion, and other functions to meet various creative needs. Additionally, it offers a vast collection of ready-made materials, including vector graphics, photos, illustrations, icons, and templates.
- Theme: Material themes are diverse, covering various fields such as holiday celebration (such as Women's Day, Carnival), natural landscapes (such as oceans, mountains), chrarcters, abstract art, etc.
- File formats: Materials include vector graphics (.svg, etc.), photos (.jpg, .png, etc.), illustrations (common image formats), icons (.svg, etc.), and PSD files (for editing with Adobe Photoshop) and more.
- This website offers both free and paid modes. Free users have 10 free download opportunities per day and can use some AI tools. Paid subscriptions unlock more advanced features and unlimited usage rights, such as unlimited downloads.
3.Professional User Recommendations
(Technical knowledge about professional equipment/software required, such as familiarity with laser cutting parameters and CAD)
3.1 Craftsmanspace (https://www.craftsmanspace.com/)CraftsmanSpace is a free resource platform for craftsmen and DIY enthusiasts. Resources include detailed drawings, editable vector files, 3D models, and free books (mechanical/woodworking/engineering), and provide a database of woodworking connections, suitable for different needs from novices to professionals.
- Theme: Provide detailed drawings, vector patterns, 3D models, and technical books for woodworking and metalworking projects, covering a variety of needs from basic to advanced.
- File formats: Support EPS, SVG, DWG (vector), STL, OBJ, STEP (3D), PDF (book) and other formats, suitable for laser cutting, 3D printing, CAD software.
- All resources are provided free of charge and handpicked to ensure reliable quality and suitable for personal and professional use.
3.2 Vectors File (https://vectorsfile.com/)Vectors File provides free laser-cut templates and vector files for handicraft enthusiasts and small manufacturers for DIY projects or commercial production.
- Theme: Covering 3D puzzles, home decoration, toy models, jewelry boxes and other practical scenes, the design is both creative and functional.
- File formats: CDR (CorelDRAW), DXF, SVG and other mainstream vector formats are provided, and direct import into laser cutting software is supported.
- All files are free to download, with no registration or payment threshold.
3.3 DXF DOWNLOADS (https://www.dxfdownloads.com/)DXF DOWNLOADS website focuses on the designed file resources required for laser cutting, CNC engraving and other technics, providing material support for creators and enthusiasts, and promoting creative practices and projects in related fields.
- Theme: Including birthday celebration, Valentine's Day, Easter and other holiday theme design; household items, such as storage boxes, trays, shelves, etc.; children's toys and decorations, such as children's puzzles, Star Wars models, etc.
- File formats: Mainly provides DXF files, some resources also include CDR format, convenient for users to design adjustment and processing operations.
- Currently, the resources displayed are free downloads, and users can directly access these files for personal creation, handmade production or small project development without paying fees, lowering the creation threshold and providing convenience for creative enthusiasts.
3. Advantages to use free laser cut files
- Save the time and energy in creation. For beginners, designing laser cutting files from scratch requires mastering the skills of graphic design, parameter settings and others, which takes a long time. The free laser cutting files are mostly thorough designs, which can be directly imported into LightBurn after downloading.
- Inspire more creative ideas. The free file site contains images designed by designers from all over the world in a variety of styles. Therefore, after we study the composition of these documents, pattern combinations can we learn new design ideas.
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Experiment in different materials with lower financial cost. Laser cutting involves variables such as material characteristics and parameter adjustment. Using free files avoids the risk of failing to design original files. After all, this is a free designed file. If the materials aren't suitable after the experiment, we could just change to another free file.
4. Tips for using free laser cut files
- Make sure that the downloaded file is original and genuine. Free does not mean unlimited. Make sure that the file is commercially available or needs to be signed.
- After downloading the file, check its file format and integrity, confirm that the file format is compatible with LightBurn, remove miscellaneous elements to avoid errors.
- Select the cutting material suitable for the file, try cutting with scrap before formal cutting, adjust the cutting parameters, power and speed.
- Make sure you wear protective equipment, such as laser goggles, during the manufacturing process, check the product after it has been successfully manufactured, or the machine has stopped running.
5. How to use laser cutting files with LightBurn?
Here we take EM-Smart Dual as an example:
1. Brief Introduction of EM-Smart Dual
EM-Smart Dual desktop laser engraver is a compact laser engraver suitable for desktop operation and high-precision marking with small operating space but high efficiency.
- Dual-light resource switching with higher marking height of 150mm
- Larger operating area: 230mm*230mm (Fiber)/200mm*200mm (Diode)
- Faster laser engraving speed up to 10000mm/s
- Stronger material compatibility: Applicable to materials of different materials such as metal, acrylic, plastic, stone, etc.
Relevant Reading: https://em-smart.com/blogs/blog-center/em-smart-dual-20w-fiber-and-diode-dual-laser-engraver-pre-sale
2. How to use free laser cut files via LightBurn
- Download the file you want from the recommended website and make sure the file format (SVG, DXF, PDF, etc.) is compatible with LightBurn.
- Turn on the EM-Smart Dual power supply, connect it to the computer via USB, and then open the LightBurn program. If you have the EZCAD program on your computer, you need to uninstall the EZCAD driver before installing LightBurn. The below image shows the main page after entering LightBurn.
- Click "Files" in the upper left corner, find "Import", and import the files.
- Import and set its size after successful import (as shown in the figure, the length is 50.00mm, the width is 50.00mm).
- Click "Device" → "Find my laser" at the bottom right corner of the LightBurn program.
- After clicking, waiting for the connection between LightBurn and your laser engraver.
- After the pairing is successful, the interface as shown in the figure will pop up.
- After clicking "Add Devices", import the Ezcad software configuration information, no need for secondary manual settings, one-click modify LightBurn software settings including galvanometer settings, port settings, software interface settings, etc.
- Imported page as shown, set the area of the operation interface to the machine-adapted area value.
- Finally, select the imported JCZFiber in "My Machine" at the bottom right, and the final page will look like the below:
- After both the laser marker and LightBurn are ready, set the relevant parameters as shown in the image:
- Subsequent adjustments can be made to the file image. If you are using the EM-Smart series products, you can find the recommended laser marking parameter file download on the official website's download page, but the data should be fine-tuned according to the actual material and thickness.
- After the data is set, click on the red preview to make sure that the location and size of the annotation are correct. Then adjust the engraving or cutting power, speed and laser type, first test with scrap, to ensure that the parameters are adjusted to the best effect.
- Finally, close the protective cover, wear relevant protective tools, observe and wait for the laser engraver to complete the work before taking out the product to observe the effect.
Relevant Reading: https://em-smart.com/blogs/blog-center/lightburn-for-fiber-lasers-a-beginners-guide