Negative image

An image or engraving signal whose light and dark values are reversed.

In the workflow

Why Negative image matters

It helps produce a visually positive result on surfaces where laser exposure creates a lighter mark, such as many slate processes.

Practical check

How to evaluate it

Check the intended viewing result rather than the screen alone. A negative signal is useful only when the material response reverses it into the desired visible tones.

Go deeper

A careful photo-preparation workflow for slate, including polarity, contrast, dithering, sizing, and a controlled material test.

Read the complete guide

Prepare the pixels

Use the terminology in a real photo workflow.

Crop, tune, size, dither, and export a one-bit PNG on iPhone or iPad. Test the result on scrap with your machine and material guidance.

Download EngravePrep