Raster image

A pixel-grid image, in contrast with a vector made from mathematical paths.

In the workflow

Why Raster image matters

Photographs are raster images. Their detail at a physical size depends on pixel dimensions and the process's resolvable spacing.

Practical check

How to evaluate it

Confirm that photographic work stays raster through preparation. Vector tracing is a different interpretation that can simplify or discard the tones a photo needs.

Go deeper

A complete, machine-neutral workflow for choosing, cropping, tuning, dithering, sizing, inspecting, and testing a laser engraving photo.

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