What to know first
- Use raster formats such as PNG or JPG for photographs; use SVG for paths and shapes that need vector operations.
- Prefer PNG for a finished one-bit dither because it preserves exact pixels without lossy JPEG compression.
- A file extension does not decide whether artwork is raster or vector; an SVG can contain an embedded bitmap.
- Confirm dimensions and processing mode after import instead of trusting resolution metadata.
Start with raster versus vector, not the extension
Photographs are raster images: a fixed grid of pixels carries tone and detail. Logos, outlines, and geometric artwork often work better as vectors, whose paths can scale without a fixed pixel grid and can drive line or fill operations.
LightBurn distinguishes images from vectors by how the artwork is represented and processed. An SVG container can include vector paths, a bitmap, or both, so inspect imported artwork before choosing a laser operation.
PNG is the reliable handoff for a finished photo dither
PNG stores raster pixels without JPEG's lossy compression. That makes it the safer choice when every black or white pixel in an externally prepared dither is deliberate.
Export at the final physical size and intended DPI, transfer the original file, and use the destination workflow that preserves the pixels. Do not route the PNG through an app that downsizes or recompresses attachments.
JPG works as a source photo, not as the final one-bit master
A camera JPG can be a strong continuous-tone source when it is sharp and lightly compressed. Repeated JPEG saves can add ringing and block artifacts around edges, which become visible after sharpening or dithering.
Keep the best available original for editing. After the final dither, use PNG so the binary pattern is not subjected to another lossy save.
SVG fits logos, paths, and mixed artwork
SVG is useful when a logo, border, text outline, or cut path should remain mathematically scalable. It is not a better photo format merely because it can contain an image.
For a mixed job, keep the prepared photo as a raster image and the cut line or vector decoration as paths. Confirm which layers engrave and which layers cut before running the job.
Check what the destination accepts
Current LightBurn documentation lists common bitmap formats and SVG among its supported imports. Current xTool documentation lists PNG, JPG or JPEG, BMP, SVG, and DXF, with additional formats supported in some Creative Space versions.
Support for a format does not guarantee the intended size or processing mode. Inspect the physical dimensions, layer assignment, polarity, and preview after import.
Glossary
Terms in this guide
A closer look at the terms used above, with examples.
- BitmapAn image made from a rectangular grid of pixels. PNG, JPEG, and WebP files are common bitmap formats.
- Raster imageA pixel-grid image, in contrast with a vector made from mathematical paths.
- Vector imageArtwork described by mathematical paths, shapes, and fills rather than a fixed grid of photo pixels.
- 1-bit bitmapA raster image in which every pixel has only two possible values, usually black or white.
- PixelThe smallest addressable cell in a raster image.
- ResolutionA broad term for the amount or density of detail represented in an image or reproduced by a process.
- ResamplingCreating a new pixel grid when an image is resized, rotated, or otherwise transformed.
Common questions
Is PNG or JPG better for laser engraving?
Use the best original photo for editing, which may be JPG. Use PNG for the final one-bit dither because PNG avoids lossy compression of the prepared dots.
Can I use SVG for a laser engraving photo?
An SVG can embed a bitmap, but that does not make the photo vector artwork. Keep photos as properly sized raster images and use SVG for genuine paths or mixed jobs.
Does changing a JPG to PNG improve its quality?
No. Converting prevents future JPEG loss but cannot restore detail already removed by compression.
Sources and further reading
We used the manufacturer and software documentation below. Check the manual for your exact machine before choosing settings or buying an upgrade.
- File ManagementLightBurn User Guide. Checked August 30, 2026.
- Images vs. VectorsLightBurn User Guide. Checked August 30, 2026.
- Importing ImagesxTool Support Center. Checked August 30, 2026.
- xTool Creative Space Desktop OverviewxTool Support Center. Checked August 30, 2026.