How to Move a Prepared Photo From iPhone to LightBurn

The short answer

Prepare and size the photo in EngravePrep, tap Export, create the PNG, and use Share PNG to send the original file to the computer running LightBurn. Import that PNG, restore the physical width shown in EngravePrep if necessary, and use Pass-Through only if the file is already the final black-and-white dot pattern. Then check dimensions, polarity, and Preview before testing on scrap.

The transfer does not carry safe speed, power, focus, airflow, or material settings. Those remain a separate LightBurn, machine, and material decision.

Sources: 1

Export, transfer, and import in this order

Keep the file-preparation decisions fixed during the handoff. The goal is for the same pixel grid you approved on iPhone to arrive in LightBurn at the intended physical size without another image conversion.

1. Review the EngravePrep export summaryOpen Export and record the physical width, DPI, and pixel dimensions. Confirm the crop, material polarity, tone, and dither are final before creating the file.
2. Create and share the PNGTap Create PNG, then Share PNG. Use AirDrop, Save to Files or iCloud Drive, or another file-transfer method that delivers the PNG itself. Do not substitute a screenshot, thumbnail, or copied preview.
3. Confirm the file on the computerLocate the transferred .png file and keep the original filename or otherwise identify it clearly. If the transfer service produced a preview and a downloadable original, use the original.
4. Import the PNG into LightBurnUse LightBurn's image import workflow and select the transferred PNG. Keep the aspect ratio locked so the photo is not stretched.
5. Match the prepared dimensionsCompare LightBurn's displayed width and height with the physical size chosen in EngravePrep. If they differ, set the intended width with aspect ratio locked; if you need a materially different job size, return to EngravePrep and make a new export for that size instead of scaling the finished dots.
6. Choose the correct Image ModeFor an EngravePrep PNG that is already the final two-color dot pattern, enable Pass-Through. For an ordinary color or grayscale photo that still needs LightBurn to create the engraving pattern, do not use Pass-Through; choose and tune a LightBurn Image Mode instead.
7. Verify before runningOpen Preview and confirm the physical dimensions, orientation, polarity, and expected dot pattern. Then use a representative scrap test with machine settings established for the specific laser and material.

Sources: 1

Why the dimension check matters

A prepared one-bit image is a grid of final mark and no-mark decisions. Physical width and pixel width determine the effective pixel density. If a 1,016-pixel image was prepared at 254 DPI, its intended width is 4 inches. Import metadata may not always produce that same displayed size, so compare the number shown in LightBurn with the EngravePrep export summary.

Small placement changes are different from resampling the artwork. You can position the image on the job, but avoid changing the prepared width or height. If the product needs another size, generate a new PNG from the continuous-tone project so EngravePrep can create a deliberate pixel grid for it.

Sources: 1

Use Pass-Through only for a finished two-color image

LightBurn documents Pass-Through as the option for images that were already processed externally. It engraves the image as-is instead of resampling it with another Image Mode, and ties line interval or DPI directly to the image size.

That makes Pass-Through appropriate for a final EngravePrep dither made only of black and white pixels. It is not the right choice for a normal camera photo, a grayscale edit, or any image that still needs LightBurn to generate dots or vary power from tone. Choose one application to own the final pattern; do not dither in EngravePrep and then dither the result again in LightBurn.

Workshop note: Pass-Through preserves the supplied bitmap; it does not repair a wrong crop, wrong polarity, damaged transfer, or wrong output size.

Sources: 1

Verify the handoff before the laser moves

First compare the imported object's width and height with the EngravePrep summary. Next confirm that the image is not mirrored, stretched, or inverted unexpectedly. In LightBurn Preview, zoom closely enough to check that the expected dot field remains rather than a new dither, soft grayscale pattern, or solid block.

• The imported file is the original PNG, not a screenshot or thumbnail.
• Width and height match the prepared physical dimensions.
• Aspect ratio is unchanged and orientation is correct.
• Pass-Through is on only for an already prepared two-color image.
• Negative engraving or other polarity reversal is applied no more than once.
• Preview shows the expected placement and image pattern.

Sources: 1

Keep machine settings and safety separate

EngravePrep prepares the bitmap; it does not connect to the laser or choose focus, speed, power, line interval, airflow, overscanning, or the work origin. Pass-Through also does not choose those values. Start with guidance for the specific machine and material, then establish the process with a labeled scrap test while holding the imported bitmap fixed.

Confirm that the exact material and any coating, paint, adhesive, or backing are safe for the laser. Follow the machine and material manufacturers for ventilation, enclosure use, supervision, fire safety, and other operating requirements. Never treat a successful file transfer as permission to engrave an unknown material.