What to know first

  • Finish crop, tone, polarity, physical size, DPI, and dithering before exporting from EngravePrep.
  • Transfer the original PNG through Files, iCloud Drive, AirDrop, or another method that preserves the file.
  • Confirm the imported physical dimensions and avoid a second bitmap-processing mode on a finished dither.
  • Use xTool guidance and a scrap test for machine, material, and safety settings.

Prepare the final pixel grid on iPhone

Choose the source photo, crop it, remove or simplify the background when useful, and tune the tonal separation. Set the intended physical dimensions and DPI before comparing dithers.

Inspect the selected result at 1:1. The export should be the finished one-bit artwork, not an intermediate screenshot.

Sources: 1

Transfer the original PNG

Create the PNG and move that file to the computer running xTool Creative Space. Files, iCloud Drive, AirDrop, and direct file transfer can preserve the original; message-app previews and screenshots may not.

Keep a clear filename that includes the size or revision so the imported asset can be traced back to the preparation project.

Import the bitmap into xTool Creative Space

Current xTool documentation supports common bitmap imports including PNG and JPG, plus vector formats such as SVG and DXF. Import the exported PNG as a bitmap and place it on the canvas.

Confirm the physical width and height against the EngravePrep export summary. If the job needs a different size, return to the nondithered project and create a new final grid.

Sources: 2, 3

Do not ask XCS to create a second dither

xTool Creative Space offers bitmap processing modes including grayscale and several dithers. Those modes are useful when XCS owns the continuous-tone image preparation. A PNG already dithered in EngravePrep has a finished mark pattern.

Choose a workflow that preserves the binary pixels and inspect the preview closely. If a new texture, softness, or dark block appears, check for resizing, grayscale conversion, polarity changes, or another dither.

Sources: 4

Set up and test the physical process separately

The PNG does not contain focus, speed, power, airflow, origin, or material safety instructions. Follow xTool guidance for the machine and exact blank, then test a representative crop on scrap.

Keep the bitmap fixed while calibrating the process. This makes it possible to tell whether a change came from the file or the physical engraving setup.

Sources: 3

Common questions

Can xTool Creative Space import an EngravePrep PNG?

Yes. Current xTool documentation lists PNG among supported bitmap formats. Confirm the dimensions and processing mode after import.

Should I use Floyd, Jarvis, or Stucki again in XCS?

Not when the imported PNG already contains the final dither. Let one editor own the dot pattern to avoid double processing.

What if the imported photo is the wrong size?

Return to the nondithered EngravePrep project and export a new grid for the needed physical dimensions and DPI instead of resampling finished dots.

Sources and further reading

Technical claims were checked against current first-party documentation. Product interfaces and guidance can change, so confirm the current documentation for the software and machine you use.

  1. Crafting Perfect Laser PhotosxTool Support Center. Checked August 2, 2026.
  2. Importing ImagesxTool Support Center. Checked August 30, 2026.
  3. xTool Creative Space Desktop OverviewxTool Support Center. Checked August 30, 2026.
  4. Bitmap Processing Modes in XCSxTool Support Center. Checked August 30, 2026.