Ponoko Help Center

Design

How to prepare a killer design file for laser cutting.

33 articles in this collection
Written by Dayma Otene, Dan Emery and Dan Devorkin

How do I get a vector design file (to get a quote)?

6 ways to get create or source a vector design file.

Written by Dayma Otene
Updated over a week ago

What design software & file type should I use?

Written by Dan Devorkin
Updated over a week ago

Do you have templates available to use?

What happened to the templates..

Written by Dan Emery
Updated over a week ago

Can I use a JPEG or PNG file?

Written by Dayma Otene
Updated over a week ago

Can I use a STL or STEP file?

How to save your files for laser cutting

Written by Dayma Otene
Updated over a week ago

Can I use Sketchup to create my design?

Written by Dan Emery
Updated over a week ago

Can I use Photoshop to create my design?

Written by Dan Emery
Updated over a week ago

How should I specify laser actions?

Setting up your design for cutting and engraving

Written by Dan Devorkin
Updated over a week ago

Do I need to include an outside cutting line?

Yes please include an exterior shape to be cut in your design

Written by Dayma Otene
Updated over a week ago

How much material does the laser burn away?

Designing for kerf

Written by Dayma Otene
Updated over a week ago

What size can I make my part / what material sizes are available?

Your maximum part size = our maximum material sheet size

Written by Dan Devorkin
Updated over a week ago

How do I design for highest quality?

Written by Dan Devorkin
Updated over a week ago

How do I design for lowest price?

Written by Dan Devorkin
Updated over a week ago

Interlocking 3D laser cut designs

Design tips for improving fit

Written by Dayma Otene
Updated over a week ago

Why is my DXF file not uploading?

How to save DXF files to ensure they upload successfully

Written by Dan Emery
Updated over a week ago

Merging objects to be cut as one piece

Removing overlapping vector paths in Adobe Illustrator

Written by Dayma Otene
Updated over a week ago

Simplify tools

For faster design uploads

Written by Dayma Otene
Updated over a week ago

Why does my online design proof look different to the design on my computer?

When your design proof doesn't look as expected...

Written by Dayma Otene
Updated over a week ago

Why is my design a different size?

Written by Dan Emery
Updated over a week ago

Where did the text in my design go?

How to create a design with fonts & text.

Written by Dan Emery
Updated over a week ago

Why does the area engraving on my online proof look wrong?

Make sure your area engraving turns out well

Written by Dayma Otene
Updated over a week ago

Dashed lines and other appearances

Expand your appearances to vectors so they work for laser cutting

Written by Dayma Otene
Updated over a week ago

How to remove duplicate lines in AutoCAD, Illustrator & Inkscape

Prevent excessive burning and save money

Written by Dayma Otene
Updated over a week ago

Designing for stencils

How to tab objects into the surrounding material

Written by Dayma Otene
Updated over a week ago

Design Export Guides

6 articles in this collection
Written by Dayma Otene

Designing For Metals

3 articles in this collection
Written by Dan Emery