Every laser project comes down to three operations: Cut, Engrave and Mark. Understand these and most "why did it come out wrong?" problems disappear.
Cut
A cut is a full-power pass along a vector line that goes all the way through the material. Cut lines should be a single, clean vector with no doubled paths. In practice: outlines, holes, and any part that becomes a separate piece.
Engrave
Engraving removes surface material to create depth or shading - usually a raster (image-based) process for photos and fills, or a vector fill for solid shapes. This is where photo prep matters: contrast and dithering decide whether an engrave looks crisp or muddy.
Mark
Marking is a light, fast pass that changes the surface color without removing much material - think discoloration on metal or a subtle line on wood. It is ideal for fine detail, logos and text that do not need depth.
Getting the order right
A reliable rule: mark and engrave first, cut last. If you cut a piece free before engraving it, it can shift. Assign each element to the correct layer once, and keep that assignment through to production so you never rebuild it.
FAQ
Can one file have all three? Yes - most real products combine engraving (a name), marking (fine detail) and cutting (the outline) on separate layers.
Why do my cuts look burnt? Usually too much power or too slow a speed, or a doubled vector cutting the same line twice. Check for duplicate paths first.
Want layers assigned for you automatically? Try a generator free - Cut/Engrave/Mark come pre-set.
Related reading: Why laser creators lose hours to file juggling · Photo engraving prep and settings.