What you'll make
AI-processed laser-ready artwork from any photo — in stipple, pencil sketch, or halftone style — optimised for engraving on wood and acrylic.
Step 1 — Upload your photo
Upload a JPG or PNG. High-contrast photos with clear subject separation work best. Low-res or over-exposed photos will produce weaker results.
Step 2 — Choose an art style
Select: Pencil Sketch (fine lines), Stipple (dot-based tone), Halftone (classic newspaper dots), or High-Contrast (flat black/white).
Step 3 — Adjust detail level
Set the detail slider. Higher detail retains more tonal range but increases engraving time. For wood plaques, medium detail at 254 DPI is a good starting point.
Step 4 — Set output size
Enter the engraving width and height. The tool scales the processed image to the target size.
Step 5 — Preview and iterate
Review the preview. If highlights are lost, increase contrast. If too dark, reduce the shadow depth slider. Regenerate until satisfied.
Step 6 — Export and engrave
Export as PNG. Import into LightBurn. Use Dither mode for Stipple/Halftone, Grayscale mode for Pencil Sketch. Engrave on light birch or maple for best tonal contrast.
Pro tips
Tip 1: Pet portraits in Pencil Sketch style are consistently the best-selling personalised laser engraving products.
Tip 2: Lightly sand the wood surface before engraving — a smoother surface gives finer stipple dot separation.