Engrave image on Wood
In this guide, we will show you how to prepare your photo to use the Epilog laser cutter at the Pierre Berton Resource Library to engrave it on Wood. This guide is based on using CorelDRAW Graphics Suite software available at our creation space, Make It.
Please remember to use the laser cutter service; you need to take the certification course first, then book the service here.
A PDF version of this guide is available here.
1. Choosing the Right Photo
Key factors for a good engraving:
- High contrast: Clear differences between dark and light areas.
- Sharp focus: Avoid blurry images.
- Simple backgrounds: Busy backgrounds can make engravings messy.
- Good lighting: Even lighting without heavy shadows or bright spots.
2. Prepping Your Photo in CorelDRAW
Importing and Editing your Photo
Open CorelDRAW, select a document and go to File > Import… and select your photo.
- Place the image on your workspace.
- Select the photo and right click, then select Bitmap on the top tool bar and select Convert to Bitmap.
- For colour mode select RGB and keep the DPI at 300.
- Select the image and right-click. Select Edit Bitmap.
3. Removing the Background (if you use a tool like Adobe/Express for removing the background, you can skip this step.)
Using the Magic Wand Mask Tool
- Select the Magic Wand Mask tool from the toolbar.
- Set Tolerance:
- A lower number (e.g., 10–15) selects fewer colours (good for detailed selection).
- A higher number selects more colours (good for plain backgrounds).
- Click on the background to select it.
- Adjust the tolerance as needed until only the background is selected.
- Press Delete to remove the selected background. (If needed, use the Paintbrush Tool with white colour to clean up any leftover bits around the subject).
4. Isolate & Prepare the Subject (Optional)
Make a Circular Selection
- Use the Ellipse Mask Tool to draw a circle around the main subject.
Click Mask > Invert to select everything outside the circle.
Press Delete to remove everything outside the circle.
5. Adjust Image Quality
Adjust Contrast and Brightness
- Open Adjust > Tone Curve.
- Gently adjust the curve:
- Drag the middle of the line slightly upwards or downwards.
- Goal: Make light areas lighter and dark areas darker but keep details visible.
- Avoid making whites too bright—keep some texture.
6. Convert to Black & White (Dithering)
Change Image Mode and Dithering Method
- Go to Image > Convert to Black and White (1-Bit)… (Options: Jarvis, Stucki, Floyd-Steinberg, etc.)
- Preview the result—look for a good mix of black dots in light areas (not just blank white).
7. Finishing Touches
Save and Return to CorelDRAW
- Click Finish Editing and save the file.
- Close PHOTO-PAINT—your edited image updates in CorelDRAW.Size & Prepare for Cutting
Size & Prepare for Cutting
- Adjust image size as needed (e.g., 2.6″ x 2.8″).
- Draw a cutting shape (like a circle) over your image with the Ellipse tool.
- Make sure this outline is set to a red hairline (RGB: 255,0,0), which is standard for cut lines on Epilog lasers.
8. Export & Engrave
Export or Print to Epilog Laser
- Double-check all settings:
- Resolution: 300 DPI
- Cut lines in red, hairline thickness
- Image in black & white, dithered pattern
- Send your design to the laser software using Print or export as required.
Tips
- Always test on a scrap piece of wood first.
- For light wood, keep your image as-is; for dark woods, you may need to invert the image (make a negative) so engraved areas stand out.
- Save your work frequently.