Image Tracer
Convert bitmap images into vector paths for CNC routers and lasers. Upload an image, pick your goal – silhouette, areas, engraving lines or photo engraving – and your machine. Start values come from the image, three sliders are enough for fine-tuning, and the before/after slider shows the effect. Export as SVG, DXF or PDF.
1 · Image
Drag an image here or click to browse
PNG, JPG, BMP, GIF, WebP, TIFF
2 · Goal
Sets line spacing, dot pitch and the minimum width for the cutter.
Output height in millimeters
3 · Fine-tuning
Adjust the brightness of the input image
Brightness threshold for black/white conversion
Left soft and calm (fringes and specks vanish), right sharp with every corner
Spots and holes smaller than this size disappear (0 in the last run)
Only the outer shape remains, light spots inside the subject are closed; light areas touching only the bottom edge (neck, collar) count as subject. Turn off for logos with cut-outs.
Swap black and white
Upload an image to get started
Four goals instead of jargon
Silhouette for cutting out, areas for pockets, engraving lines or photo engraving as a dot pattern: every tile shows a miniature of your image. Laser or CNC router set line spacing, dot pitch and cutter diameter.
Start values from the image
The light/dark cutoff, tone levels and inversion are determined from the image on load. Specks and pinholes disappear automatically, and for the router everything the cutter cannot reach. Every single value stays available in the expert settings.
SVG, DXF & PDF Export
Export the vector paths directly as SVG, DXF or PDF for your CAM software. All coordinates in millimeters.
Tips for Best Results
- Image quality: Use high-resolution images with clean edges. Logos and lettering work especially well.
- Light/dark cutoff: The start value comes from the image. Move the cutoff if parts of the subject are missing or the background comes along.
- Contrast: Increase the contrast for images with a narrow tonal range to get cleaner edges.
- Details: To the left the outline becomes soft and calm, to the right it follows every corner. Softer for routing, sharper is fine for lasers.
- Photos: Photographs work less well than graphics. Use high-contrast subjects where possible, or boost the contrast before converting.
Example Applications
Logos & Lettering
Convert company logos, lettering, and monograms from bitmaps into millable vector contours.
Silhouettes
Animal silhouettes, landscape outlines, and other simple shapes for decoration and signage.
Stencils & Templates
Create spray stencils and painting templates from digital images for your CNC router or laser cutter.
Wood Inlays
Derive contours for wood inlays from templates and photos and export them as DXF.