Technical Support is available from 8am to 5pm (PST) M - F at support@fslaser.com.
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“map” of on and off pixels. The laser res individual pulses corresponding to pixels in an image. When
the laser is operating in raster mode the head moves rapidly from left to right and slowly from top to
bottom, engraving your image pixel by pixel and line by line.
Images and Engraving
Engravable images use multiple colored pixels to form an image. JPEGs and PNGs are common
engraving image types. Most of the photos found on the Internet and photo prints are raster images.
Raster images are created using a xed number of colored pixels, so they can’t be dramatically
resized without distorting their resolution. When sized to ft a space they weren’t designed to,
the pixels become visibly grainy and the image becomes distorted. When this happens, altered
photos may appear pixelated or low resolution compared to the original source. Because of this,
it is important that you save raster les at precisely the dimensions needed to eliminate possible
resolution issues.
PDF Files
Engraving works with both vector and pixel-based source les, allowing you to engrave anything from
a simple block logo all the way to high-resolution photographs. A PDF le type is generally treated
as vector le, however, RetinaEngrave 3.0 can read PDF les as either a vector or an engraving le
when you import the image. This allows operator great freedom in converting any image le to a PDF.
Direct Printing PDF Files
The easiest way to import any le type to RetinaEngrave 3.0 is to “drag ‘n drop” it directly into the
workspace window. If there are ever any problems importing les in this manner, direct printing
a converted PDF le is the next method to try. Most design software have a simple method for
converting les to PDF and then directly printing them to the RetinaEngrave 3.0 software.
Designing in RetinaEngrave 3.0
RetinaEngrave 3.0 includes a robust set of design tools, allowing users to design in the software
without needing outside design software. Third party design software, however, is still an option for
RetinaEngrave 3.0 users. Just about any design software will work (You can choose the software you
are most comfortable with, as long as you can convert les to PDF (which most can). You can also
“direct print” to the software. Each operating system does this in a slightly different way, so check the
instructions for your particular program.
If you use third party design software and run into a problem with the print interface, we recommend
printing to the XPS Document Image Writer or saving as a PDF. PDF les save vector information and
are the best way to carry artwork from a non-compatible operating system (Mac or Linux) onto your
Windows PC.
Compatible design packages include: CorelDraw, Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape and Google’s free online
vector drawing application. Additionally, most CAD packages are able to output drawings in a vector
format for printing; Autodesk 123D is particularly interesting for its cost (free) and built-in 3D slicing
capabilities.
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