Setting a Layer Tracing Strategy

How to Configure a Tracing Strategy for Laser Cutting

Just like borders, tracing strategy plays an important role in determining how your design will be processed during laser cutting or engraving. The tracing strategy defines how the laser follows the shapes and features in your design, which affects the final output.

Access Layer Settings:

1. Click on the three dots (ellipses) on the left-hand panel next to the layer name.

3. Select Settings (gear icon) from the menu.

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Configure the Tracing Strategy

Once in the settings menu, locate the Tracing Strategy options. You can choose between different strategies that will determine how the laser handles the layer during the cut or engraving process.

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Example: Adjusting Tracing Strategy

1. Fill Tracing Strategy

• What it does: The Fill strategy traces the entire area of the features in the layer. It will give you a high vector format that matches exactly what you see on the screen, including all shapes and internal fills.
• Typical use: This strategy is commonly used for engraving because it allows you to get precise, solid lines or fills.

2. Outline Tracing Strategy

• What it does: The Outline strategy traces only the outer edge of the shapes or features in the layer. This creates an outline of all features without any internal fills.
• Typical use: This strategy is best for cutting because it will only cut along the outer perimeter of each feature, leaving the interior areas untouched.

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Best Practices for Tracing Strategy

When Cutting or Engraving a Piece

• Fill Strategy for Engraving:

• Use the Fill strategy when you need to engrave the entire area of a feature. For example, if you have a text or image that you want to be engraved on your material, the Fill strategy will allow the laser to etch the entire design without leaving gaps.
• Outline Strategy for Cutting:

• Use the Outline strategy when you want to cut along the edges of a shape or feature. This is useful for cutting out complex designs, where you only want to cut the perimeter or outer edges of the shapes without touching the inner sections.

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Summary

Choosing the right tracing strategy is essential for ensuring that your laser cutting or engraving project turns out as expected. Whether you need a solid fill for engraving or a clean outline for cutting, setting the right strategy will help streamline the process and prevent mistakes.

• Fill: Use for engraving, gives you a complete high-vector trace.
• Outline: Use for cutting, traces only the outer edges of shapes.

Updated on: 07/01/2025