Setting Up Your Laser
Machine profiles in CraftStage store your export settings so you get consistent, correct output every time. This guide covers recommended settings for the three most common laser brands.
Creating a machine profile
Navigate to Machine Profiles in the settings area and click Create Profile. Give it a descriptive name that includes the machine model and typical material — for example, "Epilog Helix 24×12 — Acrylic" or "Trotec Speedy 300 — Anodized Aluminum."
Common settings
These settings apply to most laser setups:
| Setting | Recommended Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Format | SVG | Works with CorelDRAW and most laser software |
| Text mode | Curves | Eliminates font substitution issues |
| Stroke width | 0.001" (default) | Standard hairline for laser cutting |
| Cut color | #FF0000 (red) | Most laser software maps red to cutting |
| Engrave color | #000000 (black) | Most laser software maps black to engraving |
| Include cut boundary | Yes (for plates/badges) | Adds cut lines around each item |
Epilog lasers
Epilog lasers (Zing, Mini, Helix, Fusion) use CorelDRAW as their primary design software.
Epilog Helix 24×12
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Sheet width | 24" |
| Sheet height | 12" |
| Margins | 0.25" all sides |
| Spacing | 0.125" horizontal and vertical |
| Format | SVG |
| Cut color | #FF0000 |
| Engrave color | #000000 |
CorelDRAW import tips: Open the SVG in CorelDRAW. All text is already curves, so no font prompts. Use View → Wireframe to verify cut lines are hairline. In the Epilog print dialog, use "Color Mapping" to assign red to vector cut and black to raster engrave.
Epilog Fusion Pro 32×20
Same settings as the Helix but with a 32×20 inch sheet size. The larger bed fits more items per sheet, reducing the number of sheets you need to run.
Trotec lasers
Trotec lasers (Speedy, SP, Flex) use JobControl as their laser management software, often paired with CorelDRAW or Illustrator for design.
Trotec Speedy 300
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Sheet width | 28.5" |
| Sheet height | 15.75" |
| Margins | 0.25" all sides |
| Spacing | 0.125" |
| Format | SVG |
| Cut color | #FF0000 |
| Engrave color | #000000 |
JobControl import tips: Export from CraftStage as SVG, open in CorelDRAW, then print to the Trotec driver. JobControl separates layers by color automatically. Verify that red lines are set to "cut" mode and black areas to "engrave" mode in the material database.
Universal lasers
Universal Laser Systems (VLS, ILS, PLS) use their own Universal Control Panel (UCP) software.
Universal VLS 6.60
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Sheet width | 32" |
| Sheet height | 18" |
| Margins | 0.5" all sides |
| Spacing | 0.125" |
| Format | SVG |
| Cut color | #FF0000 |
| Engrave color | #000000 |
UCP import tips: Open the SVG in CorelDRAW or Illustrator, then print to the Universal driver. In UCP, the color mapping panel lets you assign power, speed, and PPI to each color. Map red to your cut settings and black to your engrave settings.
Tips for all lasers
- Always use curves mode. This is the single most important setting. It prevents font substitution issues that could ruin a production run.
- Test with a single item first. Before running a full batch, export one item and test it on scrap material to verify color mapping, sizing, and position.
- Save profiles per material. Create separate profiles for different materials if your margins or spacing change. "Epilog Helix — Wood" and "Epilog Helix — Acrylic" can have different settings.
- Set a default profile. Mark your most-used profile as the default so it's pre-selected in the export dialog.