Vector Stacker

Separate any image into laser-ready layered SVGs.

Vector Stacker opens in Easy mode: generate or upload artwork, build a deterministic layered word sign, and export a fabrication-ready stack. Select any physical layer and use Generate Detail to prompt Style DNA ornament into its safe interior as cutouts or registered engraving. Switch to Advanced for repair brushes, puzzle cuts, kerf, registration, nesting, and alternate exports.

Operating Steps

Step 1: Choose a Workflow

Use Image to Layers for uploaded PNG, JPG, WEBP, or SVG artwork, or Layered Word Sign to generate a welded two- or three-layer text sign with adjustable backer offset.

Step 2: Generate Detail in a Layer

Select a layer and click the sparkle action. Describe the motifs, choose a Style DNA and engine, then apply the result as laser cutouts or a registered engraving operation. Edge safety and minimum-detail controls keep generated ornament away from structural cuts and remove undersized features.

Step 3: Tune and Confirm

For uploaded artwork, use Color Similarity to merge near-identical shades; Simplify and Smoothness control path density. For AI detail, review tiny-feature warnings and enable bridges when cutouts leave loose centers.

Step 4: Choose Physical Behavior

Solid lower layers makes each lower sheet support everything above it. Close small gaps repairs accidental breaks independently. Advanced mode adds Puzzle Fit and measured kerf compensation.

Step 5: Assign Materials & Thickness

Select a material color for each layer (for the 3D preview) and set the layer thickness in mm. This drives the 3D stacked preview — orbit it to verify the physical depth of your sign before cutting.

Step 6: Add Frame & Registration Marks

Enable Add Frame to add a border rectangle that connects all floating islands. Enable Registration Holes to add precision alignment circles at all 4 corners of each layer — these are critical for accurate stacking.

Step 7: Export

Click Export ZIP to download a single archive containing one SVG per layer, all at the same canvas size and registration. Import each SVG into LightBurn as a separate cut layer.

Tactical Tip

For the cleanest separation, start with a high-contrast image that has flat, distinct color areas (logos, icons, clip art). Photos with gradients will produce many layers — use the Color Similarity slider to merge them down to 3–5 key layers.

Stacked — Layered Reveal

Solid layers pile on top of each other. Each layer above is cut with openings that reveal the material below — the classic tiered look. Lower layers stay solid, so pieces deliberately overlap underneath.

Puzzle — Coplanar Inlay

Every region becomes a separate piece that nests into its neighbours in a single plane. Each piece is auto-inset by half the Kerf Width so the laser's cut removes no shared material and the pieces fit together with zero overlap.

Brush / Eraser Tools

Paint directly on the canvas to add or remove areas from any selected layer's mask. Supports mouse and touch on mobile. Adjust brush size with the Brush Size slider.

3D Preview

Click the 3D button to see your sign as a stacked mesh in Three.js. Orbit with click-drag, zoom with scroll. Layer Thickness and material colors are reflected live.

Before a production run

Save the source file before changing geometry or parameters, confirm the final physical dimensions, and inspect the smallest details at the intended output size. Use matching scrap to test focus, speed, power, frequency, and layer order. Record the settings that worked with the material and machine so the next job starts from a verified result.

Open Vector Stacker Tool Workspace