Image Lab · 4 minute guide
Image Lab: AI Vector Artist
Convert any photo to sharp AI line art in one pass and download both a raster PNG for engraving and a traced SVG for cutting and LightBurn.
By Scott Bedow, Founder & Lead Developer · Published July 4, 2026 · Updated July 31, 2026
Manufacturing manager who runs CO2, diode and MOPA fiber lasers; builds and maintains every Reticle Red tool.
Method — Walked end to end in the live tool before publishing. Screens and step order match the current build; settings shown are starting points to validate on scrap.
What this tutorial covers
- One-pass AI conversion of a photo into sharp, engraving-ready line art.
- Both a raster PNG (for grayscale engraving) and a traced SVG (for cutting).
- Direct LightBurn import of the vector SVG paths.
- Auto-save results to your Armory texture library.
1. Prepare the source image
Upload the photograph or artwork and remove distracting background content when appropriate. Inspect the subject and contrast before asking the tool to generate its vector-style interpretation.
2. Generate and inspect the artwork
Review the displayed charge and run the available generation control. Inspect the delivered line art for missing features, unwanted marks and closed gaps; generated artwork may reinterpret the source.
3. Choose raster or vector output
Download the available PNG for a raster workflow or SVG for editable paths. Inspect traced paths after import and assign the intended cut, score or fill operation before using the file on a machine.
Validate the workflow on your machine
Treat the finished file as a controlled starting point, not a universal machine recipe. Confirm the artwork dimensions after import, verify focus and lens selection, and run a small test on scrap from the same material batch before committing the production piece. Change one variable at a time when tuning speed, power, frequency, line interval, or pass count. Record the machine, source wattage, lens, material finish, focus method, and final settings with the saved job. That short production note makes the result repeatable for the next operator and prevents a strong screen preview from being mistaken for a proven burn.