Image Lab · 5 minute guide
Image Lab: Photo Prep
Convert a photo to a 1-bit dithered engrave with material presets and 15 real dithering algorithms — free, in your browser. Export PNG or LightBurn .lbrn2.
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
- Material presets that auto-calibrate tone, DPI, and dithering per surface.
- 15 real dithering algorithms — Floyd-Steinberg, Stucki, Atkinson, halftone, Bayer, threshold.
- Set true output size in inches or mm at your machine DPI.
- Export a dithered PNG or a burn-ready LightBurn .lbrn2 project — client-side and free.
1. Load a clear photograph
Upload the image in Photo Prep or use the shared Image Lab working image. Inspect focus and the subject crop before adjusting contrast or converting the image to dots.
2. Choose the material starting point
Select the material preset closest to the blank, then inspect how its tonal adjustments affect highlights, shadows and the subject. A preset is a starting point for testing, not a universal machine recipe.
3. Set the output size and DPI
Enter the finished width or height and the intended DPI before exporting. Check the resulting pixel dimensions so the image is sampled for its actual physical size.
4. Compare algorithms and export
Compare the available dithering algorithms at a useful zoom and choose the treatment that preserves the subject on the intended material. Export the prepared image or native file and verify size and scan settings in the receiving software.
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.