Puzzle Generator · 4 minute guide
Puzzle Generator: Jigsaw Cut Lines
Generate interlocking jigsaw cut patterns with custom tab size and columns. Overlay artwork and export single-line cut paths.
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
- Custom tab size, piece count, and column layout controls.
- Overlay your own artwork onto the interlocking cut grid.
- Exports clean single-line vector cut paths for any laser.
1. Set the puzzle artwork and size
Upload an optional image overlay and choose the finished puzzle dimensions. Keep important subject features away from unwanted crop boundaries.
2. Choose the rows and columns
Set the piece count with the grid controls. Review the resulting piece size against the material and intended handling rather than choosing density from the screen alone.
3. Adjust the interlocking tabs
Tune the tab shape and inspect edges, narrow necks and corner pieces in the preview. Avoid details too small for the chosen material or cutting process.
4. Export and test the cut paths
Download the cut layout or supported native export, confirm physical dimensions and tool operations, and test a few pieces before cutting the full puzzle.
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.