Free browser-based artwork preparation
Color Laser Engraving Tool for MOPA Lasers and LightBurn
MOPA Laser Rasterizer turns raster artwork images (.jpg, .jpeg, .png, .bmp, .tif, .tiff, or .webp) into color-separated vector layers, matches those layers to your tested Material Library settings, and builds a .svg file and a LightBurn .lbrn2 file for final inspection and engraving.
What the tool does
The tool prepares artwork for colored laser engraving workflows. It reduces an image to the engraving colors you enable, builds closed vector regions for those colors, and associates each layer with the matching setting in a LightBurn Material Library.
Map image pixels to a practical palette backed by settings your machine can reproduce.
Convert neighboring same-color pixels into editable, color-separated vector geometry in a .svg file.
Export a .lbrn2 file with matched settings ready for operator review and testing.
Members can select Swatch Palette Vault entries and generate a labeled LightBurn test coupon for their chosen dimensions.
From image to MOPA Laser color engraving
Upload a raster image (.jpg, .jpeg, .png, .bmp, .tif, .tiff, or .webp), then choose the processing size and physical pixel size.
Select the material and Material Library containing color settings tested on your laser, lens, and metal.
Open the generated project in LightBurn, verify every layer and parameter, then engrave a test coupon.
Why the settings come from you
MOPA Laser color is a physical surface result, not a screen color sent directly to the machine. Power, speed, frequency, pulse duration, line interval, angle, focus, lens, material grade, finish, and preparation can all change the observed mark. The Rasterizer therefore uses settings you have tested and stored rather than inventing a universal recipe.
Start with MOPA Laser color discovery, learn the role of pulse width and frequency, and keep repeatable recipes in a LightBurn Material Library.
Use SVG-only mode without uploading settings
You do not have to upload a Material Library to use the Rasterizer. If you prefer not to provide your tested laser settings, or your laser and production software do not use LightBurn, select SVG-Only under Output settings.
The Rasterizer will convert the artwork into layered vector geometry using the default Rasterizer swatches you keep selected. You may exclude default swatches, but SVG-only jobs use their official colors and names rather than custom setting names. The completed job provides the layered .svg file while skipping Material Library parsing, laser-setting assignment, LightBurn project creation, and .lbrn2 output.
Import the SVG into the software appropriate for your machine, then assign and verify every production setting there. Read Using Rasterizer in SVG-Only Mode for the complete workflow and limitations.
Who this color engraving software is for
The workflow is designed for experienced LightBurn users who want to turn photographs, illustrations, logos, or abstract artwork into layered projects. It is also for people who are new to LightBurn-or have never used it-but are actively looking for a more capable alternative to the software supplied with their laser. Anyone interested in learning about or experimenting with MOPA laser color engraving can use these tools and guides as a practical starting point. MOPA fiber lasers offer the broadest parameter space for color marking on responsive metals, although every source and material must be tested independently.
The tool prepares files; it does not operate the laser, certify settings, or guarantee a physical color. Review laser compatibility and the MOPA laser workflow before production.
Color laser engraving tool questions
Does the Rasterizer generate MOPA Laser color settings?
No. It maps artwork to settings in the Material Library you select. Those recipes should be developed and validated on the exact laser, lens, material, and focus used for production.
Does it work with LightBurn?
Yes. The workflow produces a .svg file and a .lbrn2 file intended for inspection and use in LightBurn.
Can it prepare a color photograph?
Yes. The Color Photo preset reduces the photograph to enabled palette colors and creates corresponding vector regions. Results depend on the available physical engraving palette.
Is colored engraving the same as printing ink?
No. Ink adds pigment on top of the metal. A laser instead heats or textures the surface to form oxide colors or optical interference patterns. Oxide develops from the metal's surface rather than being deposited on it, and the laser cannot independently control every part of that reaction. Laser-made palettes therefore tend to offer fewer reliably repeatable colors than ink, and some colors may change with the lighting or viewing angle.
Prepare your color engraving project
Bring your artwork and a tested LightBurn Material Library. Rasterizer will organize the color-separated project for your final review.
Open the free tool