--- title: Images vs. Vectors in LightBurn description: Learn the difference between images and vectors in LightBurn and how they influence laser engraving and cutting. Discover their uses, behaviors, and editing options. --- [Skip to content](https://support.salasers.com/images-vs-vectors-lightburn#main-content) English Show submenu for translations [Submit a Ticket](https://support.salasers.com/kb-tickets/new?hsLang=en) ![MicrosoftTeams-image.png\]](https://support.salasers.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/MicrosoftTeams-image.png?height=50&name=MicrosoftTeams-image.png) Open main navigation Close main navigation - English Show submenu for translations - [Submit a Ticket](https://support.salasers.com/kb-tickets/new) - Go to salasers.com Go to salasers.com Hello. How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [SA Laser Knowledge Base](https://support.salasers.com/?hsLang=en) 2. [Explainers](https://support.salasers.com/explainers?hsLang=en) # Images vs. Vectors in LightBurn ## Understanding the Key Differences for Laser Engraving and Cutting Understanding the difference between **images** and **vectors** is essential for creating and editing projects in LightBurn. Each format has unique properties that affect laser behavior, job speed, and final quality. --- #### What Are Images and Vectors? | **Images** | **Vectors** | | --- | --- | | Made up of **pixels** — tiny colored blocks forming a grid. Often called bitmaps or rasters. | Composed of **lines and shapes** defined by mathematical formulas. | | Common examples include digital photos, scans, or rendered graphics. | Ideal for creating logos, text, or scalable graphics. | | Zooming in reveals visible blocks (pixelation). | Zooming in retains perfect quality, no matter the scale. | | ![Exp-ImageVsVector-ImageZoomed](https://support.salasers.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Exp-ImageVsVector-ImageZoomed.png?width=448&height=336&name=Exp-ImageVsVector-ImageZoomed.png)   | ![Diag-PathAnatomy](https://support.salasers.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Diag-PathAnatomy.png?width=688&height=294&name=Diag-PathAnatomy.png)   | Both images and vectors can be created within LightBurn or imported from compatible file types. Refer to the Importing Guide for details on file compatibility. --- ### **Images** #### **Uses and Laser Behavior** **![Exp-ImageVsVectors-Scanning](https://support.salasers.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Exp-ImageVsVectors-Scanning.gif?width=688&height=238&name=Exp-ImageVsVectors-Scanning.gif)** Images are used exclusively for **engraving**. When a laser engraves an image: - The laser scans side-to-side across the material, creating shading by turning the beam on and off or varying its power. - Producing an image requires significant time since each line is a fraction of a millimeter apart. #### **Appearance and Quality** - Images are assigned to a layer in **Image Mode**. Selected images display a border matching the layer color. - Enlarging an image may result in noticeable pixelation, reducing quality. #### **Image Operations** LightBurn provides multiple **image processing modes** to adjust the engraving result, such as dithering or threshold modes. Choosing the right mode significantly affects the final output. --- ### **Vectors** #### **Uses and Laser Behavior** Vectors are versatile and can be used for: - **Cutting**: Tracing the vector paths to cut through material. - **Scoring/Marking**: Marking lines or perimeters. - **Engraving**: Filling areas with lines, similar to how images are engraved. ![Exp-ImageVsVector-VectorLayerModes](https://support.salasers.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Exp-ImageVsVector-VectorLayerModes.gif?width=688&height=366&name=Exp-ImageVsVector-VectorLayerModes.gif) #### **Layer Modes for Vectors**: - **Line Mode**: Tells the laser to trace vector paths. - **Fill/Offset Fill**: Engraves closed shapes by scanning lines side-by-side. Produces flat colors without gradients or shading. - **Efficiency Tip**: Fill Mode takes more time than marking or scoring; consider Line Mode for designs where appropriate. ![Exp-ImageVsVectors-FillVLine](https://support.salasers.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Exp-ImageVsVectors-FillVLine.png?width=688&height=406&name=Exp-ImageVsVectors-FillVLine.png) #### **Editing Vectors in LightBurn** - **Simple Paths**: Created with tools like **Draw Lines** and edited using **Edit Nodes**. - **Built-in Shapes**: Include editable objects like text, bar codes, ellipses, rectangles, and polygons. These remain editable unless converted to paths. ![Exp-ImageVsVector-VectorTypes](https://support.salasers.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Exp-ImageVsVector-VectorTypes.png?width=688&height=371&name=Exp-ImageVsVector-VectorTypes.png) #### **View Options**: - By default, Fill Mode layers appear as outlines for easier selection of overlapping vectors. - Switch view styles via the **Window Menu** or toggle with **Alt/Option+Shift+W**. --- ### **Converting Between Images and Vectors** #### **Converting Images to Vectors**: - Use **Trace Image** to convert an image into a vector, often used for clip art or small graphics. - **Note**: This process estimates the image and may not always yield the best quality. For engraving, consider using **Threshold Mode** for better results. #### **Converting Vectors to Images**: - Use **Convert to Bitmap** to repair poorly optimized vectors. - **Caution**: This process eliminates the scalability and editability of vectors. Repairing the vector directly is often preferable. --- ### Key Takeaways: - **Images** are pixel-based and ideal for detailed engravings but can pixelate when scaled. - **Vectors** are scalable and versatile, suitable for cutting, scoring, or engraving flat shapes. - Choose the appropriate format based on the project’s requirements, and leverage LightBurn’s tools to optimize the results. 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