How to Set Up Cut and Engrave Layers in CorelDRAW

Setting up files for a laser system in CorelDRAW requires organizing design elements so the laser software can distinguish between vector cuts and vector scoring or engraving. This guide explains how to properly configure your document color mode, utilize CorelDRAW's Objects docker to manage separate operational layers, and assign the correct line widths and RGB color codes required by most laser control software.

1. Set the Document to RGB Mode

Laser cutters rely on specific RGB color profiles to identify different processes through color mapping.

  1. Go to File > New or open Tools > Color Management > Document Settings.
  2. Ensure the primary color mode is set to RGB.
  3. Use the standard RGB color palette (Window > Color Palettes > Palettes > Default RGB Palette). Using CMYK colors will cause the laser driver to misread operations.

2. Organize with the Objects Docker

Separating your processes into dedicated layers makes it easier to toggle visibility, select specific paths, and establish cutting orders.

  1. Open the Objects docker by navigating to Window > Dockers > Objects.
  2. Click the New Layer icon at the bottom of the docker to create two distinct layers:
    • Rename one layer to Vector Engrave (or Score).
    • Rename the other layer to Vector Cut.
  3. Move your respective design elements onto their designated layers. Keep the Vector Engrave layer above the Vector Cut layer, as lasers should always mark the material before cutting it free.

3. Assign Hairline Stroke Widths

Laser software reads path thickness to determine whether an object should be raster-engraved or vector-traced.

  • Vector Cut: Select your cutting paths and set the outline width to Hairline via the Property Bar or Outline Pen tool (F12).
  • Vector Engrave (Score): Select your vector engrave paths and also set their outline width to Hairline.

Note: Any line thickness larger than "Hairline" (such as 0.5 pt or 1 mm) will usually be processed by the laser as a raster engraving (scanning back and forth) rather than a smooth vector path.

4. Apply Color Mapping

Laser controllers (such as LightBurn, RDWorks, or proprietary printer drivers) use line color to assign distinct speed, power, and passes to each operation.

  1. Cut Paths: Select all paths on your "Vector Cut" layer. Right-click pure RGB Red (R: 255, G: 0, B: 0) on your color palette to apply it to the outline.
  2. Vector Engrave Paths: Select all paths on your "Vector Engrave" layer. Right-click pure RGB Blue (R: 0, G: 0, B: 255) or RGB Green (R: 0, G: 255, B: 0) to apply it to the outline.

5. Export or Send to the Laser

Depending on your workflow, send the file directly through your laser's print driver (File > Print) or export it as a vector file format like SVG, DXF, or AI (File > Export). Once loaded in your laser control software, assign high power and lower speed to the Red (Cut) lines, and lower power and higher speed to the Blue (Engrave/Score) lines.