Make an engraved nameplate

Create a 60 × 25 mm nameplate with engraved text and a separate outline. This walkthrough ends in software preview and works with the machine disconnected.

Draw the plate and add text

1. Create a new project and draw a rectangle. Select it and set its width to 60 mm and height to 25 mm with the size controls. Turn off proportional sizing if it prevents you setting the two dimensions independently.
2. Choose the Text tool, click inside the rectangle and type LASER. Select a font and size that leave space between the lettering and the edge. Double-click the text if you need to edit it.
3. Keep a copy of the project with editable text. In the working project, select the text and choose Convert to Path.

Set the engraving and outline layers

1. Assign the lettering and rectangle to different layers using the layer palette.
2. In Cuts and Layers, set the lettering layer to Fill and the rectangle layer to Line. Enable output for both layers.
3. Place the lettering layer above the outline layer in the output order. Save the working project.

Check the job in Preview

1. Open Preview job and step through the timeline. The lettering should fill before the rectangle is traced.
2. Zoom in on A and R. Their enclosed spaces should remain clear. If the rectangle fills, check its layer mode. If it runs first, check the layer order.
3. Use Show travel moves to inspect movement between the lettering and the outline. Regenerate the preview whenever you change the project.

For another example using the same word, see Cut lettering left to right. That workflow uses a Line layer to follow each letter’s outline.