File Formats¶
Rayforge supports a wide variety of file formats for importing designs and exporting G-code.
Overview¶
- Importing Files: How to import designs into Rayforge
- Supported Formats: Complete list of supported file types
- Exporting G-code: Generate and save G-code files
Supported Import Formats¶
Vector Formats¶
Vector formats are ideal for cutting and engraving with sharp, precise paths:
| Format | Extension | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SVG | .svg |
General use, web graphics | Most common format, fully supported |
| DXF | .dxf |
CAD drawings, technical designs | AutoCAD and CAD software output |
.pdf |
Documents, print-ready designs | Vector content extracted |
Raster Formats¶
Raster (bitmap) images are best for engraving and photo reproduction:
| Format | Extension | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| JPEG | .jpg, .jpeg |
Photos, complex images | Lossy compression |
| PNG | .png |
Graphics with transparency | Lossless compression |
| BMP | .bmp |
Simple graphics | Large file sizes |
| TIFF | .tif, .tiff |
High-quality images | Support for multiple layers |
Specialized Formats¶
| Format | Extension | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ruida | .rd |
Ruida laser controller files | Import existing Ruida jobs |
Working with Different File Types¶
Vector Files (SVG, DXF, PDF)¶
Best Practices:
- ✓ Use for contour cutting
- ✓ Scalable without quality loss
- ✓ Edit paths before import in design software
- ✓ Convert text to paths before import
Common Issues:
- Text not converted to paths: Convert in design software first
- Embedded raster images: Extract or trace to vectors
- Complex gradients: May not import correctly
Raster Images (JPEG, PNG, BMP)¶
Best Practices:
- ✓ Use for engraving photos and complex images
- ✓ Higher DPI = better detail (300+ DPI recommended)
- ✓ Convert to grayscale for single-color engraving
- ✓ High contrast improves results
Common Issues:
- Low resolution: Results in pixelated engraving
- Wrong DPI: Specify DPI in import settings
- Color images: Converted to grayscale automatically
Ruida Files (.rd)¶
Import jobs created for Ruida controllers:
- Operations converted to Rayforge operations
- Layer assignments preserved
- Power and speed settings imported
- May require adjustment for your specific machine
File Import Workflow¶
- Prepare file: Optimize in design software
- Import: File → Open or drag-and-drop
- Review: Check that all elements imported correctly
- Scale: Verify dimensions are correct
- Assign operations: Configure cutting/engraving operations
- Generate G-code: Machine → Generate G-code
Export Formats¶
G-code¶
Rayforge generates standard G-code for GRBL and Smoothieware:
- GRBL: Standard GRBL commands (G0, G1, M3, M5, etc.)
- Smoothieware: Smoothieware-specific extensions
- Custom: Configure custom G-code dialect
See Exporting G-code for details.
Project Files¶
Save your work as Rayforge project files:
- Extension:
.rayforge(coming soon) - Contains: All designs, operations, and settings
- Portable: Share with other Rayforge users
Next: Importing Files → | Supported Formats →