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Tutorial: Convert an Image to DXF

You want to reproduce a 2D drawing in vector form without having to draw it yourself? No worries, our Steelster explains in detail how he produced the DXF plan of his favorite group starting from a black and white image. Discover right away, step-by-step, how to simply convert an image into DXF.

We often receive requests to cut logos in .pdf or image format, but we work exclusively with the DXF format.

Recently, a customer contacted us, explaining that he had no experience with vectorization and CAD software. After receiving his order, we were surprised, a talent was born! Until he confirmed to us that he had "almost" nothing drawn himself. He kindly documented his process for us, so that his technique could serve other customers in the future.

Step 1: Find an image and vectorize it

1. First, he found the logo of his favorite group through Google Images (the image must be in black and white for a good conversion and be free of rights).

2. Then he uploaded the image to this vectorization site, which converts an image (jpg, png, pdf, jpeg are supported) into vector representation (.DXF). And it's free!

Step 2: Make corrections to the file

Once the file is downloaded, a few corrections are necessary for laser cutting. These corrections can be made using libreCAD (free CAD software for Windows and Mac) before sending it to us:

3. During conversion, a second outline may be added, as you can see in the image below (a part has been selected in blue). You must always delete the outer outline to obtain the desired result:

Removal of outlines

4. The loops of the letters A, R and O must be removed since they fall out during cutting.

DXF after error removal

Step 3: Check the dimensions and save your image as DXF

5. The image size remains unchanged during conversion. To obtain the desired dimensions, a simple operation is necessary, which can be found under the following tab:

Edit > Scale. (Don't panic if nothing appears, it's normal. Read on)

Then you need to select everything (Ctrl+A), then press the "Enter" key on the keyboard and finally click on the outline. A window will open to resize your drawing.

6. For a cleaner and more precise circle, our customer retraced it and added a hole at the top to be able to hang it (not necessarily necessary):

Final DXF version

Nothing very complicated, accessible to anyone who is starting with CAD software!

Step 4: Place an order on John Steel DXF

7. All that remains is to drag the file onto the homepage of John Steel DXF, choose the metal and confirm the order.

Here is the result with black anti-rust paint to finish the decoration:

Cutting with black paint

A big thank you to our Steelster for this tutorial!

See you soon 🙂

John

Posted in: John Steel DXF, the online cutting service, simpler, faster

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By: Sylvie On 2026-01-11

Bonjour, je n arrive pas a vous envoyer le logo pour un devis. Découpe du logo sur de l inox façon cuir, pas très épais environ 80 sur 60. Comme peut-on faire.
Merci beaucoup

Replied by: John Steel On 2026-01-19 Bonjour,
Je vous invite à transmettre votre demande à contact@john-steel.com
Bonne journée à vous,

Lucas - John Steel