You've set your dimensions, dialed in your kerf, and clicked generate. Now you have an SVG file. What comes next? Getting that file into your laser software correctly is where a lot of beginners get stuck. This guide walks you through the full process from download to first cut.
Box Studio exports a single SVG file containing all the panels of your box laid out flat. Each panel is a closed path — the outline the laser will follow to cut.
The file uses:
- Stroke color: red (#FF0000) by default — the standard "cut" color in most laser software
- Fill: none (transparent)
- Stroke width: 0.1mm (hairline — indicates cut, not engrave)
- Units: millimeters
Most laser software will import this correctly without any modifications. But there are a few things to know depending on which software you use.
LightBurn is the gold standard for laser control software and works with almost every machine on the market.
Import steps: 1. Open LightBurn → File → Import → select your SVG 2. The box panels will appear in the workspace 3. Check that the dimensions match what you designed (use the size display in the toolbar) 4. The paths should automatically be assigned to a "Cut" layer — verify this in the Cuts/Layers panel on the right
Common issue — wrong scale: If the box appears much larger or smaller than expected, go to Edit → Settings and check that your document units are set to mm. SVG files can be interpreted differently if LightBurn is set to inches.
Tip: LightBurn's "Optimize Cut Path" feature (in the cut settings) will reorder the cutting sequence to minimize head travel — worth enabling for complex boxes.
Used primarily with xTool diode laser machines.
xTool Creative Space sometimes imports SVGs with slightly scaled dimensions. Always verify with a ruler icon or the size panel before cutting.
LaserGRBL is a free option that works well with many budget diode laser machines (Sculpfun, Ortur, etc.).
LaserGRBL works best with simple SVGs — which is exactly what Box Studio exports. Import via File → Open File, select SVG. The paths should appear ready to cut.
Important: LaserGRBL doesn't have layer management like LightBurn. Make sure you set the correct power and speed for cut (not engrave) before running.
K40 Whisperer works directly with SVG files. Import your Box Studio SVG, assign the red paths to the cut layer, set speed and power, and you're ready.
If you want to rearrange panels, add engraving, or make other modifications before cutting:
Don't scale in Inkscape unless you specifically intend to resize the box — it's easy to accidentally scale everything and ruin your kerf compensation.
Problem: Box cuts 10× too large Cause: Unit mismatch (SVG interpreted as inches instead of mm) Fix: In your laser software, check document/import units setting
Problem: Panels overlap when cut Cause: The layout in the SVG has panels touching — this is normal. Your software should cut each path independently. Fix: Separate panels manually in Inkscape if needed, or just trust the software to cut each closed path
Problem: Machine engraves instead of cuts Cause: Power too low, or layer assigned as engrave instead of cut Fix: Increase power to cut settings for your material, reassign layer to Cut mode
Problem: Joints don't fit after cutting Cause: Kerf not set correctly in Box Studio Fix: Do a kerf test cut, update the kerf value in Box Studio, regenerate and recut
Generate your box SVG in Box Studio, follow these steps for your software, and you'll be cutting clean boxes in no time.
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