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Convert to Bitmap

Quick Reference: Convert to Bitmap

  • Hero Image

    Turns paths (vectors) into images (pixels).

  • Location

    Edit → Convert to Bitmap

    Right-click → Convert to Bitmap

  • Keyboard Shortcuts

    Windows: Ctrl + Shift + B

    Mac: Cmd + Shift + B

Convert to Bitmap turns selected vector graphics into bitmap images.

Vector graphics are made up of lines, curves, and nodes that define the contours of shapes, while bitmap images are made of a grid of shaded pixels.

See Images vs. Vectors for more information on the differences between images and vector graphics.

Once a vector graphic has been converted to a bitmap image, it is set to Image Mode and can be engraved using a dithered pattern.

Using Convert to Bitmap

Select all vector graphics you wish to convert and go to Edit → Convert to Bitmap (Ctrl/Cmd+Shift+B), or right-click and select Convert to Bitmap.

Convert to Bitmap Window

  • At the top of the Convert to Bitmap window you'll see a preview of the bitmap image that will be created. As you adjust the options the preview will live-update.

  • The Render Type option determines whether the resulting bitmap will show just the Outlines of the vector graphics, will Fill All areas between the outlines, or Use Cut Settings to determine whether to render outlines or solid fills depending on whether the graphics are assigned to a layer set to Line Mode.

    Note

    In order to Render a vector graphic as a solid, filled bitmap it must be a closed shape. See Open vs. Closed Shapes for more information.

  • Set the DPI for the resutling bitmap by manually entering a value into the DPI field, or by adjusting the slider below it. DPI controls the density of the pixels in the bitmap — higher pixel densities lead to sharper images.

  • The brightness value of each pixel is automatically set to 50% gray. After converting vector graphics to bitmap images, you can adjust their brightness using the Adjust Image tool.

  • Press OK to create the bitmap image, or Cancel to discard the changes and leave the vector graphics as they are.

    Warning

    Converting a vector graphic into a bitmap image deletes the vector graphic. To preserve the original graphic while creating a bitmap from it, Copy or Duplicate it, then convert the second copy.

For more help using LightBurn, please visit our forum to talk with LightBurn staff and users, or email support.