Supported imports
Supported artwork formats, unit handling, and import limitations.
Use File > Import or Ctrl+I to add artwork to the current project. You can also drop supported artwork files into the window. Compare dimensions, geometry, layer settings, and Preview with the source before running imported artwork.
SVG
SVG supports vector paths, basic shapes, groups, transforms, supported text, and embedded PNG, JPEG, GIF, and WebP images. Embedded images keep their placement and transparency and use an Image layer.
Fonts must be available on your computer. Convert text to paths when matching the original lettering is essential. Expand unsupported effects in the source application. Check physical dimensions when the SVG omits or ambiguously declares its units.
LightBurn
Both .lbrn and .lbrn2 files are supported. The importer reads supported shapes, paths, groups, text, images, layer assignments, and cut entries. It converts LightBurn coordinates and root transforms into the Beam Bench workspace.
Shared path data must retain its curves and closed outlines. Check these alongside text, inherited layers, and tool layers after import. Unsupported features can produce warnings. A successful import is not a guarantee that every LightBurn feature has a Beam Bench equivalent.
DXF
Supported entities include LINE, CIRCLE, ARC, LWPOLYLINE, POLYLINE, and SPLINE. Curves, bulge arcs, and splines are approximated at the importer's curve tolerance. Unsupported or malformed entities are reported; inspect the warning before using a partial import.
Declared supported units are converted to millimeters. Missing or unitless declarations are treated as millimeters. Unsupported or malformed unit declarations are rejected. Export a flat 2D drawing in millimeters if the source's units or entities are not supported. Ellipses, text, blocks, solids, and meshes should be converted to supported paths in the source application.
PDF and AI
PDF import accepts a restricted vector subset from a single-page document. Supported path geometry and RGB, grayscale, or CMYK paint colors can become artwork and layers.
The importer rejects unsupported content, including live text, clipping, invoked forms, multiple pages, encryption, compressed object streams, and unsupported page transforms or drawing operations. It does not render arbitrary PDFs. Split pages, convert text to paths, and simplify the document in the source app, or export SVG. For scanned pages, export PNG or JPEG instead.
PDF input is limited to 64 MiB, with 32 MiB of expanded page content. Simplifying or splitting a document can reduce these sizes.
PDF-compatible AI files use the PDF importer and its restrictions. Some legacy AI/EPS path syntax is also supported; exporting SVG is more predictable than relying on application-specific Illustrator features.
EPS
The EPS importer reads a limited set of PostScript path commands. It is not a general PostScript interpreter. Convert unsupported text, effects, or other content to paths, or export SVG.
Raster images
PNG, JPEG, GIF, BMP, WebP, TIFF, and TGA import as image objects. New imports lock their aspect ratio. Use Adjust Image to set tone processing or Trace Image to create vector outlines.
Decoded source images and planned raster targets are each limited to 67,108,864 pixels. Reduce source resolution, physical engraving size, or output DPI when necessary. A small compressed file can still decode to a very large image.
G-code geometry
The dedicated API G-code import operation reads supported linear XY burn paths as artwork. It is separate from the normal artwork file picker and does not execute the imported program. Compact and lowercase commands are accepted. Unsupported commands, including G2/G3 arcs and G92 coordinate resets, are rejected rather than silently discarded.
Use a source export with supported linear moves when importing G-code geometry. Recheck layer power, speed, and placement in Beam Bench.