Image Processing Modes

Bitmap Grayscale

Converts the image into a grayscale engraving where the laser adjusts its power based on the brightness of each pixel.

Bright areas receive less laser power, dark areas receive more. This creates tonal variation, making it well suited to photos and images with gradual shading.

Good for:

• portraits and photos
• artwork with continuous tones and gradients
• any image where you want shading rather than a flat result

Bitmap Threshold

Converts the image to pure black and white by applying a brightness cutoff. Pixels above the threshold do not engrave. Pixels below engrave at full power.

The result is a high-contrast, binary output with no half-tones. This is the most predictable mode for graphic artwork.

Good for:

• logos and icons
• stamps and flat graphics
• line art and high-contrast illustrations
• any image where you want a clean, crisp result

Bitmap Dither

Converts the image to a dot pattern that simulates shading. The dithering algorithm distributes dots to create the impression of gradients, within the constraints of a laser that can only fire or not fire.

The result looks more like a halftone print than a grayscale photo. It tends to hold more visible detail than threshold, while being more graphic than grayscale.

Good for:

• photos when you want a more stylized, high-contrast look
• detailed images where you want tonal range without smooth gradients

• For photos with natural shading, start with Grayscale.
• For logos and flat graphics, use Threshold.
• For photos where you want a more graphic or print-like result, try Dither.

No mode is universally better. Results vary depending on the material, laser power, and speed. Testing on scrap before the real job is always worthwhile.

In addition to the processing mode, Light Lane includes image editing tools available from Edit Image.

The image editor includes:

• Brightness
• Contrast
• Highlights
• Shadows
• Saturation
• Gamma

Use these to correct an image before it is processed. For example:

• if the engraving looks too dark, reduce brightness or reduce contrast
• if highlights are getting lost, bring them down with the highlights slider
• if the image looks flat, increase contrast
• if fine details are disappearing, adjust gamma

Make changes one at a time and generate to check Preview after each one.

• Image adjustments affect how the image is prepared, but the final engraving result also depends on your material and laser settings.
• For most photos, some adjustment to brightness and contrast improves the output even before changing the processing mode.
• If you are also adjusting power and speed, use Material Test Grid or saved material settings rather than guessing.