Looking for free laser cutting files you can download and cut today? You’re in the right place. CuttingPaths.com is a community-driven marketplace where makers share laser cutting and CNC designs, and every file on this page is completely free to download.
Whether you’re breaking in a brand new laser or you’ve been cutting for years, free files are the fastest way to test settings, learn new joinery techniques, and stock your craft booth. Browse the collection below, or jump to a category like boxes, decor, toys, or organization.
Popular Free Laser Cutting Files
Browse All Free Laser Cutting Files
What Are Laser Cutting Files?
A laser cutting file is a vector design that tells your laser cutter exactly where to cut, score, or engrave. Unlike a regular image made of pixels, a vector file is made of mathematical paths, so your laser follows clean lines at any size without losing precision. Every design on CuttingPaths is uploaded by a real maker who has cut it themselves, so you’re getting files that actually work on the machine, not just pretty renders.
Which File Formats Do Laser Cutters Use?
The most common formats you’ll see are:
- SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) is the most widely supported format. It works in LightBurn, xTool Creative Space, Glowforge, and just about every laser software.
- DXF (Drawing Exchange Format) comes from the CAD world and is the standard for CNC work and engineering-style designs. It preserves exact dimensions, which matters for parts that need to fit together.
- AI and EPS are Adobe Illustrator formats. Most laser software imports them directly, and they’re handy if you want to customize a design before cutting.
- PDF vector files import cleanly into most programs and are easy to preview before you commit.
Most files on CuttingPaths include SVG or DXF versions, and many makers include several formats in one download. If you design in CAD, our guide on exporting files for laser cutting from Fusion 360 walks through getting clean vectors out of your models.
How Do I Use a Free Laser Cutting File?
Download the file, unzip it if needed, and import it into your laser software (LightBurn, xTool Creative Space, Glowforge app, or whatever your machine uses). Assign your cut and engrave layers, dial in the power and speed settings for your material, and always run a small test cut first. Material thickness matters: a box designed for 3mm plywood won’t slot together if you cut it from 6mm stock, so check the design notes before you cut. If you’re still dialing in your machine, our free calibration and test card files will save you a lot of scrap material.
Are These Files Really Free?
Yes. Makers on CuttingPaths choose whether to share a design for free or sell it, and everything linked from this page costs nothing to download. Each design lists its license, which tells you whether you can use it for personal projects only or also sell the things you cut. You can read the plain-English breakdown of each license type on our licenses page. Many free files here allow commercial use of the finished product, which is rare among free file sites and a big deal if you sell at craft fairs or on Etsy.
What Materials Can I Cut?
Most designs here are made for plywood, MDF, hardwood, or acrylic, and the design page usually notes the intended material and thickness. Wood designs generally translate well to acrylic and vice versa as long as you match the thickness. You’ll also find designs that show off specific techniques, like living hinges that let flat wood bend into curves, and finger joinery for strong, glue-optional box construction.
Free CNC Files Too
Have a CNC router as well? We host a growing collection of CNC files alongside our laser designs. DXF files in particular move between laser and CNC workflows easily.
Share Your Own Designs
CuttingPaths is built on makers sharing with makers. If you’ve designed something worth cutting, you can upload it in minutes and share it free or set a price and earn money from every download. Check the seller FAQ to see how it works, then create a free account and start uploading. New designs are added by the community all the time, so check back often.
