Supported exports
The file formats Beam Bench can write, and when each is the right pick.
Beam Bench exports the current project to several vector formats. Use File → Export (or the CLI).
| Format | When to use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SVG | Sharing with anyone, most universally supported. | Closest to Beam Bench's native vector representation. Layers and colors map cleanly. |
| DXF | Sending to CAD or to other laser software. | Good for CAD interop. Bezier curves are approximated. |
| Print, archive, or design review. | Vector PDF (not rasterized). Good for layout review or print-and-cut workflows. | |
| EPS | Legacy PostScript-based pipelines. | Use SVG or PDF first unless the target specifically requires EPS. |
| AI | Adobe Illustrator import. | Modern AI is PDF-compatible; you may have equal luck exporting PDF. |
| PNG | Sharing a rendered raster of the design. | GUI only (File → Export). Resolution follows the canvas screenshot settings. |
| JPG | Smaller raster files for previews. | GUI only. Lossy. PNG is the better default for line art. |
| BMP | Tooling that needs uncompressed raster. | GUI only. Rarely the right pick; PNG covers most use cases. |
CLI
The vector exports (SVG, DXF, PDF, EPS, AI) act on the project currently open in the app and take --path:
beambench-cli export svg --path /abs/path.svg
beambench-cli export dxf --path /abs/path.dxf
beambench-cli export pdf --path /abs/path.pdf
beambench-cli export eps --path /abs/path.eps
beambench-cli export ai --path /abs/path.aiG-code is positional and takes a source .lzrproj and a destination path (no open project required):
beambench-cli export gcode /abs/path/project.lzrproj /abs/path/out.gcodeSee G-code output for the G-code path.
What gets exported
The visible canvas content as vectors (rasters are bundled or referenced depending on format support). Layer information is preserved where the format supports it (SVG: colors and labels; DXF: layer names).
What does not export to most non-.lzrproj formats:
- Per-layer cut settings (power, speed, passes), these are Beam Bench-specific.
- Material library references.
- View state.
- Project notes.
To carry the full project state, share the .lzrproj file directly. See Beam Bench project files.
Print-specific export
For print-and-cut workflows (print the design on inkjet, then cut on the laser), use:
- Print Black (
Ctrl+P), outputs the project to your printer in black-only. - Print Colors (
Ctrl+Shift+P), outputs with layer colors retained.
These bypass the file format entirely and go to the OS print dialog.
Related
- Beam Bench project files: share the full project
- Supported imports
- G-code output
- Hotkeys