PatchForge — Artwork & Uploads

  • Can I upload a PDF or an Illustrator (.ai) file?

    Yes. Drop it on the upload area like any other artwork and PatchForge opens an import dialog. If the file has real vector paths you can bring them in as vectors — nothing is traced or rasterized, so cut and engrave lines follow your original geometry. If you would rather have pixels, choose High-...

  • How do I prepare a photo or logo for laser engraving?

    Use "Vectorize for Engraving" in the Artwork section. It converts a raster image (PNG/JPG) into a clean black-and-white engrave vector, with a live threshold slider so you can dial in how much detail to keep. High-contrast art vectorizes best.

  • How do I remove the background from my image?

    In the Artwork section, click "Remove Background." It runs entirely in your browser and knocks out a white or busy background so only your subject remains — ideal for placing a logo cleanly on a patch.

  • How is the cut line created?

    PatchForge draws the cut line automatically from the shape you choose in Material & shape. Pick Custom Contour to trace the exact outline of your artwork for a die-cut patch, and use the spacing control to add a margin between the art and the edge. Toggle "Show cut line" to check it without t...

  • My .ai file will not open. What is wrong?

    Almost certainly it was saved without PDF compatibility. Modern .ai files are PDFs internally, which is how PatchForge reads them; a legacy or EPS-flavoured .ai is PostScript and cannot be opened. Re-save it from Illustrator with Create PDF Compatible File ticked, or export it as a PDF or SVG. Pa...

  • My PDF text did not come through when I imported as vector. Why?

    PDFs store live (un-outlined) text as font references rather than as paths, so there is nothing for PatchForge to import as geometry. The fix is the standard prepress one: in Illustrator choose Type ▸ Create Outlines and re-export. PatchForge warns you when it spots live text. Importing as High-r...

  • What file types can I upload?

    PNG, JPG, WEBP, SVG, PDF, and AI, up to 20 MB. SVG (vector) gives the crispest result and is best for engraving. PNG is best for full-color UV printing — use a transparent background when possible. JPG and WEBP work for photos but WEBP is the smaller file. PDF and AI open through the artboard pic...

  • What is the difference between raster and vector art?

    Raster art (PNG/JPG) is made of pixels — great for full-color UV prints and photos. Vector art (SVG) is made of paths that stay crisp at any size — best for engraving and clean line work. For a laser job, vectorize first if your source is a photo.

  • What resolution should my artwork be?

    For UV printing, aim for 300 DPI or higher at the size you will print. Low-resolution images look pixelated when enlarged. For engraving, vector artwork (SVG) is ideal because it stays sharp at any size.

  • Which import mode should I pick for a PDF or AI file?

    PatchForge picks for you based on what you are making, and you can override it. Laser engraved and layered acrylic designs default to Vector paths, because the laser follows real lines and a traced raster is a lossy round trip. UV printed designs default to High-res image, since the art gets rast...