What laser programs open the files?

LightBurn, RDWorks, LaserGRBL, xTool Creative Space, Inkscape, Illustrator and CorelDRAW open the SVG; CAD programs and most CNC software open the DXF. All sizes are in millimetres, lines are 0.05 mm thin.

What is kerf and how do I get a tight fit?

Kerf is the width of wood the laser burns away (usually 0.1–0.2 mm). Parts are made bigger by half of it on every side, so the joints stay tight. Cut the Calibration test first: it has pegs and holes for kerf 0.05–0.30 mm — use the one that holds without glue.

How does a living hinge bend?

Columns of short staggered cuts let 3–4 mm plywood bend round a curve. Closer columns and longer cuts make it softer but weaker. The designer only puts the hinge where the wall bends and checks that it will bend and not break; use plywood rather than MDF.

Which box should I choose?

A finger-joint box is six flat boards. A flex box has one bent wall round a rounded, oval or round bottom. A round-corner box has two flat sides and one strip round them (like boxes.py FlexBox). A heart box is a square on its corner with two half circles; its wall bends only on the curves.

Can I add dividers and engrave a name?

Yes. Draw dividers in the sketch (wall to wall or in one cell) — they get tabs into the bottom, the walls and each other. Engrave a ready picture, text in five fonts or your own image, as a line or a filled area.

Can I slice my own 3D model?

Yes: choose Your 3D file and open an STL, OBJ, 3MF, GLB or PLY. It is cut into layers; every layer gets a number and an engraved outline of the next one, with optional dowel holes.

Is it free, and is my project uploaded?

It is free, with no sign-up. The project is saved in this browser only; nothing is uploaded — every file is made on your computer.

Working…

Box with fingers

Working…

Laser Cut Designer

Design laser-cut boxes — finger joint, flex, round-corner and heart boxes with living hinges — plus book covers and layered sculptures, and get SVG, DXF and PDF.

How to use

1Choose what to make: a finger-joint box, a flex box, a round-corner box, a heart box, a U box, a book cover, a layered sculpture or a calibration test.
2Set the size (outside or inside), the lid, the finger width and the living hinge; the 3D view updates as you type — drag the yellow arrows to resize right on the model.
3Add dividers in the sketch, part names and assembly letters, and your own engraving (a ready picture, text or your image); drag the engraving on the model to place it.
4Set the board thickness, the kerf of your laser, the fit and the sheet size — parts are laid out on sheets automatically. The check shows what to fix, and “Fix” does it for you.
5Download SVG or DXF (red — cut, black — engrave; engraving first, then holes and slots, outlines last) and a PDF with sheets, views and assembly notes.

FAQ

What laser programs open the files?: LightBurn, RDWorks, LaserGRBL, xTool Creative Space, Inkscape, Illustrator and CorelDRAW open the SVG; CAD programs and most CNC software open the DXF. All sizes are in millimetres, lines are 0.05 mm thin.
What is kerf and how do I get a tight fit?: Kerf is the width of wood the laser burns away (usually 0.1–0.2 mm). Parts are made bigger by half of it on every side, so the joints stay tight. Cut the Calibration test first: it has pegs and holes for kerf 0.05–0.30 mm — use the one that holds without glue.
How does a living hinge bend?: Columns of short staggered cuts let 3–4 mm plywood bend round a curve. Closer columns and longer cuts make it softer but weaker. The designer only puts the hinge where the wall bends and checks that it will bend and not break; use plywood rather than MDF.
Which box should I choose?: A finger-joint box is six flat boards. A flex box has one bent wall round a rounded, oval or round bottom. A round-corner box has two flat sides and one strip round them (like boxes.py FlexBox). A heart box is a square on its corner with two half circles; its wall bends only on the curves.
Can I add dividers and engrave a name?: Yes. Draw dividers in the sketch (wall to wall or in one cell) — they get tabs into the bottom, the walls and each other. Engrave a ready picture, text in five fonts or your own image, as a line or a filled area.
Can I slice my own 3D model?: Yes: choose Your 3D file and open an STL, OBJ, 3MF, GLB or PLY. It is cut into layers; every layer gets a number and an engraved outline of the next one, with optional dowel holes.
Is it free, and is my project uploaded?: It is free, with no sign-up. The project is saved in this browser only; nothing is uploaded — every file is made on your computer.