In the case of Ponoko, DXF files should contain up to three different colors that represent either a cut, a line engraving, or an area engraving. Of all the files that an engineer can provide, DXF is one of the most common and popular choices as it is used to represent 2D shapes in a vector format which preserves distances as well as layers. Instead, engineers would provide a design file that contains their part to be manufactured, and then the operator would use a converter to convert the model into G-code to be executed by the laser cutter.

However, users who submit files to laser cutting services would never supply G-code as each machine is different, and therefore up to the operater to produce. These toolpath positions also include the speed at which the toolhead should move as well as other complex data such as storing current position, probing, and equations. What files do laser cutters read? Most CNC-type machines, including laser cutters, read a special language called G-code which describes toolpath positions.

Wooden flat files