Laser engraving is now available on Printify, bringing next-level precision, durability, and a premium feel to your non-apparel product lineup. With this advanced decoration method, you can etch text, logos, graphics, or even photos onto a wide array of products like tumblers, keychains, flasks, and more.
In this guide, we’ll cover what laser engraving is, how it works, how to prepare your designs, and which products are currently supported. Whether you’re a small business owner or scaling a larger shop, laser engraving opens the door to unique personalization and higher perceived product value.
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Laser engraving: What, why, and when?
Laser engraving is a high-precision technique that uses a laser beam to remove material from a product’s surface, creating a permanent, detailed design. Depending on the material, engraving type, and equipment used, the final look can range from polished silver or white to dark etched lines, giving each product a unique and professional finish.
Printify currently uses CO₂ laser engraving technology, which makes it possible to etch text, logos, and even photo-quality images onto a wide range of materials.
This technique works on coated metal, glass, wood, plastics, and cardboard – materials that can be easily shaped or engraved using a laser cutter. It’s perfect for personalized gifts, home decor, branded accessories, or any item where durability and a premium feel matter.
Why choose laser engraving?
- Durability: Engraved designs don’t fade, peel, or wear off.
- Premium appeal: Adds value and sophistication to everyday products.
- High precision: Suitable for names, logos, and even intricate designs.
- Minimalist design: Works great with black-and-white graphics.
- Wide material compatibility: From wood and glass to coated metals and anodized aluminum.
When is it best to use?
Laser engraving services are perfect for a sleek, subtle, and durable decoration method. Use it for:
- Custom drinkware
- Kitchen and dining accessories
- Promotional items
- Wine glasses and barware
- Branding metal parts and tools
The only limit is how creative you want to get with materials and designs.
Custom laser engraving requirements
Product customization with a laser is relatively simple, but your design file needs to follow some basic rules for the laser machine to perform correctly. Just like other decoration methods, designs have to be clear, well-prepared, and compatible with the format supported by the engraving and cutting machines.
Different materials will produce varied results when engraving with a CO₂ laser:
- Wood and coated metals: Expect a more detailed, shaded grayscale engraving, making them suitable for logos, text, and photo-based designs.
- Glass: Results in a binary, “on/off” effect with less detail, creating a frosted, high-contrast look.
CO₂ Laser engraving do’s
- Design in solid black on a transparent background for the most consistent engraving results.
- Convert photos to grayscale and apply medium contrast for clearer photo engravings.
- Upload high-resolution images (300 DPI recommended) for sharp and clean engraving.
- Use vector files or medium-contrast rasters – accepted formats include PNG and SVG.
- Test readability – avoid fine lines or overly thin fonts that may lose clarity when engraved.
- Outline fonts in vector design files before saving your SVG to prevent compatibility issues.
- Keep the material’s surface in mind – different materials like glass, wood, or metal can react differently to the laser machine.
- Use tools like Adobe Illustrator or compatible engraving software to prepare smooth vector paths and well-aligned layouts.
- Enable auto focus, where supported, to maintain even depth and detail.
CO₂ Laser engraving don’ts
- Skip gradients, shadows, or photo-style effects on glass products – they won’t translate well into etched marks.
- Don’t overcrowd your design. Even though laser engraving can handle detail, overly complex patterns may reduce legibility.
- Don’t assume every surface behaves the same. Wood, glass, and plastics each engrave differently.
- Avoid low-resolution or blurry images. Poor source images will engrave with lost sharpness and definition.
Check out our Help Center for detailed guidelines on design placement and the best practices to ensure top quality.
What products can be laser-engraved?
The laser engraving process is currently available on select non-apparel products, with more launching throughout 2025.
Available now:
Coming soon via the Early Access Catalog:
- June 2025: Engraved glassware (6 products)
- July 2025: Engraved drinkware and kitchen essentials (8 products)
- August 2025: Engraved kitchen and dining accessories (13 products)
These products feature materials compatible with laser engraving, such as glass, acrylic, anodized aluminum, and select coated surfaces. Other materials like leather, stone, and fabric are not currently supported in Printify’s Catalog.
Products in the Early Access Catalog don’t yet have live mockup previews in the Product Creator. We strongly recommend placing a sample order before launching to customers to ensure your design looks perfect. You can also check our Help Center for instructions on how to create your own mockups.
Check before you sell
Since laser engraving is a precision-based method with material and product variation, we highly recommend ordering a sample of your product. This helps confirm:
- Engraving depth and clarity
- Placement accuracy
- Alignment with your design expectations
- Quality of the surface finish (especially for coated or textured items)
Samples allow you to assess and make adjustments before listing your laser-engraved product for sale, improving customer satisfaction and reducing returns. This also helps ensure your price point reflects the quality of the final product.
FAQ
Laser engraving is a decorative technique that uses a focused laser beam to permanently remove material from a product’s surface, creating a visible mark. It’s ideal for logos, text, and detailed designs on non-apparel products.
The laser engraving machine directs a high-powered beam at the target area, which heats and vaporizes or discolors the material depending on its composition. This can include engraving, polishing, or annealing, each offering different visual and tactile effects. Some techniques, like sub-surface engraving, can even be used to create detailed models within glass or crystal.
Laser engraving physically removes material, leaving a deeper mark, while laser etching or marking discolors or stains the surface without removing any depth. Engraving is more permanent and durable, making it a better fit for everyday items like tumblers or metal parts.
Start creating with laser engraving today
Whether you’re adding names to drinkware or creating custom-branded merchandise, laser engraving lets you deliver a professional finish that lasts. With a growing product range and fast launch potential through Printify, you can easily roll out custom items while benefiting from the versatility of laser engraving across a range of premium materials.
Browse the Early Access Catalog and place a sample order to start selling unique, premium products today.