The best fonts for laser engraving
A good engraving font holds up at your real size on your real material. These are picked by measuring the letters: no hairline strokes that burn away, open shapes that stay readable small, and scripts whose letters join.
Small text, serial numbers and dates
Sturdy strokes and a tall x-height, so letters stay readable when they are only a few millimeters tall.
Script fonts for names
Connected scripts with no hairline strokes. They engrave as smooth, continuous lines and still cut cleanly if you go through the material.
Bold headlines
Big, solid letters for the main line of a sign or a cutting board.
Bench tips
- Test on scrap of the same material at the size you will actually make. Wood grain, anodized metal and acrylic all treat thin strokes differently.
- Small text on wood burns wider than it looks on screen. Give letters a little extra spacing.
- Pair one script name with one plain font. Two scripts on one piece fight each other.
Step by step: How to add fonts to xTool Creative Space and LightBurn.
Questions
What is the best font for laser engraving?
For small text, a sans serif or slab with sturdy strokes, like the ones in the first group above. For names, a connected script with no hairline strokes. The best check is your own words: type them in the box above and compare.
What font is best for engraving names on metal?
Metal shows every edge, so clean shapes win. A connected script for a name, or a sturdy sans for initials and dates. Avoid fonts with very thin strokes, which can fade out on coated metal.
Are these fonts free to use on things I sell?
Yes. Every font in FontSmith, free and premium, can be used on products you make and sell. Fonts marked FoundryPass need the membership to download.
Not quite it? Search all of them.
FontSmith shows your words in every one of its fonts. Free fonts are free with an account. FoundryPass unlocks the rest.
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