PHOTO PREPARATION GUIDE · RASTERGO
Choosing an image mode when importing into LightBurn
Updated October 2026 · Free browser tool · photos stay on your device
Image mode decides whether the laser software re-interprets the tones of your PNG. If your file is already dithered, choose a mode that passes the pixels through; if it is continuous-tone, let the software convert it. Check the mode on every import.
The decision that matters
After you export a PNG, the import step can either keep your pixels or convert them again. Applying a second tonal conversion to an already dithered image operates on dots rather than tones and destroys the pattern you chose.
Two sane pipelines
- Dither in preparation, pass through on import: export a dithered PNG from RasterGo, then import it in a mode that does not re-map tones.
- Export continuous tone, convert in the laser software: export an undithered grayscale PNG and let LightBurn do the conversion.
LightBurn documents its image modes here: Image Mode reference. Read the description for the version you actually run and pick the mode that matches how you exported.
Checklist on import
- Confirm physical width and height match what you set.
- Confirm the image mode matches your export (dithered versus continuous tone).
- Inspect the preview at 100% before running the job.
RasterGo prepares image files in your browser. Material previews are labelled digital simulations, not photographs of engraved pieces, and no power, speed or physical result is promised.