Start by peeling off the protective film from the top surface of the acrylic sheet—the side that faces the laser. This prevents burn marks or smoke stains from forming on the visible surface during cutting.

You can leave the bottom film on to protect the underside while it rests on the workbed. Once ready, place the acrylic flat on the laser cutter’s bed and secure it with pins or magnets.

Import your pet line art file into the laser software, such as LaserMaker or LightBurn, and adjust the size and position to match your acrylic sheet.

Double-check everything, and decide if you want to add or subtract elements according to your preferences. For the laser cutting layers, pay extra attention to the minimum power setting. If the min power is too low, the corners may not cut through; if the min power is too high, the corners may not look clean.

Accurate focusing is critical for achieving smooth, clean cuts on acrylic. If your machine has auto focus, use it for quick setup. For manual focusing, lower the laser head with the focus stick until it touches the acrylic surface at the correct angle.

Before starting the job, run the Frame or Border function in your software. The laser head will trace the outline of the design with a visible guide light, helping confirm that the design fits within your acrylic sheet and avoids wasting material.

Once everything is adjusted, start the job and monitor the process as it runs. Watch for excessive smoke, movement of the acrylic sheet, or any warning alarms, and never leave the laser unattended while it’s operating.

After the job is finished and the acrylic cools down, peel off the protective film from the back of the cut piece. Gently wipe the surface and edges with a soft cloth to remove any dust or fingerprints.

Use adhesive or double-sided tape to attach the outline to a photo frame—or any surface where you want to display it. Once attached, your custom acrylic pet outline décor is complete and ready to shine.