Version 2.0
MyLaserTools 2.0 release notes
Art Library, sparks and a better Design Editor
MyLaserTools 2.0 introduces the Art Library, vintage fonts and the Pattern Generator, plus node editing and offsets in Design Editor. Sparks bring map exports and paid artwork together under one credit balance.
New features
- Art Library: Browse more than 29,000 laser-ready pieces traced from illustrated books published before 1931, plus original designs. Search by collection, subject, mood, motif, book or tag. Each artwork page shows its source and explains how you may use it.
- Colour SVG and PNG formats: Many book illustrations are available as a monochrome SVG for engraving, a flat-colour SVG and a transparent PNG for printing. One unlock covers all available formats.
- Cut-ready label: Pieces with a single closed outline carry a Cut label to help you find artwork suitable for laser cutting.
- Book pages: Explore dedicated pages for selected books, with the author, publication year and all artwork traced from each book.
- Vintage fonts: 94 alphabets rebuilt from scanned lettering books, including 13 from Delamotte's Book of Ornamental Alphabets (1914). Type your own words to preview them.
- Pattern Generator: Make repeating patterns in millimetres with separate cut, score and engrave layers. Open them in Design Editor or use them in supported panel and box tools.
- Preview images: When signed in, you can download any piece's preview as a PNG, handy for a quick mockup.
- Sparks: One balance for map exports (10 sparks) and paid artwork (2 sparks). New accounts start with 100 sparks, and existing accounts get a one-time gift of 100.
- Spark packs and memberships: Top up with a one-time pack of 50, 100 or 500 sparks. Supporter ($4.99 a month or $45 a year) and MyLaserTools Pro include paid artwork.
Improvements
- Node editing in Design Editor: Select several nodes at once, edit curve handles, join and split paths, and close open shapes.
- Offsets and snapping: Preview an outward offset or an inward inset before you apply it; the original stays untouched. Snap to nodes, midpoints, the grid or guides you place yourself.
- Add artwork from any source: Add SVG uploads, Art Library pieces and designs from generators through the same Add dialog, preserving their size and colours.
- Design Editor on small screens: The editor fills the page, with less-used controls grouped in a More menu on small screens. A separate guide explains how to use it.
- Community designs on wood: Published community designs now appear in a wood preview that shows cut-through holes and engraved details more clearly.
- Baltic fonts: Twelve Baltic display fonts now appear in Connected Text and Fancy Text.
- Font fallback notice: If a saved design uses a font that is no longer available, the preview switches to Pacifico and tells you, so you can check the lettering before exporting.
Bug fixes
- Sharing designs: Sharing works again in Table Numbers and the car plate, badge and charm tools.
- Map Designer export dialog: Pressing Escape with the Download menu open no longer freezes the page.
- Tree of Life 3D preview: The 3D preview no longer crashes, and the Autumn Tree exports as one solid shape.
- Font picker: Fonts in the picker load and preview correctly again.
- Tools without WebGL: Previews and exports keep working in browsers where WebGL is off or unavailable. Only the 3D tab needs it.
Quick answers
- What's new in MyLaserTools 2.0?
- Version 2.0 adds the Art Library of laser-ready artwork from vintage books, 94 restored fonts, the Pattern Generator and sparks, plus node editing and offsets in Design Editor.
- Which file formats does the Art Library have?
- Formats depend on the piece: some are SVG only, some PNG only and some both, and each artwork page lists what it has. Many book images come in three versions: a monochrome SVG for engraving, a flat-colour SVG and a transparent PNG. One unlock covers every format of a piece.
- Can I cut Art Library pieces on my laser?
- Pieces labelled Cut have a single closed outline suitable for laser cutting. For other pieces, check the available formats and suggested uses on the artwork page.
- What are sparks?
- Sparks are the MyLaserTools credit balance. A map export uses 10 sparks and a paid artwork unlock uses 2. New accounts start with 100 sparks.
- Who can use the Art Library?
- Anyone can browse it. Some collections open with an account, and paid artwork unlocks with sparks or comes with a Supporter or MyLaserTools Pro membership.
- Do I need to pay again to download artwork I have unlocked?
- No. Artwork unlocked with sparks can be downloaded again without another charge while it remains in the library.