All I want to do is make faux leather hat tag labels. I created the tags no problem, but when I try to add a cute little icon or image to the label (i.e. a sunflower), it show “Image” in the Mode column and not “Fill.” When I view the preview, it shows the sunflower being made and the label being cut, but when I hit start, the laser (Acmer S1 25W) only does 3 passes and then says “Busy.” Nothing else happens. I’ve watched tons of videos and the Mode column always says “Fill.” I’ve never seen “Image.” And I’ve used AI & Inkscape to convert the icon into SVG and it still won’t work. What am I doing wrong???
As a stopgap before more knowledgeable folks arrive, the doc may helpful:
Those sunflowers on the image will translate easily into vector objects by using the TRACE command. Right click on the image, and select TRACE - then click on OK. Now you have a vector object that has been rendered from a bunch of tiny blocks of a variate of colors to a black and white shape that is defined into a path that the laser will follow.
Additionally, your artwork would benefit from being a little farther away from the edge of the workspace. I predict that your scan angle is at 0 degrees (default setting) and you have a tiny amount of overscan turned on (again, default) If your engraving is too close to the edge of the workspace, the laser will not allow the laser beam to go outside the defined workspace, so it stops.
Check your preview (ALT+P) and see if there is a red blurry outline over the image. If not, turn on SHOW TRAVERSAL MOVES. Here, I have an octagon that is set up on the very left edge of the workspace - and I have a large overscan set. There is a faint green line that shows the edge of the workspace. Just like at the amusement park, you gotta keep you arm, leg and laser inside the ride at all times ![]()
Why is that important? An image, the laser will fly over the entire thing - even the white spaces outside the engraved area.
Hahaha! I thought the same thing, “There is no IMAGE selection.” ![]()
Tracing the image worked!! You are a rock star! The image was very faint, but it was there. I just need to work on my material settings. Thank you!

