iLoveDXF

Photo Stencil Generator

Turn a photo into a multi-layer spray-paint stencil. Each layer is a separate cut sheet, with bridge tabs added automatically so islands like letter counters don't fall out — entirely in your browser.

Each layer cuts a wider tonal range than the last. Cut and spray them in order, using the shared registration marks to line them up.

Free, no sign-in. The photo is processed in your browser — nothing is uploaded.

Drag & drop, or click to choose a JPG, PNG, or WEBP

How it helps

Splits a photo into 2-5 cumulative tone layers, each its own cut sheet.
Automatically bridges isolated material islands so they don't fall out when cut.
Shared registration marks on every layer for lining them up when spraying.
Export DXF or SVG per layer for laser or vinyl cutting. Free, browser-local, nothing uploaded.

Best practices

  • - High-contrast photos with clear light/dark separation work best.
  • - Start with 3 layers; more layers add tonal detail but also more fragile cut lines.
  • - Use the invert option if your subject is light on a dark background.
  • - Cut and spray layers in order (lightest cut area first is typical), aligning by the registration marks each time.

Limitations

  • - Bridges are placed automatically by spacing, not hand-tuned per shape — very thin or complex islands may need a wider bridge width.
  • - Very high-contrast, high-detail photos can produce fragile stencils; simplify the photo first if pieces look too delicate.
  • - This treats every enclosed hole the same way; it doesn't distinguish artistically important vs. incidental islands.

FAQ

How does bridging work without breaking the shape?

For every isolated island (kept material fully surrounded by cut area), the tool casts a ray outward from points around its edge until it exits the cut region, then paints that strip back to material directly in the mask before re-tracing — so the fix happens in raster space, which sidesteps needing to synchronize gaps across two separate contours.

Why multiple layers?

A single silhouette loses all tonal detail. Cutting several layers, each covering a wider tone range, lets you spray progressively lighter or darker paint through each one and build up a photorealistic image.

What if a bridge looks wrong on a tiny detail?

Increase the bridge spacing or width, or reduce the layer count — fewer, larger islands are easier to bridge cleanly.

What materials work?

Manila stencil paper, chipboard, and mylar sheets for hand cutting; thin plywood, cardboard, or vinyl for laser/knife cutters.

Is anything uploaded?

No. The photo is processed entirely in your browser and the tool is free with no sign-in.