Photo VCarve CNC Software

PhotoVCarve software instantly converts photographs and images into high quality toolpaths that can be run on virtually all CNC routing and engraving machines.

The opportunities PhotoVCarve offers are endless and it can be used by all CNC machine users. From the hobbyists who build their own ‘home brew’ tables to professional engravers running high cost industrial machines, the software offers something for everyone. 

PhotoVCarve creates lines of grooves that vary in width and depth to represent the detail in a photograph or image. The quality of the finished result is very dependant upon a high level of contrast between the material surface and the machined grooves. This information is very important to remember when cutting designs using the PhotoVCarve software.

PhotoVCarve machines dark areas in a photograph with wide groove and the lighter areas to have narrower ones. The software automatically calculates the toolpaths based on the cutter selected and maximum depth of groove required. 

3D Lithophane and 3D Grayscale machining are also possible. Lithophanes are 3D photographs that, when viewed in normal lighting, look a little dull and lifeless. But, when back lit, they transform into stunning 3D pictures with depth and detail that cannot be seen in a flat 2D photograph. PhotoVCarve can also automatically convert a grayscale image into a 3D height map that can then be carved.