Tutorial
How to weld letters without losing the holes in a, e and o
Welding is supposed to join the outside of your letters, not swallow the inside of them. This guide covers counters, dots and accents, and how to keep all of them where they belong.
4 minute read · Free to follow · Two free word downloads included
What you need
- Text converted to outlines
- Software that can weld or union paths
- A close look at every enclosed shape
- Optional: WeldWords, which preserves counters automatically
Step by step
Step 1
Understand what a counter is
The enclosed hole inside a, e, o, d and p is called a counter. It is a second path inside the letter, cut in the opposite direction, which is what tells the machine it is a hole rather than solid material.
Step 2
Use even-odd or non-zero fill correctly
When a weld flattens paths with the wrong fill rule, counters either fill in solid or drop out as loose islands. WeldWords keeps the hole paths intact through every weld.
Step 3
Weld the outlines, not the holes
Only the outer boundaries of neighbouring letters should merge. If a connecting stroke crosses into a counter, move the join point rather than thickening it.
Step 4
Attach the dots and accents
Dots on i and j, and accents on á, ñ or ü, are separate shapes. Either connect them to the letter with a small bridge, or accept that they become loose pieces to glue back on.
Step 5
Inspect before exporting
Zoom in on every enclosed shape. A counter that touches the outer edge is no longer a hole and will fall out during cutting.
Step 6
Export and confirm in your cutting software
Import the SVG or DXF and check the preview. Holes should show as inner cut lines, not as separate parts to be removed.
Tips that save material and time
- If a counter keeps filling in, the hole path direction was lost — re-outline the text and weld again.
- Very small counters in tiny text will char shut on a laser; increase the size or pick a more open font.
- Script fonts with tight loops are the most likely to lose counters, so check them first.
- Dots that stay separate are fine for painted signs but a nightmare for keychains.
Questions people ask
Why did the middle of my 'o' disappear?
The weld merged the inner path into the outer shape. The hole has to remain a distinct path with the opposite direction to stay a hole.
Why did the centre of my letter fall out on the bed?
It cut correctly as a hole, but nothing held it in place — that is normal for a stencil. If you need it attached, add a small bridge between the counter and the outer shape.
Does WeldWords handle accents in other languages?
Yes. Accents, Arabic dots and Indic marks are detected and kept attached wherever the geometry allows.
Do it now instead of reading about it
Type the word, let it weld, download the file. Two words are free.
Try it in the maker