Use case · Kids' art
Turn a kid's drawing into a laser-cut keepsake
Parents and grandparents order drawings turned into keychains, ornaments and desk plaques. Crayon lines are wobbly and rarely closed, so most auto-traces fall apart when cut.
4 minute read · Free to follow · 2 free batch exports + 1 free single export included
Short answer
Photograph the drawing, trace it as a silhouette or as lines, remove the paper edge, bridge any gaps so it cuts as one piece, add a keychain or stand template, and export at true size.
Built into WeldWords
The photo tracer keeps the child's own lines (no AI redraw), lets you bridge gaps by hand, checks for loose pieces with the integrity panel, and includes kids' gift templates with holes and stand slots.
The tutorial explains what WeldWords is doing for you, plus what to check before you cut.
What you need
- A photo of the drawing
- The finished size
- The WeldWords photo tracer
Step by step
Step 1
Photograph the drawing
Lay the paper flat in daylight and shoot straight down. Thick marker traces more cleanly than pencil.
Step 2
Trace it
Upload to the photo tracer and tap Solid silhouette for a cut-out shape, or Clean design to keep the lines.
Step 3
Pull out just the drawing
Use Box select or Pull out object to drop the paper edge, table and any stray marks.
Step 4
Close small gaps
Kids' lines often don't meet. Draw a bridge across a gap, or use Close gaps so the piece cuts as one.
Step 5
Add a template
Open Starter templates → Kids' art & gifts for a keychain blank, desk-stand plaque with slot, or scalloped tag.
Step 6
Export
Set the finished width in mm and download the SVG or DXF for your laser.
Tips that save material and time
- Signatures work well engraved on a heart or keychain blank.
- Run the integrity check before export to find pieces that would fall out.
- Keep thin lines at least 2 mm wide if you plan to cut rather than engrave.
Questions people ask
Will it change the drawing?
No. It follows the lines in the photo. Smoothing is optional and adjustable.
Can I make it one piece?
Yes. Bridge gaps by hand or weld pieces together, then check the integrity panel.
Do it now instead of reading about it
Trace the drawing, add a keychain or stand, and export at true size.
Open kids' gift templates