Preparing Your Image for Engraving

We want your custom glassware to look as stunning as possible, and that all starts with the right image. Whether you're sending us a handwritten note, a business logo, or a personal sketch, providing the best possible file helps us capture every detail beautifully in engraving. Below, you’ll find a quick guide to the types of files we can work with, how to send them, and what to avoid. If you're ever unsure, just get in touch, we're always happy to help.

Why image quality matters

Traditional sandblasted engraving reproduces prepared artwork with remarkable accuracy. The quality of the finished engraving is therefore closely linked to the quality of the reference material provided.

In many cases, our role is not simply to engrave an image, but to assess, prepare and refine it for the engraving process. This may involve redrawing artwork, rebuilding logos, cleaning scans, or converting historic references into suitable engraving layouts.

The clearer the source material, the more faithfully we can reproduce the original design.

  • photograph of a 1937 Brough Superior SS80 motorcycle with a pair of worn riding gloves resting on the saddle. The reference photo used for the engraved artwork.

    Jpeg Images

    Clear, high-resolution photographs can often be used as the starting point for artwork preparation. Larger image files generally contain more detail and provide greater flexibility when preparing designs for engraving.

  • Hand holding a fountain pen writing on paper with a warm, blurred background

    Scanned Images

    Whether you're taking inspiration from a loved ones handwritten note, a favourite hobby or a delicate sketch, please scan your images at the highest resolution possible.

  • BLOG - Redrawn Masonic Coat of arms with religious symbols and text ready for glass engraving

    Vector Files

    Ai, EPS, PDF, SVG

    Vector artwork contains drawing information rather than pixels, making it the preferred format for logos, emblems, technical illustrations and professional artwork. These files can usually be scaled and prepared without loss of detail.

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You can also send us:

  • handwriting (poems, greeting cards, etc)
  • Simple line drawings
  • Logo
  • A photo of a tattoo
  • Custom font(s)

Files that often cause problems

  • Screenshots from mobile phones
  • Images downloaded from social media
  • Compressed messaging app images
  • Photographs of printed photographs
  • Low-resolution internet images

These files often lack sufficient detail for accurate artwork preparation and may require alternative reference material before engraving can proceed.

Image Engraving Quotation

Many bespoke commissions begin with a photograph, sketch, logo, handwritten note or historical reference. Send us what you have and we will assess the material, advise on suitability, and provide a quotation for artwork preparation and engraving where appropriate.

  • Sherborne St John club logo engraving layout prepared for tankard, shown as approval proof
  • Sailing yacht artwork and photograph provided for engraving
  • Original artwork of a horse with a rider and a prepared engraving version on a white background.

Artwork preparation

Every engraving begins with artwork preparation.

Depending on the material supplied, this may involve:

  • Cleaning and refining scanned artwork
  • Rebuilding logos and emblems
  • Converting photographs into engraving-friendly artwork
  • Redrawing historic or damaged references
  • Adjusting layouts to suit the shape of the chosen glassware

Artwork preparation is assessed individually and quoted according to complexity before any engraving takes place.

Not sure if your image is suitable?

Don't worry if you're unsure about file formats or image quality. We assess every enquiry individually and will advise if additional reference material or artwork preparation is required before engraving can proceed.

Need Help or Want a Quote?

Send your image or logo to us and we’ll get back to you with a tailored engraving quote.

View artwork preparation options and pricing

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