Halloween always offers playful themes that make for compelling laser-cut or engraved pieces. The designs below cover a spectrum from full cut, to multi-layer shadow boxes, to engraving-only patterns.
1. Halloween Pumpkin Motif
Why this works: The pumpkin warning sign with cut-out faces is a classic. Use it as a single-layer backlight overlay.
Where to find a free version:
Vecty offers is a digital design for laser cutting machine to create Halloween warning sign with pumpkin. This is a ready-to-cut design that can be modified as needed. The design is available in CDR, DXF, EPS, SVG file format for free download.
Tips:
- Use 3 mm or 6 mm plywood, put an LED tea light or strip behind.
- For more contrast, engrave a pattern (dots, spider webs) on the face before cutting.
- You can offset the face cut slightly inward so a “rim” remains for strength.
2. Cute Skeleton Swing Cutouts
Why this works: Intricate outlines are quite tricky for cutting, but can be scaled easily.
Where to find a free version:
Creative Fabrica allows up to 10 free downloads. You will receive a zip folder that includes unique designs in a variety of file formats: SVG, DXF, EPS, PDF, and DWG. These files are compatible with most cutting machines and design software, making them perfect for a wide range of creative uses.
Tips :
- Use these as table decorations, or hanging ornaments.
- Combine with a plywood “frame” and suspend the silhouette layer inside (floating effect).
- Use multiple thicknesses (e.g. 3 mm + 1.5 mm) for layered elements.
3. Haunted House Shadowbox
Why this works: 3D coloured layers create drama - even the cutest ones.
Where to learn more:
Explore the masterclass by Creatorally with SVG and DXF files.
Tips:
- Use 5 layers of 3mm thick coloured plywood.
- Backlight from behind with diffused LED to highlight depth.
- Keep small “bridges” (un-cut tabs) in delicate parts to avoid fragility, then you can remove them manually.
4. Spider Lamp
Why this works: Decorative desktop lamp is a great idea for kids rooms and hallways.
Where to find a free version:
Found on Vectors ART and is free to download in DXF.
Tips:
- Use 3 mm or 4 mm plywood for the ribs and body; thicker sheets can distort curvature.
- LED bulbs only - avoid heat damage from halogen or filament lamps.
- Add extra ribs (12–16) for a rounder body and smoother shadow projection.
- Angle the legs slightly outward for balance; test stability before gluing.
- Add engraved patterning or veining on the legs for realism.
- Combine with a timed LED or motion sensor for an interactive decoration.
- Consider a modular design: replace the lamp body with other seasonal themes (pumpkin, bat, skull).
Bonus: Skull PlyCat Face Engraving (no full cut)
Why this works: If you prefer engraving (no full cut), a face or skull pattern is effective on flat plywood.
Where to find a free version:
We created this for you (SVG)!
Enjoy it for free and sharpen your engraving skills.
Tips:
- Use shading / hatching / crosshatch in engraving to simulate depth.
- Combine engraving with partial cut (e.g. cut eyes or mouth, engrave rest).
- Use darker plywood (or stain) so engraved lines contrast sharply.
How to Use These Designs in Your Workflow
Here’s a recommended workflow and some caveats:
Check license
Even “free” vectors can have restrictions (non-commercial, attribution, etc.). Always read the license before using for paid works.
Optimize for cutting
- Clean up stray nodes, duplicate paths, overlapping lines.
- Merge small shapes; remove micro islands.
- Consider shared cuts (i.e. nesting shapes so waste edges are reused).
Material & thickness considerations
- Use plywood thickness appropriate for small details (e.g. 3–6 mm).
- Keep tabs/bridges on delicate parts so pieces don’t break during cutting.
Test cuts & settings
Always run a small test cut on scrap material to fine-tune power, speed, and kerf compensation.
Layer alignment & registration
If doing layered or stacked designs, include registration holes or alignment features so layers stack perfectly.
Lighting / backlighting
For lanterns / shadow boxes, use diffused LED or frosted acrylic behind to avoid hotspots.
Disclaimer: Ply Online is not responsible for the quality, accuracy, or licensing of third-party design files.
