How to Create Metal Bookmarks with a Laser Engraver

Zhang Cromie Updated On September 03, 2025

For readers and book lovers, creating personalised metal bookmarks is a unique way to leave your mark on the page. A metal bookmark engraved by laser is sleek, durable, and long-lasting—far superior to paper or plastic alternatives. Whether you’re gifting them, selling them online, or making them for personal use, engraving metal bookmarks is a straightforward and rewarding process.

In this guide, you'll learn everything you need to get started with fibre laser engraving for bookmarks, including which materials to use, how to design your artwork, engraving techniques, and why OMTech's fibre laser machines are a great fit for this kind of project.

Why Use a Fibre Laser to Engrave Metal Bookmarks?

Metal bookmarks require intricate detail and a lasting finish—precisely where fibre lasers excel. A fibre laser engraver is the ideal tool for permanently marking metal with speed and high precision. Unlike CO₂ lasers, which are great for wood, acrylic, and leather, fibre lasers are built specifically to mark metals like stainless steel, aluminium, brass, copper, and titanium.

Engraving with a fibre laser doesn’t just apply ink or burn the surface—it creates a textured etching, making it the perfect method for objects like bookmarks that are handled often.

Choosing Materials for Your Metal Bookmarks

Not all metals are equally suited to laser engraving. Here are some of the best options:

Stainless steel – Tough, corrosion-resistant, and offers high-contrast engraving.
Aluminium – Lightweight and engraves cleanly, though some alloys yield better results than others.
Brass – Warm gold tone, vintage charm, and sharp detail in engraving.
Titanium – Highly durable, with the potential for colour effects using specific settings.
Anodised aluminium – Pre-coloured and provides strong contrast without requiring deep engraving.

Each metal has its own feel, weight, and aesthetic qualities. Stainless steel and anodised aluminium are especially popular for their balance of strength, contrast, and cost-efficiency.

Getting Started: Design Tips for Laser-Engraved Bookmarks

Making a metal bookmark isn’t just about picking the right material. The design is just as important to the final outcome. Here are some creative ideas and best practices to help:

Names and Personal Quotes
Short quotes, literary references, or motivational lines are timeless favourites. Pair them with elegant fonts for a polished finish.
Minimalist Graphics and Line Art
Laser engraving is perfect for clean linework. Geometric patterns, floral motifs, and fine borders look crisp and professional.
Logos and Branding
If you’re producing bookmarks for business promotions or product merch, engraving a logo or brand identity works brilliantly.
QR Codes
Add a scannable code linking to a website, reading list, or message. It’s a modern twist—great for marketing or personal gifting.
Cut-Out Shapes
If your laser engraver supports cutting as well as marking, try adding initials, stars, or custom shapes for a unique look.

Make sure your designs are created using vector file formats like SVG, AI, or DXF. These produce cleaner, scalable results when engraving.

How to Laser Engrave Metal Bookmarks: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare Your Design
Use software such as LightBurn or EZCAD to import and scale your artwork. Match the file to your bookmark’s dimensions and leave slight margins around the edges.

Step 2: Clean the Surface
Wipe your blank with isopropyl alcohol to remove any oils, dust, or protective coating. A clean surface ensures a consistent mark.

Step 3: Secure the Material
Place the bookmark blank firmly into the laser bed. Use a jig or magnet to prevent movement—especially helpful during batch engraving.

Step 4: Set Your Parameters
Different metals require different settings. For stainless steel or anodised aluminium on a 30W fibre laser, try:

Power: 30–45%
Speed: 1000–2000 mm/s
Line spacing: 0.05 mm

Always run a test piece first to dial in the best settings for your material.

Step 5: Focus and Align
Use your engraver’s autofocus (if available) to ensure the laser beam is properly aligned. Proper focus gives you clean, detailed results.

Step 6: Start Engraving
Send the job to your OMTech fibre laser and begin the engraving. A simple quote or decorative pattern often takes under a minute to complete.

Step 7: Final Cleaning
After engraving, clean the bookmark again to remove soot or debris. For brass or copper pieces, a quick polish can boost contrast and shine.

Why Choose the OMTech Galvo 20W Autofocus Fibre Engraver?

If you're serious about creating custom metal bookmarks—whether as a creative project or side business—the OMTech Galvo 20W Autofocus Fibre Laser Engraver is a highly capable machine. Here’s what sets it apart:

Autofocus System – Automatically adjusts beam height, saving time and reducing alignment errors.
Compact Size – With a footprint of 68 x 34 x 71 cm, it fits perfectly in small workshops or mobile setups.
High-Speed Engraving – Reaches up to 10,000 mm/s, ideal for volume production.
Extreme Precision – Offers up to 0.01 mm engraving accuracy, perfect for fine lines and intricate designs.
Easy-to-Use Software – Compatible with EZCAD2 and EZCAD3 for complete creative control.
Wattage Options – Available in 20W, 30W, or 50W, covering most engraving depths and metal types.

Bookmark Making with Precision and Style

Laser-engraved metal bookmarks blend utility with creativity. They’re long-lasting, visually striking, and perfect for gifts, retail products, or personal keepsakes. With the right combination of material, thoughtful design, and a high-performance laser engraver like OMTech’s fibre systems, your finished bookmarks will stand out from the rest.

Whether you're marking a special occasion or growing your craft into a small business, OMTech provides the power and precision to bring your ideas to life—clearly and efficiently.

Ready to start creating premium-quality metal bookmarks? Explore OMTech’s range of fibre laser engravers and find the right solution for your workshop today.