LED Edge Lit Sign

The design is fully customizable: you can pick an image from the Project Noun emoji picker, adjust its scale and margins, and fine-tune score line density for the right balance of brightness and detail. This template was used to create all of the examples seen above. Check out the video below to see how it was done.

Perfect for Halloween with pumpkins, ghosts, bats, or a spooky haunted house.
Or get ready for Christmas with trees, snowflakes, reindeer, and stars.
Everyday ideas: pets, sports, initials, music notes, or a simple heart.

The slot and base parameters are set to match a common round LED base with a 70 mm wide by 16 mm deep slot, but can be modified for other base styles.

Make sure to score the lines and orient the lines in the direction of your laser movement.

All measurements are in millimeters unless otherwise noted. The final art height is displayed in inches for easier sizing.

Quick Demos

LED Base Shim

This small 3D printed shim is designed to stabilize acrylic signs in LED bases that have a slightly loose slot. Slide it into the channel in the LED base to create a snug fit and keep your sign standing straight and secure.

Parameters

artwork - Choose an image from the Project Noun emoji picker. For best results, select artwork with connected shapes, or increase artMargin so the sign remains one piece.

artScale - Resize the artwork. Larger values make the design taller; final art height is displayed in inches for reference.

artMargin - Space between the edge of the acrylic and the artwork. Increasing this margin ensures the design stays connected as one piece.

lineSpacing - Controls engraving line density. Tighter spacing makes the image darker and more defined. Vertical scored lines act as light pipes, carrying LED light up through the design.

text- Enter custom text to engrave on the sign. This can be a name, date, greeting, or short phrase.

textScale - Adjusts the width (x) and height (y) scale of the text.

textPosition - Sets the position of the text in the design. Adjust the X and Y values to move it relative to the artwork.

textFrame - Adds a rectangular frame around the text to create a wider area for support.

font - Choose a font for your text or select another available font.

reverse - Flips the entire project horizontally. Useful when you want the smoother or cleaner surface of your material to face forward.

ledBaseSlotWidth - Width of the slot in the LED base. Do not make the panel much wider than the base, as areas beyond the LEDs will not be illuminated.

ledBaseSlotDepth - Depth of the slot that holds the acrylic. Adjust if your base is shallower or deeper.

ledBaseMargin - Adds extra width on each side of the slot, creating a shoulder that helps stabilize the acrylic in the LED base.

ledBaseRadius - Roundness of the LED base outline corners. Increase for softer curves, decrease for squarer edges.

ledBaseHeight - Height of the visible LED base under the acrylic panel. This is for reference and visualization.

ledBaseOffset - Distance from the bottom edge of the acrylic to the top of the LED slot. Adjust if your base holds the panel higher or lower than standard.

How It Works

This template engraves the artwork as vertical scored lines, which act like light pipes. The density of these lines (set with lineSpacing) controls how much light is captured — closer lines make the image darker and bolder, while wider spacing makes it lighter and more subtle.

Choosing Artwork

• Connected artwork works best. If your chosen design has separate floating parts, increase artMargin or choose a different image so the final sign remains one solid piece.

• Avoid oversized designs. Try not to make the panel much wider than the LED base. Areas extending beyond the LEDs will not receive light and won’t glow evenly.

• Simpler shapes glow brighter. Highly detailed artwork can block light and reduce overall brightness, while bold outlines and solid silhouettes illuminate better.

Best Practices

• Use lineSpacing to balance light and detail. Tighter lines = bolder glow, wider lines = softer glow.

• Keep the panel width close to the LED base width for even illumination.

• Add a larger artMargin if your artwork has delicate or floating shapes.

• Test on scrap acrylic to confirm scoring depth and line density before cutting your final piece.