In this instructable I'll show you how to design customized laser engraved notebooks. There are many ways to make your notebook unique, but inspired by some projects here on instructables (and my life-long love for maps) I decided I'll share how to make notebooks with maps engraved on them. I also included a few free designs (of maps, and others designs) my wife made (in step 1). And don't forget to read the last step ;)

In case you prefer a narrated version, here's a short video of the project!

I hope you follow along and enjoy this project, and if you have any questions or comments, I'll be happy to reply!

Supplies

You'll need high quality hardcover notebooks with a tough cardboard or wood cover, something without a plastic cover or coating that you can engrave easily. I tried plenty of notebooks, and these two are by far my favorites for laser engraving - blank / lined (these are not affiliate links, I just really like these products).

If you want to make this extra special, you could check out some of the awesome instructables of DIY bookbinding projects here on instructables too.

Oh...you'll also need access to a laser cutter/engraver :) If you don't have one, you can probably get access to one in a nearby maker space.

Step 1: Create Your Map / Design

If you want to skip this step, I attached a few designs right here :)

For the map design, I used a cool website called snazzymaps.com.

Go to snazzymaps.com, and click the 'Build a map' button at the top.
Select a style. For laser engraving I always pick grayscale designs. Specifically, 'Grayscale Style' by Kees Plattel does a really good at highlighting streets.
Select size & location - search your favorite spot, and zoom in/out using your mouse (just like you would on a google map).
Take a snapshot - you can export the map through the user interface, or just take a snapshot (which works great).

Step 2: Edit (in PowerPoint?!)

I know it's a bit unconventional, but I for simple jobs I often use PowerPoint to edit my pictures :)

Paste or import your map into PowerPoint.
Remove the background - double click the image -> picture format -> color -> set transparent color, and pick a white section of your image. This lets you pick a single color in the image and make transparent.
Crop the image to the right aspect ratio - create a new rectangle, and set its width/height to match your notebook. Lay the map over the rectangle, as if it were the actual notebook. The overlap between the two is the part we'll keep. Move the map around until your happy, select both (rectangle & map), press shape format -> merge shapes -> intersect.
Save your image by right-clicking the image and pressing 'Save as picture'.

One more tip - google "how to export high resolution (high dpi) images from powerpoint" to get the most out of it.

Step 3: Final Settings & Laser Engraving

Bring your image into LightBurn, and add text if you like. I like adding the name of the city I'm engraving, but it's also nice to add someone's name (either on the front or on the back of the notebook).

Set the parameters for light engraving. I'm using the 10W xTool D1 diode laser, and I've set the power to 60% and the speed to 100mm/s. If you want to give the settings a try before engraving the notebook, use cardboard or something similar. The closest thing I found was the inner part of a cereal box, and it worked nicely.

Focus your laser, align your design, and hit the start button! A very detailed map on an A5 notebook took around 30 minutes. While you want, feel free to check out my other laser cutting / engraving projects here on instructables :)

Step 4: Post Processing

I'm using an air assist to make sure my engraving is clean, but still, some post processing done a major difference. Since most notebooks are made of some sort of cardboard, I found it's best to use a dry paper towel to clean the left-over char. Just make sure you use a clean part of the paper towel at all times.

Step 5: Done! Enjoy!

That's it! we're all done:) I hope you followed along and enjoyed the project!

Did you know that out of every 1,000 readers only one person (on average) leaves a comment?? Instructables is my favorite online community, and I warmly welcome you to join in and leave your thoughts (here, and on other people's projects)! And here's something special: among the thousands who visit my articles, it's incredibly rare for someone to proudly say, 'I Made It!' by sharing their version of the project project (only about 1 of 50,000 in my experience!). Be that special person!