Laser engraving is the art of using the laser to engrave, mark, or etch an object.

Unlike other types of engraving, the technique does not require tool bits that wear out and have to be replaced. This is a great advantage. However, laser engraving can be technologically complex, often requiring a computer system to drive the movements of the laser head. Precise and clean engravings can be produced at a high rate of speed. Today there are polymers and metal alloys especially manufactured for laser engraving.

When engraving or physically altering a surface is not desirable, ˇ°markingˇ± is done. Marking is done using a broad range of techniques, including printing and hot-branding. Today, laser engraving machines are sometimes used to do marking that previously would have been done by other means.