Engraving is what turns a blank piece of metal into a memorial. It's also permanent, so it pays to understand how it's done and what to say before you commit the words for good.
This guide covers the two main engraving methods, how to write the inscription, and what engraving can — and can't — hold.
How memorial plaques are engraved
- Laser engraving — a laser burns or etches the surface. It's precise enough for fine fonts, small text, logos, and even etched photos, and it produces crisp, long-lasting marks on stainless steel and coated metals. The modern standard.
- Rotary / machine engraving — a rotating cutting tip carves into the metal. Deep, tactile, and traditional, ideal for bold lettering on brass and bronze.
- Cast (raised) lettering — used on bronze plaques, where the letters are moulded as part of the casting rather than cut. The most durable of all, and the priciest.
What to write
A good inscription usually has three parts: the name, the dates, and one line that says who they were. Keep the third line specific — a role, a trait, a saying — rather than a generic phrase. Examples:
- "In loving memory of [Name] · 1948–2024 · A kind man, a fine father"
- "[Name] — forever our sunshine"
- "Remembering [Name], who never met a stranger."
Proofread every character before you approve it. Engraving can't be undone, and a wrong date or spelling means starting over.
Fonts and durability
Clean serif and block fonts stay legible when engraved small and outdoors; delicate scripts can clog with dirt over time. On metal that lives outside, laser-engraved stainless steel and cast bronze hold their lettering the longest with the least care.
What engraving can't hold
Even the finest engraving is limited to a few lines. A whole life — the voice, the photos, the stories — never fits on a plate. That gap is why a growing number of memorials pair engraving with a scannable code.
Adding a digital layer to any plaque
Engraving fixes a few lines in metal. A small QR memorial plaque can sit beside — or be engraved into — the piece you choose. When a visitor scans it with a phone, it opens a private memorial page with photos, video, and the stories that a line of engraving can never hold.
It doesn't replace the plaque. It gives the people who stop by a way to see the person, not just their name and dates. If you're weighing whether it's right for your family, this guide explains how QR codes on grave markers and memorials actually work.
Scan2Remember helps families preserve a life's story — a weatherproof QR plaque paired with a digital memorial page that stays online for good.
Frequently asked questions
Is laser or machine engraving better for a memorial plaque?
Laser engraving is best for fine detail, small text, logos and etched photos on steel and coated metals. Rotary machine engraving gives deep, bold lettering on brass and bronze. Both last outdoors when done on the right metal.
Can engraving be changed after it's done?
No — engraving is permanent. Always proofread the name, dates and spelling before approving. If you need to update information later, a QR memorial plaque links to an editable online page.
How many lines can I engrave?
It depends on plaque size and font, but most hold a name, dates and one to four short lines. Smaller text fits more but is harder to read, especially outdoors.
Which font lasts best outdoors?
Clean serif and block fonts stay legible over time and don't clog with dirt the way fine script can. Legibility matters more than decoration on an outdoor plaque.