Abstract: Method for cutting a planar and/or metal workpiece along a predefined cutting contour using a laser beam and a cutting gas emitted from a nozzle, wherein the laser beam makes a recess in the workpiece so as to form a recess hole (on the cutting contour or at least partly close to the cutting contour. At least two machining parameters are continuously modified during formation of the recess hole, and/or at least one machining parameter is continuously modified on a switch path between the recess hole and an endpoint lying on the cutting contour.