An apparatus (1) for cutting and/or etching articles (4) having a flat surface on which designs and/or writings (11A, 11B, 11C) are reproduced has an operating group (5) arranged above a work plane (2), which work plane (2) is provided with an upper surface (3) for receiving the articles. The operating group is movable along the work plane (2) in order to operate on the articles (4) for cutting and/or etching the articles (4). A first optical device detects designs and/or writings (11A, 11B, 11C) reproduced on the articles arranged on the work plane (2). The apparatus (1) has a second optical device (9) arranged with respect to the surface (2) such as to detect the orientation as well as the position of the articles (4) on the work plane (2) as well as the designs and/or the writings (11A, 11B, 11C) reproduced on the articles.