We describe the analysis and operation of an improved actively mode‐locked,Q‐switched continuously pumped neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet laser. Basically the picosecond laser has been modified by a substitution of the classical output mirror by a convenient Fabry–Perot resonator which is used as the reflective element in order to provide an efficient reshaping of the picopulses. Instead of providing transform limited pulses with 100‐ps duration at 1‐MW peak power, our system is able to deliver sharper picopulses (18 ps) without significant loss in the overall efficiency. Besides obvious basic research applications, this low cost, easy to do modification may turn out to be extremely useful whenever laser implants and material cutting are concerned.