Beginner's Guide to LightBurn: Understanding the Main Window and Key Features

If you’re new to LightBurn, the software's main window might seem overwhelming at first. However, there’s no need to worry—this guide will help you navigate the essential sections of the interface. 

Tool tips: If you hover the mouse over a control, you'll see a small bit of text pop up that describes that button or feature, like this:

The Main LightBurn Window: Key Sections Explained

Upon launching LightBurn, you’ll encounter the default layout of the main window.

The layout includes several sections, which we’ll break down for clarity.

One important element to note is the status bar at the bottom of the window. This bar will display various updates, such as the position of the cursor, laser connection status, and backup progress.

These sections will be the ones you interact with most often. If you accidentally close any of them, simply go to the menu bar, click Window, or right-click an empty space on the toolbar to restore the window you need.

Menus in LightBurn: Accessing Key Features

Like most desktop software, LightBurn uses a menu bar located at the top of the main window, providing access to nearly every feature of the software.

The appearance of these menus may vary slightly depending on your operating system, and some options may be unavailable if your laser doesn’t support them.

Many features come with keyboard shortcuts, which are displayed next to the menu items. Familiarizing yourself with these shortcuts can greatly speed up your workflow. Additionally, you can find a list of 'shortcuts' under Help > Quick Help and Notes.

The LightBurn Main Toolbar: Quick Access Tools

The main toolbar in LightBurn allows you to quickly access common functions such as opening or importing files, saving work, using the clipboard (copy/paste), and adjusting the view (zoom and move). Next to the main toolbar, the Arrangement Toolbar offers tools for arranging and aligning shapes.

If you’re unsure about a button’s function, simply hover your mouse over it to reveal a helpful tooltip.

Creation & Modifier Tools: Easy Shape Creation and Editing

LightBurn’s shape creation tools are conveniently located on the left side of the workspace by default.

 These tools include basic shapes like rectangles, circles, text, and lines, as well as more advanced tools for modifying shapes, such as merging objects or duplicating multiple shapes.

The Select Tool is the default and most frequently used tool in LightBurn.

Color Palette: Assigning Operations to Shapes

The color palette is located at the bottom of the LightBurn window, though you can also dock it next to the creation tools on the left side.

In LightBurn, colors are not used for printing, but to assign different operations (such as cutting or engraving) to shapes in your design. A common convention is to use red for cuts.

Click on a color in the palette to create new shapes in that color. If you have existing shapes selected, clicking a color will change their assigned operation to match that color. The colors currently in use will appear in the Cuts / Layers window.

Tool Layers: Non-Output Layers for Design Planning

At the bottom of the color palette, you’ll find Tool Layers (T1 and T2).

These special layers are used for non-output shapes that won’t be sent to the laser. Tool layers can be useful for tasks like:

• Indicating material size and positioning
• Aligning shapes with guide lines
• Image masking

Cuts / Layers: Customizing Layer Settings

The Cuts / Layers window displays all the colors in your design and allows you to adjust the settings associated with each color. 

You can assign names, modes (Line, Fill, or Image), and adjust speed and power settings for each layer.

Double-click any layer in the list to access a more detailed Cut Settings Editor, where you can fine-tune the options.

Size and Position: Numeric Editing for Precise Adjustments

LightBurn offers a Numeric Edits toolbar for precise resizing, positioning, and rotating of shapes.

You can lock the aspect ratio of objects and adjust their origins using the 9-dot control. The number entry boxes accept units like millimeters (mm), inches (in), and more, allowing you to quickly input the dimensions you need.

Fonts and Text Controls: Customizing Text Elements

When you create or select text, the Fonts and Text Controls toolbar activates.

This toolbar allows you to modify font styles, size, alignment, spacing, and even enable automatic character welding. You can also use this toolbar for variable text such as serial numbers or dates, and even import data from CSV files.

The Laser Window: Manage Your Machine Settings

The Laser Window is where you can choose the active laser, test framing, and control your machine’s operations.

This window may look slightly different depending on the type of laser you're using, and some features might be hidden in Beginner Mode.

Workspace / Edit Window: Your Design Layout Area

The Workspace, or Edit Window, is where your design comes to life. It displays the available work area on your laser machine and shows how the artwork will be arranged and processed. The grid and border within the workspace represent the physical limits of your machine’s working area.

By understanding these essential components of LightBurn’s interface, you’ll be able to work more efficiently and get the most out of your laser cutting and engraving projects.

Remember, with practice and exploration, LightBurn becomes an intuitive tool that helps you bring your designs to life.