LightBurn layers are an important feature for organizing laser engraving and cutting projects. By using different layers, users can separate different processing tasks and apply specific settings such as power, speed, and passes for each part of the design.

This guide explains the basic concept of LightBurn layers, how to manage layers, set different processing parameters, and control the processing order for laser projects.

What Are LightBurn Layers?

You can think of LightBurn layers as transparent sheets placed on top of each other. Each layer contains different graphics, such as cutting paths, engraving areas, or marking lines.

Different processing parameters can be assigned to each layer, including power, speed, and number of passes. When the layers are combined, they form the complete design, and the laser processes each layer according to the order you set.

Location and Interface of the Layer Panel

1. Finding the Layer Panel

On the right side of the LightBurn interface, find the "Cuts/Layers" panel. If the panel is not displayed, go to: Window > Cuts/Layers, from the top menu bar to enable it.

2. Understanding the Layer Interface

  • Layer List: The layer list shows the name, color, status, and parameter information of each layer.
  • Eye Icon: The eye icon controls layer visibility. Click it to hide or show a layer.
  • Lock Icon: The lock icon protects a layer from editing. When a layer is locked, objects on that layer cannot be selected or modified.
  • Color Block: The color block represents the display color of objects in that layer. This color is only used for easier identification inside LightBurn and does not affect the actual engraving result.
  • Parameter Bar: The parameter bar displays the processing mode and key settings for the selected layer, such as power and speed.

Basic Layer Management

1. Creating a New Layer

When importing a file into LightBurn, a layer will be created automatically. It is recommended to rename layers based on their purpose, such as:

  • Cut Layer
  • Image Engraving
  • Vector Engraving
  • Marker Layer

Clear layer names make projects easier to manage.

2. Setting the Active Working Layer

In the Layers panel, click the layer you want to use. The selected layer will be highlighted as the active layer. Any new shapes created with LightBurn drawing tools will automatically be placed on this active layer.

3. Changing Layer Colors

After selecting a layer, you can choose a different display color from the lower-left area of the interface. Using different colors helps you quickly identify different processing areas.

4. Hiding and Locking Layers

Hide a Layer: Click the "eye" icon to hide a layer. Hidden layers will not be processed by the laser. This is useful when temporarily disabling a process or keeping backup designs.

Lock a Layer: Click the "lock" icon to prevent accidental selection or changes. This is especially useful for projects with complex designs.

5. Deleting a Layer

Select the layer and press the Delete key on your keyboard.

Note: Deleting a layer will also remove all objects inside that layer.

Setting Processing Parameters for Different Layers

The main purpose of layer management is assigning different laser settings to different parts of a design.

1. Selecting a Layer

In the Layers panel, click the layer you want to adjust.

2. Setting Processing Parameters

The toolbar at the top or the Cutting/Engraving parameter panel will display the settings for the selected layer.

You can adjust:

  • Processing method
  • Power
  • Speed
  • Number of passes

3. Tool

Select a processing method, such as Cutting, Scanning (Engraving), Filling, or Image. 

4. Processing Method Examples

  • Cutting layer: Tool = Cut, Power = 100%, Speed = 200 mm/min, Times = 1
  • Vector Engraving layer: Tool = Scan (Engrave), Power = 50%, Speed = 6000 mm/min, Line Count = 0.06 mm
  • Image Engraving layer: Tool = Image, Mode = Grayscale, Power = 60%, Speed = 6000 mm/min, Line Count = 0.06 mm
  • Parameter Inheritance: All objects created on this layer will use these default parameters. You can also select individual objects and adjust them, which will override the layer's default settings.

Controlling Processing Order: Layer Order

By default, LightBurn processes layers from top to bottom. To change the order:

  1. Open the Layers panel.
  2. Drag layers up or down to adjust their processing sequence.

Recommended Processing Order

  • First: Internal engraving/shallow engraving (such as image engraving or fine text engraving)
  • Middle: External engraving/deep engraving (such as a vector engraving border)
  • Last: Cutting (Ensure all engravings are complete before removing the part from the material to prevent shifting).

Practical Example: Creating an Engraved Wooden Keychain

Suppose you want to make a wooden keychain that includes both photo engraving and edge cutting. The project requires two processes:

  1. Photo engraving
  2. Outer contour cutting

Step 1: Create Layers

Create a new layer:

  • Name: Photo Engraving
  • Color: Blue

Create another layer:

  • Name: Contour Cutting
  • Color: Red

Step 2: Set Parameters

Select the Photo Engraving layer:

  • Tool: Engraving / Filling
  • Power: 60%
  • Speed: 6000 mm/min

Select the Contour Cutting layer:

  • Tool: Cutting
  • Power: 100%
  • Speed: 200 mm/min

Step 3: Assign Objects

  1. Make sure the engraving layer is active.
  2. Place the photo engraving object on the engraving layer.
  3. Draw the keychain outline, such as a circle or custom shape, on the contour cutting layer.

Step 4: Adjust Layer Order

Make sure the engraving layer is above the cutting layer. This allows LightBurn to engrave the design first and cut the shape afterward.

Step 5: Preview and Export

Use the Preview function to check the processing order and expected result. The preview should show the engraving process first, followed by the cutting process. Click:

  • Engrave Directly to Device

LightBurn will export the layer information to the laser according to the selected order and parameters.

Conclusion

Using layers correctly in LightBurn helps organize laser engraving and cutting projects more efficiently. By assigning different parameters and processing orders to each layer, users can achieve better control over their laser workflow.

Understanding layer management is especially useful for projects that combine multiple operations, such as engraving and cutting in the same design.

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