LONGER How To：Create and Engrave a QR Code in LightBurn

QR codes have become a useful feature in laser engraving projects. By engraving a QR code on wood, acrylic, metal, or other materials, you can connect physical products with digital information such as websites, contact details, product information, or tracking data.

With LightBurn and a LONGER laser engraver, you can create and engrave QR codes directly without using additional design software. This guide explains how to generate, prepare, and engrave a QR code in LightBurn, along with tips for achieving clear and scannable results.

What You Need Before Starting

Before creating a QR code, prepare the following:

Hardware

• A compatible LONGER laser engraver
• A connected computer
• Suitable engraving material
• A smartphone for testing the QR code

Software

• LightBurn installed
• Correct machine profile configured

Before engraving, make sure:

• The laser is properly focused
• The material is flat and secured
• The engraving area is correctly positioned

Always follow proper laser safety procedures, including wearing suitable protective glasses and ensuring good ventilation.

Why Use QR Codes in Laser Engraving?

QR codes allow users to quickly access digital information through a smartphone. They are commonly used in laser engraving projects for product labels, brand information, website links, business cards, equipment identification, inventory tracking, and social media promotion.

Creating QR codes directly in LightBurn makes the workflow easier because users can generate, adjust, and engrave QR codes within the same software without switching between different design tools.

How to Create and Engrave a QR Code in LightBurn

Step 1: Open LightBurn

Launch LightBurn and connect your LONGER laser engraver. Before continuing:

• Check that the correct machine profile is selected.
• Confirm that the computer communicates with the laser engraver.

Step 2: Create a QR Code

In LightBurn, open the QR Code creation tool. A QR code object will appear in your workspace after creation. Avoid manually changing the QR code pattern because incorrect modifications may affect scanning performance.

Step 3: Enter QR Code Information

Enter the information you want the QR code to contain. Examples:

• Website URLs
• Text information
• Contact details
• Wi-Fi information
• Product numbers

Keep the content simple when possible. Longer information creates a denser QR code, which usually requires a larger engraving size.

Step 4: Adjust QR Code Size

Resize the QR code according to your project requirements. For better scanning results:

• Avoid making the QR code too small.
• Keep the original proportions.
• Do not stretch the code horizontally or vertically.

A larger QR code usually provides better scanning reliability.

Step 5: Position the QR Code

Move the QR code to the correct location in your design. Make sure:

• The entire QR code fits inside the engraving area.
• There is enough blank space around the code.
• Other graphics do not overlap with the QR pattern.

Proper spacing helps smartphone cameras recognize the code more easily.

Step 6: Set Laser Engraving Parameters

Configure the engraving settings based on your material and machine. Important settings include:

• Laser power
• Engraving speed
• Line interval
• Number of passes

The correct settings depend on the material being engraved. Before engraving the final product, test on scrap material if possible.

Step 7: Preview the Project

Use the LightBurn preview function before starting the engraving job. Check:

• QR code position
• Engraving size
• Tool path
• Missing elements

Previewing helps reduce mistakes and avoid wasting material.

Step 8: Start Engraving the QR Code

Start the engraving process with your LONGER laser engraver. During engraving:

• Monitor the machine operation.
• Do not leave the laser engraver unattended.

After engraving, scan the QR code with a smartphone to confirm it works properly. A successful QR code should scan quickly under normal lighting conditions.

Common Problems and Solutions

FAQ

1. How do I create a QR code in LightBurn for beginners?

Use the QR Code tool in LightBurn, enter your information, adjust the size and position, set engraving parameters, preview the design, and start engraving.

2. Why is my laser engraved QR code not scanning?

Common causes include low contrast, incorrect focus, overly small QR code size, excessive burn marks, or distorted scaling.

3. What is the best QR code size for laser engraving?

Larger QR codes generally scan more reliably. The ideal size depends on your machine, material, and engraving resolution. Follow official machine specifications or instructions.

4. Can I engrave QR codes on wood?

Yes. Wood is commonly used for QR code laser engraving because it usually provides good engraving contrast and clear visibility.

5. Does LightBurn generate QR codes automatically?

Yes. LightBurn includes a built-in QR code creation feature that allows users to generate QR codes directly inside the software.

6. How do I improve QR code engraving quality?

Improve focus accuracy, use appropriate laser settings, increase engraving contrast, clean the surface after engraving, and avoid making the QR code too small.

Conclusion

Creating a QR code in LightBurn is a practical skill for laser engraving projects. It allows you to add digital information to physical products, labels, and creative designs.

With a LONGER laser engraver, proper QR code sizing, correct engraving settings, and careful testing can help you create clear and reliable QR codes for different applications.