In laser engraving and cutting projects, users often need to convert images into editable designs. LightBurn’s Trace Image feature makes this process easier by converting bitmap images into vector paths.

This tool is especially useful for images with clear outlines, such as logos, silhouettes, and simple illustrations. After tracing, the generated vector graphics can be edited, engraved, or cut directly in LightBurn. This guide explains how to use the Trace Image function and adjust the settings for better results.

Step 1: Import and Select an Image

First, import a bitmap image into LightBurn.

  1. Click the image to select it.
  2. Open Tools → Trace Image.
  3. You can also use the shortcut Alt + T or right-click the image and select Trace Image.

After opening the tool, LightBurn will create a vector outline based on the selected image.

Step 3: Adjust Threshold and Cutoff Settings

The Threshold and Cutoff settings control which parts of the image will be traced.

  • Cutoff sets the minimum brightness value that LightBurn will detect.
  • Threshold sets the maximum brightness value that will be included in the trace.

By adjusting these two values, you can control which areas of the image become vector lines and remove unwanted details.

Step 4: Select the Trace Area (Optional)

If you only need to trace part of an image, you can define a specific area manually. To adjust the selection:

  • Click and drag inside the preview window to create a trace area.
  • Drag the corners to resize the selected area.
  • Click outside the area to remove the selection.

Step 5: Fine-Tune Trace Settings

Ignore Less Than

This setting tells the trace tool to ignore shapes smaller than the specified number of pixels. Useful for noisy or pixelated images.

Smoothness

Controls how aggressively LightBurn smooths the resulting shapes.

  • A value of 0.0 produces sharp, jagged lines.
  • A value of 1.333 yields very smooth curves.
  • The default value 1.0 provides a good balance between accuracy and smoothness.

For example:

  • A value of 0 may create rough edges.

Optimize

The Optimize option reduces unnecessary nodes in the generated vector paths. Settings include:

  • 0: No optimization
  • 0.2: Default balanced setting

A proper optimization value can help keep the design cleaner and easier to edit.

Sketch Trace

Sketch Trace is designed for handwriting and hand-drawn images. When enabled, LightBurn uses surrounding pixel information to improve tracing results for uneven lighting or image noise.

Step 6: Apply the Trace Result

After adjusting all settings:

  1. Click OK to complete the tracing.
  2. The new vector design will appear above the original image.
  3. Move or delete the original bitmap image if needed.

You can also enable Delete Image After Trace before confirming to remove the original image automatically.

Conclusion

The Trace Image feature in LightBurn is a useful tool for turning bitmap images into editable vector designs. By adjusting settings such as Threshold, Smoothness, and Optimize, users can create cleaner paths for laser engraving and cutting.

Whether you are working with logos, drawings, or simple graphics, mastering Trace Image can help improve your design workflow and expand your creative options in laser projects.

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