Why this matters
Choose the correct LightBurn Layer Mode by understanding the motion each mode asks the laser to perform.
How it works
- Line Mode follows vector contours and can be used for marking, scoring or cutting depending on Speed and Power.
- Fill Mode scans parallel lines through the inside of closed vector shapes.
- Offset Fill follows the contours of a closed shape inward or outward and can become computationally expensive on complex geometry.
- Image Mode processes pixel data and exposes image-specific controls.
Practical workflow
- Identify whether the source is vector geometry or a bitmap image.
- For vector outlines, start with Line Mode.
- For solid vector engraving, start with Fill Mode.
- Use Offset Fill for jobs where contour-following fill is specifically useful, not as a universal Fill replacement.
- Use Preview to confirm that the selected mode produces the motion you expect.
What to watch for
- An object looking filled on screen does not prove it is configured to engrave as Fill.
