Colors are not decoration
In LightBurn, the palette colors are primarily a way to assign objects to layers. A layer represents an operation plus the settings used for that operation. The red line you see on screen does not mean the finished object will be red — it means that geometry belongs to that layer.
Think in manufacturing steps
A simple plywood sign could use three layers:
- a Fill layer for engraved text,
- a low-power Line layer for a decorative score,
- a slower, higher-power Line layer for the final cut.
This is why layer organization matters. Two shapes on the same layer normally share that layer's laser settings.
The Cuts / Layers window
The Cuts / Layers window is your operational control center. Depending on device type, it can show Mode, Speed, Power and other critical parameters. Double-click a layer to open the full Cut Settings Editor.
Mode
For vector graphics, common modes include Line, Fill and Offset Fill. Images use Image mode automatically. A layer with Sub-Layers may appear as Multi.
