Variable Text turns a text object into a controlled placeholder. LightBurn resolves that placeholder from the selected data mode when the job is prepared. The most important rule is simple: the mode and the formatting syntax must match.
Choose the source first
LightBurn provides modes for Date/Time, Merge/CSV, Serial Number, and Cut Setting data. Decide which source owns the changing value before writing the placeholder. A CSV column token cannot produce a serial number, and a date token will not work while the object is set to Merge/CSV mode.
Build the smallest working example
Create one text object, select the required Variable Text mode, and enter a single documented placeholder. Use LightBurn's Test function to inspect the resolved value. Confirm the font, alignment, width, and expected characters before adding logos, arrays, or multiple fields.
Protect the layout
Changing data can make text wider or narrower. Define the available space deliberately. Max Width can constrain the result, Squeeze can compress a long value, and Ignore Empty Vars can suppress objects when their variable resolves empty. Inspect the shortest and longest likely values, not just the first row.
