Knowledge
Practical LightBurn guides, settings, testing workflows and troubleshooting — written for real workshop use.
Topics
11 articles
Date, time, and Cut Setting variables
Use LightBurn Variable Text for timestamps and live layer values while keeping the result understandable and verifiable.
Material Library: Build Reusable Settings Without Losing Machine Context
Store tested Cut Settings by material and operation, while keeping enough context to know which machine and thickness they actually belong to.
Shape Properties: Power Scale and Cut Order Priority
Apply per-shape adjustments without creating another layer, and know the optimization requirement that makes priority values active.
Sub-Layers: Multiple Operations on the Same Geometry
Apply multiple cut or engraving settings to the same geometry without duplicating the object, and understand the ordering and compatibility implications.
Passes, Z Offset and Z Step: Repeating a Layer Intentionally
Understand repeated passes and Z-axis changes as part of a controlled process rather than a shortcut for unknown cutting settings.
Cut Settings Editor: Common vs Advanced Without Checkbox Hunting
Learn why the Cut Settings Editor changes with device type and Layer Mode, and how to approach Common and Advanced controls systematically.
Image Mode Layer Settings: What Belongs to the Layer and What Belongs to the Image
Separate Image Mode laser settings from per-image processing controls so a change to one image does not unexpectedly affect everything on its layer.
Line Mode for Scoring and Cutting
Use the same vector-following mode for light scoring or through-cuts by controlling energy delivery instead of treating them as different tools.
Layer Defaults vs Material Library: Save Settings in the Right Place
Use layer defaults for recurring palette behavior and Material Libraries for real machine/material recipes.
Speed, Power and Mode: Reading Cut Settings Without Guessing
The three Cut Settings concepts every beginner should understand before copying numbers from the internet.
Layers and Colors: What They Actually Control
Understand why LightBurn colors are operational layers, how objects inherit settings, and what Output and Show really mean.