How to set up multi-layer management in Lightburn

Core Concept: What are LightBurn layers?

You can think of LightBurn layers as transparent acetate sheets. Each sheet contains different graphics (such as cutting lines, engravings, marking lines, etc.), and each sheet is assigned different processing parameters (power, speed, number of passes, etc.). Finally, stacking all the sheets together creates a complete artwork, and the laser processes each layer in the order you set.

1. Location and Interface of the Layer Panel

1. Finding the Layer Panel: On the right side of the software interface, find the "Cuts/Layers" panel. If it's not visible, click Window > Cuts/Layers from the top menu bar to make sure it's selected.

2. Understanding the Interface:

1) Layer List: Displays the name, color, status, and parameter previews of all layers.

2) Eye Icon: Controls layer visibility. Click to hide/show a layer.

3) Lock Icon: Locks a layer. Once locked, no objects on that layer can be selected or edited.

4) Color Block: Represents the display color of all objects on that layer (for onscreen differentiation only, does not affect actual engraving).

5) Parameter Bar: Displays the default processing mode (e.g., cutting, scanning/engraving) and key parameters (power, speed) for that layer.

2. Basic Layer Management

1. Creating a New Layer

When you import a file, a layer will be added.

It's recommended that you name the new layer, such as "Cut Layer," "Image Engraving," "Vector Engraving," or "Marker Layer." Giving your layer a descriptive name is a good practice!

2. Setting the Current Working Layer

In the Layers panel, click the layer you want to draw on. This layer will highlight, indicating it's the active layer.

From now on, all new shapes you create using the drawing tools will automatically be placed on this active layer.

3. Setting the Layer Color

After selecting a layer, you can select a new display color for it in the lower-left corner. This helps you quickly distinguish different layers visually.

4. Hiding and Locking Layers

Click the "eye" icon to hide a layer. Hidden layers won't be engraved, making them ideal for temporarily shutting down certain processes or keeping backups.

Click the "lock" icon to lock a layer. This prevents accidental selection or modification, which is very useful for complex shapes.

5. Deleting a Layer

Select a layer and press Delete on your keyboard to delete it.

Note: Deleting a layer will also delete all objects on that layer.

3. Setting Processing Parameters for Different Layers

1) This is the essence of layer management—assigning independent laser parameters to each layer.

2) Selecting a Layer: In the Layers panel, simply click the layer for which you want to set parameters.

3) Setting Parameters: The toolbar at the top of the software or the "Cutting/Engraving" parameter panel on the right will display the parameters for the currently selected layer.

4) Tool: Select a processing method, such as Cutting, Scanning (Engraving), Filling, or Image.

5) Power/Speed/Times: Set the desired process for the layer. For example:

Cutting layer: Tool = Cut, Power = 100%, Speed = 200 mm/min, Times = 1

Vector Engraving layer: Tool = Scan (Engrave), Power = 50%, Speed = 6000 mm/min, Line Count = 0.06 mm

Image Engraving layer: Tool = Image, Mode = Grayscale, Power = 60%, Speed = 6000 mm/min, Line Count = 0.06 mm

Parameter Inheritance: All objects created on this layer will use these default parameters. You can also select individual objects and adjust them, which will override the layer's default settings.

4. Controlling the Processing Order: Layer Order

1) The laser machine's default processing order is "top to bottom."

Adjusting the layer order: In the Layers panel, simply drag layers to change their top-to-bottom order.

2) Best Practice Order (generally):

First: Internal engraving/shallow engraving (such as image engraving or fine text engraving)

Middle: External engraving/deep engraving (such as a vector engraving border)

Last: Cutting (Ensure all engravings are complete before removing the part from the material to prevent shifting).

5. Practical Workflow Example: Creating an Engraved Keychain

Suppose you want to create a wooden keychain that includes engraving a photo and cutting the outer edges.

Planning: This requires two steps: photo engraving and contour cutting.

1. Creating Layers:

1) Import the file and create a new layer, name it "Photo Engraving," and set the color to blue.

2) Import it again and create a second layer, name it "Contour Cutting," and set the color to red.

3) Setting Parameters:

Select the layer, set the tool to Engraving and Filling, and set the appropriate power and speed (e.g., 60% power, 6000 mm/min speed).

Select the "Contour Cutting" layer, set the tool to Cutting, and set the cutting parameters (e.g., 100% power, 200 mm/min speed).

4) Assigning Objects:

Make sure the "Fill Engraving" layer is the active layer.

On the "Contour Cutting" layer, draw the outline of the keychain (e.g., a circle or a custom shape). 5) Adjust the order:

In the Layers panel, make sure the "Fill Engraving" layer is above the "Outline Cutting" layer. This way, the laser will engrave the fill first, then cut.

6) Preview and Export:

Use the Preview function (computer icon) to check the results and order. You should see the blue areas engraved first, followed by the red areas cut.

Click "Engrave Directly to Device," and LightBurn will automatically export all layer data to the laser in the correct order and parameters.