Setting the correct engraving and cutting order in LightBurn is an important part of achieving clean and accurate laser engraving results. When engraving and cutting are performed in the wrong sequence, materials can shift during the process, causing alignment issues and ruined projects.

Table of Contents

• What This Guide Covers
• Quick Answer
• Why This Process Matters
• Before You Start
• Requirements
• Precautions
• Step-by-Step Tutorial
• Common Problems and Solutions
• Tips for Better Results
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Final Thoughts

What This Guide Covers

This tutorial explains:

• How to import files for engraving and cutting
• The difference between Line and Fill layers in LightBurn
• How to reorder layers in the Cuts/Layers panel
• How to make engraving run before cutting
• Common mistakes beginners make when setting layer order

uick Answer

To set engraving before cutting in LightBurn:

1. Import the files that need engraving and cutting.
2. Use:
   • Fill mode for engraving
   • Line mode for cutting
3. Open the Cuts/Layers panel.
4. Hold down the left mouse button on the Fill layer.
5. Drag the Fill layer to the top.

LightBurn processes layers from top to bottom, so placing the Fill layer above the Line layer ensures engraving happens before cutting.

Why This Process Matters

Correct engraving and cutting order helps maintain precision throughout the job.

If cutting happens first:

• Small pieces may move during engraving
• Material alignment can shift
• Fine details may become distorted
• The laser may engrave in the wrong position

When engraving happens first and cutting happens second:

• The material remains stable
• Engraved details stay aligned
• Final cuts are cleaner
• The project is easier to complete successfully

This workflow is commonly used for wood signs, acrylic projects, layered crafts, tags, ornaments, and custom engraved products.

Before You Start

Before adjusting engraving and cutting order, make sure your laser engraver and software are properly prepared.

Requirements

You will need:

• A laser engraver compatible with LightBurn
• LightBurn installed
• Design files that include both engraving and cutting elements
• Properly focused laser module
• Connected machine and working workspace

Follow official machine specifications or instructions.

Understanding Line and Fill Modes

The official tutorial explains two important processing modes:

Line

A Line is a line, which can be used for cutting or drawing operations.

Typical uses:

• Cutting outlines
• Vector paths
• Shape borders
• Scoring operations

Fill

Fill is a filling, which can be used for operations such as engraving.

Typical uses:

• Image engraving
• Surface engraving
• Filled text
• Pattern engraving

Precautions

Before starting the engraving job, keep these safety and setup precautions in mind:

• Ensure the material is flat and secured
• Confirm the laser is correctly focused
• Verify the design fits inside the work area
• Double-check layer settings before starting
• Use proper laser safety protection
• Never leave the machine unattended during operation

If your project contains multiple layers, always verify the order in the Cuts/Layers panel before running the job.

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Import the Files That Need to Be Engraved and Cut

Import the files that need to be engraved and cut into LightBurn.

Action

Open your project file in LightBurn.

Your design should contain:

• A Fill layer for engraving
• A Line layer for cutting

Expected Result

The design appears in the LightBurn workspace with separate layers visible in the Cuts/Layers panel.

Important Notes

• The engraving portions should use Fill mode.
• The cutting outlines should use Line mode.
• Verify the correct layer assignments before continuing.

Incorrect layer types may cause unexpected machine behavior.

Step 2: Adjust the Order to Engrave First and Then Cut

To adjust the order of engraving first and then cutting, go to the Cuts/Layers page. Hold down the left mouse button on the Fill mode layer and drag it to the top.

Action

1. Locate the Cuts/Layers panel in LightBurn.
2. Find the layer using Fill mode.
3. Click and hold the left mouse button on the Fill layer.
4. Drag the Fill layer upward until it is positioned above the cutting layer.

Expected Result

The Fill layer appears at the top of the Cuts/Layers list.

LightBurn will now process engraving before cutting.

Important Notes

• LightBurn processes layers from top to bottom.
• The top layer runs first.
• The cutting layer should remain below the engraving layer.

This setup helps prevent material movement during engraving.

Common Problems and Solutions

Tips for Better Results

Keep Engraving Above Cutting Layers

Always place engraving layers above cutting layers in the Cuts/Layers panel for most projects.

Preview the Job Before Running

Use LightBurn’s preview feature to confirm the processing order before starting the laser.

Organize Complex Designs

For multi-layer projects:

• Group similar operations together
• Label layers clearly
• Use different colors for different operations

Secure Lightweight Materials

Thin wood, paper, and acrylic pieces may shift after cutting. Engraving first helps reduce this risk.

Save Tested Settings

Once your workflow works properly, save the project settings for future jobs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does LightBurn process layers from top to bottom?

Yes. LightBurn processes layers in the order shown in the Cuts/Layers panel, starting from the top.

Why should engraving happen before cutting?

Engraving first keeps the material stable. If cutting happens first, small pieces can shift and cause engraving misalignment.

What is the difference between Fill and Line in LightBurn?

According to the official tutorial:

• Line can be used for cutting or drawing operations.
• Fill can be used for operations such as engraving.

What happens if the cutting layer is on top?

The machine may cut the material first, causing pieces to move before engraving finishes.

Can I reorder layers in LightBurn by dragging them?

Yes. Hold down the left mouse button on the layer and drag it to the desired position in the Cuts/Layers panel.

Do all projects require engraving before cutting?

Many projects benefit from engraving first, especially when cutting removes support from the material. However, workflow requirements may vary depending on the project design.

Follow official machine specifications or instructions.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to set engraving and cutting order in LightBurn is a simple but essential skill for laser engraving projects. By placing the Fill layer above the Line layer in the Cuts/Layers panel, you can ensure engraving happens before cutting, helping maintain alignment and improve overall project quality.

This workflow is especially useful for detailed engraving jobs on wood, acrylic, and other lightweight materials. Even a small adjustment in layer order can significantly improve the final result.

For LONGER laser engraver users, following the official LightBurn workflow helps create cleaner, more reliable engraving and cutting projects with fewer mistakes.