LaserBurn PC Software User Manual

I、Foreword

1.1 Software Introduction

1.2 Scope of application

1.3 Safety Tips

II. Basic Preparations

2.1 Operating Environment Requirements

2.2 Software installation

2.2.1 Windows system installation

2.2.2 Mac/Linux System Installation

2.3 Initial Startup Setup

III、Interface cognition

3.1 Menu bar

3.2 toolbar

3.3 Canvas Area

3.4 Property Panel

3.5 Laser control window

IV. Core Operating Procedures

4.1 Project creation and file import

4.1.1 New project

4.1.2 Import external files

4.2 Graphic Creation and Editing

4.2.1 Basic Graphics Creation

4.2.2 Graphic editing

4.3 Processing parameter settings

4.4 Equipment connection and processing operation

4.4.1 Device connection

4.4.2 Frame Preview

4.4.3 Start processing

4.4.4 Processing completed

V、project management

5.1 Project Save

5.2 Project open

5.3 Project Export

VI. Common Problems and Solutions

6.1 Device cannot connect

6.2 Machining graphic offset

6.3 Insufficient/Excessive Processing Depth

6.4 Software crash/no response

VII. Appendix

7.1 Shortcut Key Summary

7.2 Supported file formats

7.3 Technical Support

  

I、Foreword

1.1 Software Introduction

LaserBurn is a professional laser engraving/cutting software that integrates design, editing, and laser equipment control, supporting multiple platforms including Windows, Mac, and Linux. The software can communicate directly with mainstream laser controllers such as GRBL without requiring additional intermediary software, achieving engraving precision down to 0.01 millimeters. It is widely applicable to various scenarios such as advertising signage production, craft engraving, and leather processing. Its core advantages lie in its intuitive user interface, powerful graphical editing functions, and flexible equipment adaptability, meeting the diverse needs of users from beginners to professionals.

1.2 Scope of application

This manual applies to all official versions of LaserBurn PC, covering the entire process from software installation and configuration, graphic design and editing, device connection and control, to project management. It is suitable for both novice users and experienced users who require guidance on advanced features.

1.3 Safety Tips

II. Basic Preparations

2.1 Operating Environment Requirements

• System Requirements: Windows 7 and above (64-bit), Mac OS 10.13 and above, Linux (Ubuntu 18.04 and above).

• Hardware requirements: at least 4GB of RAM, more than 100MB of free hard disk space, and a USB interface (for connecting laser equipment).

• Other: The corresponding laser device driver needs to be installed (obtain the CH340-CH341 driver from the machine's SD card).

2.2 Software installation

2.2.1 Windows system installation

1.  Visit the LONGER official website (https://www.longer3d.com/pages/download-software), click the "Download" section, and select the Windows version installation package;

2. Locate the downloaded installation package (usually in the "Downloads" folder), and double-click to run it.

3. In the installation wizard, click "Next," read and accept the license agreement, and then click "Next" again.

4. Select the installation path (the default path is sufficient for most needs), and click "Next".

5. Check the "Create desktop shortcut" box and click "Install".

6. After installation, check "Run LaserBurn" and click "Finish" to launch the software. If a firewall prompt appears, select "Allow access" to ensure normal device communication.

2.2.2 Mac/Linux System Installation

Mac: Download the .dmg installation package, double-click to open it, and drag the LaserBurn icon to the "Applications" folder. If a security warning appears on the first launch, go to "System Preferences - Security & Privacy" and click "Open anyway".

Linux: Download the .deb or .rpm installation package and install it via terminal commands or the Software Center. Refer to the accompanying instructions on the official download page for detailed steps.

2.3 Initial Startup Setup

When the software is launched for the first time, you need to manually enter "Machine Settings" to make adjustments. The specific steps are as follows:

1. Select language: Supports multiple languages including Chinese, English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Korean, Japanese, and Russian; English is the default.

2. Unit settings: Supported unit (mm/inch), default is millimeter;

3. Speed unit: Supported (minutes/second), default is minutes；

4. Equipment Addition

￮ Ensure the laser device is powered on and connected to the computer via USB cable;

￮Click "Device" in the upper right corner. You will need to manually connect the corresponding device;

￮Connection methods: IP connection, serial connection. Select the corresponding connection option. Note that for IP connection, ensure the computer and machine are on the same Wi-Fi network (default IP address: 192.168.0.1).

III、Interface cognition

The LaserBurn interface adopts a modular design, with the core area divided into the following parts:

3.1 Menu bar

Located at the top of the interface, it contains all the core function entries. The main menus and functions are as follows:

• File: Create a new project, open a project, save a project, import files (supports SVG, DXF, JPG, PNG, and other formats), export files.

• Editing: Undo, Redo, Cut, Copy, Paste, Delete, Group, Ungroup.

• View: Canvas Adaptation, Canvas Zoom, Show/Hide Rulers, Distance Guides, Grid.

• Drawing: Create basic shapes such as lines, triangles, polygons, ellipses, and rectangles.

• Devices: Device list, Connect/Disconnect devices, Device settings, Firmware update.

• Settings: Global settings such as language settings, unit settings, smart alignment, and precise graphic selection.

• Graphical attributes: position coordinates, size, rotation angle.

 

3.2 toolbar

Located below or to the left of the menu bar, it contains shortcut buttons for frequently used tools：

• Selection tools: used for selecting, moving, scaling, rotating, left-box selection, right-box selection, dragging, brush, node editing, and other tool elements.

• • Drawing tools: Tools for creating curves, lines, triangles, polygons, ellipses, rectangles, and other shapes; Editing tools: Reverse, align, array, offset (rectangular/circular/material test array), etc.

• Text tools: Add text, set font, font size, and layout style.

• View tools: Canvas zoom, pan, full-screen display, etc.

• Functional tools: Image, QR code, barcode, material library, AI-generated image, intelligent nesting, camera, measurement, and other tools.

 

3.3 Canvas Area

The white area in the center of the interface is the core workspace for graphic design and editing. You can zoom the canvas using the mouse wheel and drag it while holding down the Space bar. The blue border on the canvas represents the effective area for laser processing; content outside this area cannot be processed.

3.4 Property Panel

Located on the right side of the interface, selecting a graphic element or device will display the corresponding layer settings options.

• Line/Fill, Offset Fill, Cutoff Offset, Bidirectional Scan, Overscan, Line Spacing, Crosshair, Scan Angle, Constant Power, Air Pump Switch, etc.

• Processing attributes: power, speed, processing method, number of processing cycles, engraving/cutting sequence, laser type.

• Device attributes: Port selection, baud rate, machine information.

• Device files: Used space, total space, refresh, delete, etc.

• Engraving history: Total number, time spent, engraving date, file name, engraving status, deletion, deletion of all, re-engraving, etc.

3.5 Laser control window

Located in the lower right corner of the interface, this is the core area for device control, containing：

• Connection status: Indicates whether the device is connected normally.

• Control buttons: Start machining, Pause, Stop, Frame preview (preview machining range), Third axis, LED light strip, Laser focus, Height control, Contour/border, Contour simplification.

• Parameter display: current processing progress, equipment coordinates, and estimated processing time. 

 

IV. Core Operating Procedures

4.1 Project creation and file import

4.1.1 New project

1. Click "File - New Project" in the menu bar, or use the shortcut Ctrl+N.

4.1.2 Import external files

If you need to process existing design files, you can import them using the following steps.

1. Click "File - Import" in the menu bar or "Drag and drop canvas", or use the shortcut Ctrl+I.

2. In the file browser, select the file you want to import (supports SVG, DXF, JPG, PNG, WEBP, GIF, and other formats), and click "Open".

3. The imported file will be displayed in the center of the canvas, and its position and size can be adjusted using the selection tool.

4.2 Graphic Creation and Editing

4.2.1 Basic Graphics Creation

1. Select the corresponding graphic tool (such as the rectangle tool) from the toolbar.

2. Click and drag the mouse in the canvas area, then release the mouse to complete the graphic creation.

3. To create a perfect circle/square, hold down the Shift key and drag the mouse.

4.2.2 Graphic editing

（1）Move, scale and rotate

1. Select the graphic (click on the edge of the graphic to reveal control points).

2. Move: Press and hold the center of the graphic, then drag it to the target location.

3. Scaling: Drag the control points around the graphic, and hold down the Shift key to maintain the aspect ratio while scaling.

4. Rotation: Drag the rotation control point above the graphic, or precisely set the rotation angle in the Properties panel.

 

（2）Flip and Align

1. Select one or more graphics (multiple selections can be made by using the left and right selection boxes).

2. Flip: Click the "Flip" button in the toolbar, and select either horizontal or vertical flip.

3. Alignment: Click the "Align" button in the toolbar to select from top alignment, bottom alignment, left alignment, right alignment, center alignment, vertical center alignment, horizontal center alignment, vertical spacing, horizontal spacing, vertical center distribution, and horizontal center distribution.

 

（3）Array operations

This method is suitable for batch processing of identical graphics. The steps are as follows:

1. Select the graphic to be arrayed.

2. Click the "Array" button in the toolbar and select the array type (rectangular array/ring array/material testing array).

3. In the pop-up settings window, set the array quantity, spacing, angle, and other parameters. Click "Preview" to view the effect, and click "Apply" after confirming that everything is correct.

 

（4）Grouping and ungrouping

1. Select multiple graphics that need to be combined.

2. Click "Edit - Group" in the menu bar; the grouped graphics can then be operated on as a single unit.

3. To edit graphics within a group individually, click "Edit - Ungroup".

4.3 Processing parameter settings

Processing parameters directly affect the processing results and need to be set reasonably according to the material type, thickness, and equipment power. The steps are as follows:：

1. Select the graphic to be processed.

2. Set the parameters in the "Layers" section of the right panel.
        

￮ Power: Controls laser intensity. The harder/thicker the material, the higher the power required (it is recommended to start testing with low power).

￮ Speed: Controls the movement speed of the laser head; the slower the speed, the deeper the processing depth.

￮ Processing times: If the depth of a single processing step is insufficient, multiple processing steps can be set (but be aware of the risk of material deformation).

￮ Carving/Cutting Order: The processing order of multiple graphics can be adjusted.

3. For material testing, the "Material Testing Array" function can be used to set different power/speed combinations and perform batch testing with optimal parameters.

4.4 Equipment connection and processing operation

4.4.1 Device connection

1. Ensure the laser device is powered on and connect it to the computer via USB cable.

2. Click the "Connect" button in the laser control window at the bottom right of the interface, or go to "Device - Connect Device" in the menu bar.

3. After a successful connection, the device window will display "Connected" as the connection status, and machine information will also be displayed.

 

4.4.2 Frame Preview

It is recommended to preview the frame before processing to confirm the accuracy of the processing area.

1. Click the Botder" or "Contour" button in the laser control window.

2. The laser head will move along the edge trajectory of the processed pattern without emitting laser light.

3. If the preview area does not match your expectations, adjust the graphic position or canvas size, and repeat the preview until it is accurate.

 

4.4.3 Start processing

1. Confirm that the material is secured on the laser equipment's processing platform and put on your safety goggles.

2. Click the "Start Engraving" button in the laser control window, and the software will automatically send processing instructions to the equipment to begin processing.

3. During processing, you can click the "Pause" button to pause processing, and click "Continue" to resume processing after pausing. If you need to stop urgently, click the "Stop" button or press the emergency stop switch.

 

4.4.4 Processing completed

After processing is complete, the laser head will automatically return to its original position, the equipment will emit a prompt sound, the finished product will be removed, and the residue on the processing platform will be cleaned.

V、project management

5.1 Project Save

1. Click "File - Save Project" in the menu bar or use the shortcut Ctrl+S.

2. Choose a save location, enter a project name, and click "Save".

3. LaserBurn project files are in .lgl format. Once saved, they can be reopened and edited, containing all project information including graphics and processing parameters.

5.2 Project open

1. Click "File - Open Project" in the menu bar or press Ctrl+O.

2. In the file browser, select the .lgl file you want to open and click "Open".

3. Once opened, the project can be edited or started directly without resetting parameters.

5.3 Project Export

To export the design file to another format for external use, click "File - Export" or press Alt+X, select the export format (such as SVG, DXF, PNG), set the export parameters, and then click "OK".

VI. Common Problems and Solutions

6.1 Device cannot connect

• Possible causes: Driver not installed, USB cable loose/damaged, other software using the port, device not powered on.

• Solution：
        

a. Check if the device is powered on and if the USB cable is plugged in securely. Try changing the USB port or USB cable.

b. Install the device's corresponding driver, restart your computer, and then reconnect.

c. Close other software that may be using the serial port (such as LightBurn, LaserGRBL, etc.), and try connecting again.

6.2 Machining graphic offset

• Causes of the problem: Material not secured, laser head loose, origin set incorrectly.

• Solution：
       

a. Ensure that the processed materials are firmly fixed and not loose or shifted.

b. Check if the laser head is secure and the lens is tight.

6.3 Insufficient/Excessive Processing Depth

• Cause of the problem: Inappropriate power/speed parameter settings.

• Solution：
        

a. Insufficient depth: Increase power, decrease speed, or increase the number of processing passes.

b. Over-depth processing: Reduce power, increase speed, or reduce the number of processing steps.

c. It is recommended to use the "Material Test Array" function to test different parameter combinations and determine the optimal parameters.

6.4 Software crash/no response

• Possible causes: Insufficient computer configuration, outdated software version, corrupted graphics file.

• Solution：
        

a. Close other software that consumes system resources and restart LaserBurn.

b. Update the software to the latest version (download the latest installation package from the official website).

c. If the import process crashes, check if the file format is supported, and try re-exporting or repairing the file.

VII. Appendix

7.1 Shortcut Key Summary

7.2 Supported file formats

• Vector graphics formats: SVG, DXF, PDF, Gcode, NC.

• Image formats: JPG, JPEG, PNG, BMP, GIF.

• Project file format: .lgl (LaserBurn specific).

7.3 Technical Support

If you encounter issues not covered in the manual, you can obtain technical support through the following methods.

• Official website: https://www.longer3d.com/, view the help center or submit a support ticket.

• Customer service email：support@longer.net；

• Technical Support：(+1)888-575-9099

• Facebook account：Longer Global

• Facebook Group：Longer Nano Official Group

• YouTube channel：Longer Official