Using Fill+Line Mode in LightBurn for Crisp Signs

Fill+Line mode in LightBurn engraves the interior and then cuts the outline vector — giving you clean filled shapes with sharp, crisp edges. Essential for professional sign work.

What Fill+Line Does

Fill only: Engraves the interior as a raster scan — edges can look slightly rough or have stepping artifacts.

Line only: Cuts the outline as a vector — clean edge but no fill.

Fill+Line: Does both — fills the interior, then runs the vector outline to sharpen all edges. Best of both.

Setting Up in LightBurn

1. Create your design (text or vector artwork)
2. In the Cuts/Layers panel, assign the layer
3. Set mode to Fill+Line
4. Set Fill speed and power first (e.g., 3000mm/min, 40%)
5. Set Line speed and power (e.g., 1500 mm/min, 65%)
6. The fill runs first, then the outline cut follows

When to Use Fill vs Fill+Line

Layering Strategy for Complex Signs

1. Background fill — low power, raster, larger step size (fast)
2. Design fill — higher power, tighter step size (detail)
3. Outline — vector cut at same power as wood cut, or lighter for score

Run in this order — outline last so it doesn't disturb the engraved surface.

Tips

• Set the line offset slightly inward (0.05mm) to avoid the outline cutting into the fill edge
• Use "Cut Inner first" option so inner shapes process before outer border
• Test on scrap first — the two-pass approach takes longer; verify settings before full run