LightBurn — Cut Settings and Layer Reference
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LightBurn — Cut Settings and Layer Reference
Quick reference for LightBurn's cut layer settings — what each parameter does and when to change it.
Layer Types
| Mode | Use for |
|---|---|
| Line | Cutting, scoring, vector engraving — follows paths |
| Fill | Area engraving — fills shapes with parallel scan lines |
| Fill+Line | Engraves inside, then cuts the outline |
| Offset Fill | Fills from outside edge inward — good for thick fills |
Core Settings
| Setting | Description | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | How fast the head moves (mm/min) | 100–10000 |
| Max Power | Peak laser power % | 1–100% |
| Min Power | Power at corners/direction changes | Usually 10–20% lower than max |
| Passes | How many times the path is run | 1–10 |
| Z Offset | Height offset per pass (defocus cutting) | 0–2mm per pass |
| Kerf Offset | Compensates for material removed by laser | 0.1–0.3mm typical |
Fill-Specific Settings
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Lines per inch / mm | Scan line density — higher = more detail, slower |
| Line Interval | Gap between scan lines (inverse of LPI) |
| Angle | Scan line direction (0=horizontal, 45=diagonal) |
| Bidirectional | Engraves both directions — faster but can cause banding |
| Cross-hatch | Two pass fills at 90° — denser fill |
| Flood Fill | Optimizes path to minimize head travel — good for complex shapes |
Start Mode
| Mode | When to use |
|---|---|
| Absolute Coords | Job always runs at same coordinates (uses machine home) |
| Current Position | Job starts where head currently is |
| User Origin | Job starts at a user-defined origin point |
Pass-Through Mode
Bypasses LightBurn's image processing — use for pre-dithered images or if you want exact pixel-to-dot mapping.
Overscan
Adds extra travel at the ends of scan lines to allow the head to decelerate before turning. Prevents dark edges on engraves. Usually 2–5% or auto.
Air Assist
Enable per-layer. Turn on for cuts, optionally off for light engraving to avoid blowing away ash patterns.
Common Layer Configurations
Light wood engraving:
- Mode: Fill, Speed: 6000mm/min, Power: 55-65%, Line Interval: 0.1mm
Deep wood engraving:
- Mode: Fill, Speed: 3000mm/min, Power: 75-85%, Line Interval: 0.1mm, Passes: 2
3mm wood cutting (Ray5 20W):
- Mode: Line, Speed: 150-200mm/min, Power: 100%, Passes: 2-3, Air: On
Anodized aluminum marking:
- Mode: Fill, Speed: 500mm/min, Power: 80%, Line Interval: 0.1mm
Acrylic engraving (cast):
- Mode: Fill, Speed: 4000mm/min, Power: 55%, Line Interval: 0.1mm
Keyboard Shortcuts
| Key | Action |
|---|---|
| Alt+F | Frame — trace job outline without firing |
| Space | Pause / Resume job |
| Esc | Stop job |
| Ctrl+Shift+H | Home machine |
| Ctrl+Z | Undo |
| F5 | Start job from current position |