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How to Invert a Vector Engraving

To invert a vector engraving, so that the opposite of whatever area is currently set to be engraved is engraved instead, you need to add an outline around it, and make sure the outline is set to the same layer as the original vector graphic.

How It Works

This behavior is due to the way LightBurn calculates what to engrave when you assign graphics to a layer set to Fill Mode or Offset Fill Mode.

When you assign a closed shape to a layer set to Fill or Offset Fill Mode, LightBurn tells your laser to engrave everything inside that shape.

That calculation changes when you put one closed shape around another. Now, instead of telling your laser to engrave everything inside each shape, LightBurn tells it to engrave only the space between the outlines of both.

The below example shows three different collections of graphics — first in Wireframe View Style, and then, below, in Filled View Style. Filled View Style shows the areas of your graphics that will be engraved as a solid color, while Wireframe only shows the graphics' outlines.

Switching View Styles

Press Alt/Option+Shift+W to quickly toggle between Wireframe and Filled View Style.

Invert a vector engraving demo

  • The first is the outline of the the letter O. Because this is just a single outline, LightBurn will tell your laser to engrave the entire area inside the outline.

  • The second is the letter O with a center ring. Now, because there are two closed shapes set to a shared Fill layer, LightBurn will tell your laser to engrave everything between both.

  • In the third, we've put a box around the complete letter O. Because of this new outline, the space that LightBurn considers to be between outlines is flipped, and nothing between the rings of the O will be engraved. Instead, everything between the outer ring and the rectangle, and everything inside the inner ring, will be engraved.

Each additional outline you add around a vector graphic will effectively toggle the area to be engraved, from within certain shapes, to between certain shapes, and so on.

An important note: this behavior only works if the inner and outer shapes are set to the same layer — if they're set to different layers, LightBurn will tell your laser to engrave the entire area inside the inner shapes, and the entire area inside the outer shapes, meaning some areas will be engraved twice.

Separate fill layers, double engrave

Adding Outlines

There are several options for adding outlines to graphics.

  • The Offset tool can create outlines at a specified distance around your shapes.
  • You can use any of the Draw Shapes tools to manually create a new shape around your original graphics.
  • Create Rubber-Band Outline creates an outline around your shapes, defined as the shortest possible path that can contain them all, as if a rubber-band were stretched around them.
  • You can Duplicate an existing shape, and then increase its size using the Size handle, or in Numeric Edits Toolbar.

For more help using LightBurn, please visit our forum to talk with LightBurn staff and users, or email support.