Getting Started
Welcome! If you're here, it probably means you're new to LightBurn or the wider world of laser cutting and engraving. If you're not sure where to begin, you're not alone — there's a lot to take in.
We've created this guide to get you going with the essential concepts you need to know in order to use LightBurn and your laser.
We'll cover:
- Identifying your type of laser
- Installing LightBurn
- Creating a device profile
- Connecting to your laser
- Getting to know the LightBurn interface
- Creating and importing artwork
- Assigning colors/layers to artwork, and different layer modes
- Establishing cut or engrave settings
- Previewing the result of your settings
- Determining where your project will output in your laser's work area
- Commanding your laser to Frame the area your project will output
- Telling your laser to start a job
We'll finish up with a step-by-step first project that puts the concepts we covered into action.
Info
Laser cutting and engraving performance, quality, and speed is highly machine and user dependent. Beginners should familiarize themselves with the user guide provided by their laser's manufacturer prior to using it.
At the bottom of each page you'll see a button to direct you to the next step in the process, or return you to the previous page if you need a refresher. You can also jump ahead, or back, using the navigation to the left, but we don't recommend skipping steps unless you're really sure you have a concept down.
Ready? Click below to get started!
For more help using LightBurn, please visit our forum to talk with LightBurn staff and users, or email support.