Cuts / Layers Window
The Cuts / Layers Window shows the list of layers in your project. From the Cuts / Layers Window, you can assign different operations to specific layers, control the order the laser processes the layers, adjust an abbreviated set of settings for each layer, and more.
To adjust all layer settings, double-click any layer in the Cuts / Layers Window to open the Cuts Settings Editor, which contains all available settings.
Use the Color Palette to change the layer selected objects are assigned to.
About Layers in LightBurn
In LightBurn, different colors indicate each layer. These colors don't represent the final product's colors but instead differentiate each operation needed to complete the job. Each layer defines a process and a collection of settings that is assigned to objects within the project.
In other words, layers let you tell the machine what it needs to do to produce the final work.
Generally each color refers to a different layer, with one exception — if you add an image to a vector layer (or vice versa), then the layers will split to show two entries in the Cuts / Layers Window.
Accessing the Cuts / Layers Window¶
The Cuts / Layers Window is located in the upper right of LightBurn by default. If you have closed the Cuts / Layers Window, go to Window → Cuts / Layers to re-enable it. To restore it and all other windows to their default positions, go to Window → Reset to Default Layout.
Tip
The layout of LightBurn is highly customizable. For more information on enabling and disabling windows and toolbars, or rearranging the default layout, see Customizing the LightBurn Window.
Cuts / Layers Window Options and Settings¶
The type of laser you have active will affect which settings are presented in the Cuts / Layers Window. The image below shows the Cuts / Layers Window for a DSP laser, but not all options shown here are available for all lasers, and some lasers have additional options that are not shown, but are listed below.
Click any option in the image below to jump directly to the relevant section for that option, or scroll down for a list of options and descriptions.
Columns¶
# (Layer Name)¶
Shows the layer name. You can adjust a layer's name in the Cuts Settings Editor.
Layer¶
Shows the color and title of the layer. Colors and titles have matching entries in the Color Palette.
Mode¶
View and change the Layer Mode of layers in your project.
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You can adjust the mode of vector graphics between Line, Fill, and Offset Fill.
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Layers containing images are automatically set to Image and cannot be adjusted.
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Layers with multiple Sub-Layers are set to Multi. Open the Cut Settings Editor to adjust Sub-Layer modes and other settings.
Spd/Pwr¶
Shows Speed and Power settings.
You can adjust these settings in Speed and Power Max fields beneath the list of layers, or by opening the Cut Settings Editor.
Output¶
Tip
Use Preview to verify that only intended layers are set to output.
Toggle to enable or disable which layers are output when you Preview, Start, Send, or save a project in machine-specific format.
The color of layers not set to output will be faded in your Workspace.
Show¶
Toggle which layers are visible in your Workspace.
Air¶
Note
Available for Gantry lasers only.
Toggle to enable or disable Air Assist for individual layers in your project.
Air assists blow air onto the surface of your material at the spot where the laser's beam strikes, which can help prevent soot accumulation and charring, and aid in cutting.
Note
Many lasers do not come with air assists, and others have manual air assists that you can't trigger through software. In those cases, toggling the Air switch will have no effect either way.
Consult your laser's manufacturer if you're not sure if your laser has a built-in air assist.
Column Header Context Menu¶
Right-click anywhere over the column headers to open a context menu with options for enabling, showing, and sorting layers.
| Option | Action |
|---|---|
| Enable all layers | Turn on the Output switch for all layers |
| Disable all layers | Turn off the Output switch for all layers |
| Invert enabled layer | Turn off the Output switch for all currently enabled layers and turn off for all currently enabled layers |
| Show all layers | Turn on the Show switch for all layers |
| Hide all layers | Turn off the Show switch for all layers |
| Invert visible layers | Turn on the Show switch for all hidden layers, and turn off for all visible layers |
| Enable all air assist | Turn on the Air switch for all layers |
| Disable all air assist | Turn off the Air switch for all layers |
| Invert all air assist | Turn off the Air switch for all layers it is currently enabled for, and turn off for all layers it is currently disabled for |
| Sort Cuts Last | Move cut layers to the bottom the list. See below for more information. |
Layer Context Menu¶
Right-click over any layer in the list to open a context menu with options to disable, hide, flash, or select layers.
| Option | Action |
|---|---|
| Disable this layer | Turn off the Output switch for this layer |
| Disable all layers but this one | Turn off the Output switch for all layers except the layer you right-clicked |
| Hide this layer | Turn off the Show switch for this layer |
| Hide all layers but this one | Turn off the Show switch for all layers except the layer you right-clicked |
| Select all shapes in current layer | Select all shapes on the layer you right-clicked |
| Flash the content on this layer | Flash the objects assigned to the layer you right-clicked |
Settings¶
Pass Count¶
Sets how many times the laser will repeat the shapes on this layer.
Speed¶
Adjust the Speed to run the laser at for this layer.
Power Max¶
Adjust the maximum power output level of the laser for this layer.
Power Min¶
Adjust the minimum power output level of the laser for this layer.
Note
This setting is only shown when you're using a DSP laser or are engraving an image using Grayscale Mode, with any type of laser.
Interval¶
Adjust the space between each scan line in a Fill or Offset Fill operation.
Frequency¶
Note
Available Galvo lasers only.
Adjust the Frequency setting for this layer.
Q-Pulse¶
Note
Available MOPA and UV Galvo lasers only.
Adjust the Q-Pulse Width setting for this layer.
Rearrange Layers¶
By default, layer operations are performed by your laser in the order from top to bottom in which they are listed in the Cuts / Layers Window.
Note
See Optimization Settings for information on alternate options for ordering operations.
The order that layers are completed is often important, as pieces shift after being cut out. It's therefore best to engrave images and marking/scoring lines before any cuts through the material.
To change the order of the selected layer in the list you can click and drag to change its position or select a layer and click the up and down buttons in the window.
Sort Cuts Last¶
You can also automatically sort all layers, based on how likely they are to cut through the material — with the least likely being performed first.
To do so, right click any heading on the table (e.g. Mode) and choose Sort Cuts Last.
This process orders layers first by their strength — stronger layers have higher Power, lower Speed, and more Passes. It then pushes all Line Mode layers to the end, so all engraving operations are performed before cutting operations.
Copy Layer Settings¶
To copy settings between layers, first select a layer in the list and click Copy button to copy its settings. Next, select the layer you want to copy to, and click the Paste button.
Delete Layers¶
Click the Delete button to delete a layer and all objects assigned to it in your Workspace.
By default, you'll see a warning message asking if you're sure — hold Shift while clicking the Delete button to bypass the warning message.
Select All Objects on a Layer¶
In addition to right-clicking a layer and choosing Select all shapes in current layer from the context menu, you can hold Shift and left-click any layer in the list to select all objects on that layer.
You can also select any object in your Workspace, then go to Edit → Select all shapes in current layer.
Related Topics¶
For more help using LightBurn, please visit our forum to talk with LightBurn staff and users, or email support.