LightBurn Camera
Significant Changes in LightBurn 2.1
LightBurn 2.1 introduced a new camera system, with new features, a new interface, and new calibration and alignment processes. Information from earlier versions of LightBurn may not apply in LightBurn 2.1, and information for working with cameras in LightBurn 2.1 may not apply to earlier versions.
If your laser has a LightBurn-compatible camera installed, you can use it to position designs on your material and to trace artwork or objects placed in your laser. Before you can use the camera features, you'll need to Calibrate and Align your camera.
Camera Window¶
The Cameras window (formerly the Camera Control Window) allows you to view and manage connected cameras. To enable the Cameras window, go to Window → Cameras.
By default, the Cameras window floats over the Workspace. You can dock it by dragging it to the top or side of the LightBurn window.
Cameras Options and Settings¶
Capture Tab¶
Use the Capture tab to:
- Capture images.
- Manage and update camera overlays in the Main Window.
- Manage cameras and camera previews.
- Trace directly from the camera image.
- Clear the current camera overlay.
DPM Tab¶
Use the DPM tab to:
- Set your minimum resolution Dots Per Meter (DPM)
- Limit maximum resolution to display in the overlay.
- Update the overlay.
Adjust Tab¶
Use the Adjust tab to scale and shift the camera image, if needed.
Camera Settings and Status¶
Camera Settings¶
If Auto is enabled for a setting, you won't be able to manually change it. These settings are not available for Mac due to limitations of macOS.
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Camera Information | Show or hide the dropdown for camera and framerate selection. |
| Brightness | Adjust the brightness of the camera image, making it darker or lighter. |
| Contrast | Adjust the contrast of the camera image, increasing or decreasing the difference between dark and light tones. |
| Exposure | Adjust the exposure, or how much light the camera lets in. |
| Focus | Adjust the camera focus, for cameras with controllable focal distances. |
| Hue | Adjust the hue, shifting the colors in the image around the color wheel. |
| White Balance | Adjust the white balance, making the image warmer or cooler. |
Camera Status¶
The status icons will turn red to indicate a problem.
| Status | Description |
|---|---|
| Connected | Turns red if disconnected. Click to Edit the current camera. |
| Calibrated | Turns red if the current camera is uncalibrated. Click to open the Camera Calibration Wizard. |
| Aligned | Turns red if the current camera is unaligned. Click to open the Camera Alignment Wizard. |
Camera Selection Dropdown¶
Use the Camera dropdown to select the camera you want to use. You can have multiple cameras configured in LightBurn. Use the dropdown next to it to set the camera's framerate.
Camera Preview¶
The Preview section displays a preview of one or more cameras, depending on your settings. Right-click to open a context menu with shortcuts to commonly used options.
Add Camera¶
Click the Add Camera button to add another camera to LightBurn. LightBurn will provide you with a set of options for cameras to add.
- Select USB for a standard USB camera.
- Select HTTP if you're connecting to a camera over a network connection.
- Choose an appropriate preset from the bottom section if appropriate. These presets are configured for specific camera setups from hardware manufacturers and will make it easier to get those devices working.
For more help using LightBurn, please visit our forum to talk with LightBurn staff and users, or email support.