Import 3D Model
Starting with LightBurn 2.2, you can import 3D models directly into LightBurn to create depth maps for 3D engravings. LightBurn can import models in .stl, .3mf, .obj, .off, and .ply formats. The first three are commonly shared file formats, particularly for 3D printing.
To start importing a 3D model, either:
- Drag the 3D model you want to import from your computer's file explorer into LightBurn.
- Go to File → Import and select your 3D model.
Import 3D Model Window¶
Select a Preset Model Orientation¶
Click to select from a variety of preset model orientations. This can be useful for getting close to the orientation you want.
Zoom to Fit¶
Click to zoom to fit the model fully into the Import window.
Resize Model to Fit Workspace¶
Click to resize the model so that the depth map will fit fully into your laser's Workspace.
Reset Model Size and Orientation¶
Click to reset the size and orientation (position) to the model's default. Useful when you need to just reset your changes and start over.
Size¶
Use the numeric entry boxes and the buttons alongside them to adjust the size of the imported model.
Uniform Scale / Size for All Axes¶
Turn on to maintain the model's proportions when resizing. Turn off to allow stretching the model when resizing it.
Reset Scale / Size to Default¶
Click to reset the model's size to the default size it imported with.
Display Model Size as Percentage¶
Toggle this setting to control whether the size is displayed in actual measurements or a percentage of the default size.
Rotation¶
Use the numeric entry boxes and the reset button to adjust the rotation / orientation of the imported model.
Reset Model Rotation¶
Click to reset the mmodel's orientation to its default.
Help¶
Click the Help button to show an overview of mouse controls for the Import 3D Model window.
Depth Map Settings¶
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Bit Depth | Choose from 8-bit or 16-bit. 16-bit generates a wider range of shades (65,536), but can be slow with large models on older, weaker computers. 8-bit only generates 256 shades of gray, but requires fewer computer resources. The difference between the two is minimal if you're not doing at least 256 passes. |
| Depth Map Resolution | Select the Image Resolution for your depth map. Higher resolutions will produce more detail, but at the expense of creating a larger file requiring more processing power. |
| Size | The total size of the image based on the size of the model and the Depth Map Resolution setting. |
| Transparent Background | Turn on to turn the background of the depth map transparent. By default, the background is black, which engraves to full depth. |
| Invert Depth Map | Invert the depth map, making darker (deeper) areas light and making lighter (shallower) areas dark. |
| Equalize Depth Map | Applies an equalization filter to the image. This can help highlight faint or fine details. |
| Depth Cutoff | Set the cutoff plane depth. Anything below the depth you select won't show up in the depth map. You can think of this like a floor the depth map sits on. Adjusting this setting turns off Automatic Depth Cutoff. |
| Automatic Depth Cutoff | If enabled, automatically sets the model's Depth Cutoff. Setting the Depth Cutoff manually will turn this off. |
| Generate Outline | Automatically includes an outline tracing the model. |
Insert 3D Model¶
Generate and insert a Depth Map from the model based on your settings.
Cancel¶
Abandon the 3D Model Import process.
Working with a 3D Model in LightBurn¶
To make it easy to tell the difference between an ordinary image and a depth map created from an imported 3D model, the depth map is displayed in shades of red instead of gray.
Editing 3D Models¶
You can right click on the depth map and choose Edit 3D Model to re-open the Import 3D Model Window and change settings. You can also select Generate Outline to create a traced outline of the model.