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How to Update LightBurn

Upgrading to the latest version of LightBurn gets you new features, improved machine support, and bug fixes.

This guide will help you upgrade your current LightBurn installation to a new version. It's meant primarily for updating LightBurn on the same computer, but we also have information on migrating LightBurn to a new computer and Downgrading to an Older Version.

Install LightBurn on a New Computer Install an Older Version

Upgrading to a New Version

Upgrading your LightBurn installation on the same computer shouldn't affect your LightBurn configuration, but it's still always a good idea to back up your LightBurn configuration with a User Bundle and wait until you finish any critical, time-sensitive projects before upgrading.

Your project files aren't managed by LightBurn and aren't touched by the upgrade process, but consider this your reminder to back them up as well.

Installing Release Candidates

If you want to try a Release Candidate alongside the current live version of LightBurn, don't worry! The Release Candidate will install in a separate directory, so you can run it alongside the current version.

Update LightBurn

Latest Version Release Candidate

  1. Create a User Bundle and save it as a backup. You shouldn't need it, but if something goes wrong during the upgrade process, you'll be able to restore your settings in a clean installation.
    1. Go to File → Bundles → Export Bundle.
    2. Make sure all the components of your LightBurn installation that you want to backup are selected and click Export.
    3. Save the .lbzip file somewhere you can find it again easily.
  2. The upgrade process doesn't affect your project files, but if you don't regularly back up your project files, this is a great time to back them up as well. Save copies of your project somewhere you can find again easily.
  3. Download the new installer from the LightBurn website. Links are provided above.
  4. Close LightBurn, if it's open.
  5. Install LightBurn.

After installing a new version, LightBurn should still have all your pre-existing settings. If you're installing a Release Candidate alongside your existing LightBurn installation, LightBurn will offer to import settings from your existing installation, if there aren't pre-existing settings.

If, for some reason, there is a problem with your LightBurn configuration on the new installation, follow the directions for Importing a User Bundle to restore settings from your previous LightBurn installation. This also works to bring settings from your main LightBurn installation into a Release Candidate installation.

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