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Mastering LightBurn: 7 Tips to Speed Up Your Laser Workflow

Mastering LightBurn

If you’re a laser engraver owner using LightBurn, chances are you’re only scratching the surface of what this powerful software can do. Whether you’re running a side hustle from your garage or managing a small production line, optimizing your workflow in LightBurn means saving time, reducing errors, and ultimately boosting profits.

Here are 7 proven tips to help you master LightBurn and seriously speed up your laser engraving workflow.


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1. Use Layers Like a Pro

LightBurn lets you assign different settings (power, speed, number of passes, etc.) to different layers, each color-coded for clarity.

Why it matters:
Instead of running separate jobs for engraving and cutting, you can run everything in one go. Want to engrave text and cut an outline? Assign them to different layers and adjust settings accordingly.

🛠️ Quick Tip: Use red for engraving, blue for scoring, and black for cutting — or set your own color workflow.


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2. Enable Fast Preview to Catch Mistakes Early

The Preview tool isn’t just for show — it’s one of the most important time-saving features in LightBurn.

Why it matters:
It simulates the job and shows estimated time, paths, and potential issues before you start engraving. This helps you catch missed vectors, overlapping lines, or misplaced text.

💡 Pro Tip: Turn on “Show Traversal Moves” to see where your laser head travels when it’s not firing. Optimizing those can shave minutes off big jobs.


3. Use “Start from Current Position” for Quick Re-Runs

When doing one-off items or alignment tweaks, use “Start From: Current Position” to avoid rehoming or re-aligning the entire job.

Use case:
You ran a job and something went wrong midway (tape shifted, power hiccup, etc.). Re-align the laser to the last known position and resume without starting from scratch.

🚀 Time Saver: This is huge when engraving on unique or uneven materials like leather patches, tumblers, or curved surfaces.


4. Set Up Material Libraries

Stop entering settings manually every time! LightBurn’s Material Library lets you save your tested parameters for each material and machine.

Why it matters:
Consistency is key for professional results. Whether it’s anodized aluminum, wood, or stainless steel, you can create presets for power, speed, number of passes, and more.

🔧 Pro Tip: Create different libraries for each laser type — UV, fiber, CO₂ — and label clearly by wattage.


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5. Use Array and Nesting Tools for Batch Jobs

If you’re doing small production runs or duplicating tags, the Array and Nesting tools can save tons of layout time.

Array Tool: Automatically copy objects in rows and columns.
Nesting Tool: Arrange shapes to maximize use of material and minimize waste.

📦 Real-World Use: Engraving 20 metal nameplates? Use array to auto-layout and cut them all from a single sheet with equal spacing and margin.


6. Keyboard Shortcuts = Speed Boost

Learning a few hotkeys can significantly increase your speed. Here are a few to start:

  • Ctrl + P → Send to Laser
  • Alt + L → Preview
  • Ctrl + G → Group items
  • Ctrl + Shift + G → Ungroup
  • Alt + R → Start from last position

🎯 Hot Tip: You can also customize shortcuts under Settings > Hotkeys to match your workflow style.


7. Use LightBurn Bridge or Camera for Perfect Alignment

If your laser supports it, install the LightBurn Camera or use LightBurn Bridge for remote control and real-time object placement.

Why it matters:
You can align graphics directly over irregular or pre-cut items like tumblers, wood coasters, or metal blanks. No more guessing or wasting materials.

📸 Best For: Engraving pre-painted signs, logos on custom gear, or when every millimeter counts.


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Next Generation Laser to Unlock All Materials. ZeroBurn™ Engraving Technology World’s 1st 16K HD Laser Engraver 10,000mm/s SpeedMax™ Engraving System Unlock all material with UV Laser ColdFront™ Thermal Technology Electric Lifting with 2 Optional Lenses Compatible with EZCAD and LightBurn 360°Rotary Engraving System

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Bonus: Pair the Right Laser with LightBurn

LightBurn is incredible, but pairing it with a capable laser makes the experience seamless.

✅ For metal and industrial materials, the ComMarker Titan 1 offers advanced fiber MOPA tech with full LightBurn compatibility.

✅ For multi-material flexibility and extreme precision, check out the ComMarker Omni 1 — a powerful UV laser engraver that’s ready to handle plastics, leather, ceramics, and coated metals.


Wrap-Up: Maximize Your Workflow, Not Your Wait Time

Mastering LightBurn is about more than just clicking “Start.” It’s about working smarter — automating where possible, reducing trial-and-error, and setting up your tools for repeatable success.

Want a laser that keeps up with your speed and precision?

👉 Explore the full ComMarker laser lineup — built for creators who move fast and engrave smarter.

About David Lee

Hello, I'm David Lee, I'm a passionate and creative professional commercial Laser Engraver and marking specialist with a wealth of experience and a wide range of knowledge. Overthe past 10 years, I have focused on Laser Engraver and marking solutions for various commercial projects.l am sensitive to new technologies and design trends ,constantly seeking the best Laser Engraver and marking experience

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