https://lightburnsoftware.com/pages/download-trial

https://www.mix.gmu.edu/laser-cutting

Interface

A: Workspace / Edit Window

This large center area is the workspace. This is where you draw or import shapes that will be sent to the laser cutter. The grid represents the laser bed, so objects here correspond to where they will be cut on the material.

B: Creation and Modifier Toolbars

On the left side are the drawing tools. These let you create shapes like rectangles, circles, polygons, lines, and text. You’ll use these tools to construct the parts of your design.

C: Main and Arrange Toolbars

Across the top are the main and arrange tools. These control operations like grouping objects, aligning shapes, copying, rotating, and distributing elements across the workspace.

D: Numeric Edits and Text Options Toolbar

This area lets you enter precise values. You can adjust the exact position, size, and rotation of objects, which is useful when you need accurate measurements for laser cutting.

E: Menus

The menu bar at the very top contains the standard commands like opening files, importing designs, saving projects, and accessing program settings.

F: Color Palette

Along the bottom is the color palette. Each color represents a different cut or engraving layer. Changing an object’s color assigns it to a different laser operation.

G: Cuts / Layers Window

This panel shows all the active laser layers. Here you set parameters like speed, power, and whether the laser cuts, engraves, or scores the material.

H: Laser Window

Finally, the Laser window controls communication with the machine. This is where you frame the job, send the design to the laser, and start or pause the cutting process.

Understanding these areas makes it much easier to move from a drawing to a laser-cut object.