CorelDRAW Macro Setup for LightBurn

Overview

LightBurn provides an optional macro for CorelDRAW users on Windows, enabling quick and seamless transfer of designs from CorelDRAW to LightBurn. This guide will walk you through the installation, setup, and usage of the macro.

Note for macOS Users

While this macro is Windows-specific, macOS users can export designs from CorelDRAW as .AI or .SVG files and import them into LightBurn manually.


Installation

Step 1: Prepare the Macro File

  1. Ensure that LightBurn and CorelDRAW are installed on the same computer.

  2. Navigate to the LightBurn installation folder, typically located at: C:\Program Files\LightBurn.

  3. Locate the ExportToLightBurn.gms file within this folder.

  4. Copy the file by right-clicking and selecting Copy, or by pressing Ctrl+C.

Guide-CorelDRAWMacroSetup-copy-file

Step 2: Copy the Macro File to CorelDRAW

  1. Navigate to the CorelDRAW installation folder, usually found at: C:\Program Files\Corel.

  2. Open the folder named CorelDRAW Graphics Suite ### or CorelDRAW Technical Suite ###, where ### represents your CorelDRAW version number.

  3. Go to the Draw folder, then the GMS folder.

  4. Paste the ExportToLightBurn.gms file into the GMS folder.

    Guide-CorelDRAWMacroSetup-pasted-file
  5. Grant permission if prompted to complete the file transfer.


Loading the Macro

Step 1: Open the Macro Manager

  1. Launch CorelDRAW.

  2. Access the Script/Macro Manager:

    • For newer versions: Go to ToolsScriptsScripts or use Alt+Shift+F11.

    • For older versions: Go to ToolsMacrosMacros Manager.

Step 2: Load the Macro (if not visible)

  1. In the Script/Macro Manager, check if the ExportToLightBurn macro is listed under Visual Basic for Applications.

  2. If not, right-click on the Script Manager background and select Load Macro Project.

    Guide-CorelDRAWMacroSetup-open-manager
  3. Navigate to the GMS folder in the CorelDRAW installation directory and select ExportToLightBurn.gms.

    Guide-CorelDRAWMacroSetup-load

Configuring the Macro

Step 1: Customize CorelDRAW

  1. Open the Customization window:

    • For newer versions: Go to ToolsOptionsCustomizations.

    • For older versions: Select ToolsCustomizations.

  2. Access the Commands section:

    • For newer versions: Click Commands in the left panel.

    • For older versions: Navigate to WorkspaceCustomizationCommands.

Step 2: Assign the Macro to a Toolbar

  1. In the Commands section, select Macros from the right pane.

  2. Locate and select the LightBurn macro entry.

  3. Customize the icon:

    • Click the Browse button next to the icon (or go to the Appearance tab in older versions).

    • Select the LightBurn icon from C:\Program Files\LightBurn and click Open.

  4. Drag the macro from the Customization window to a toolbar for easy access.

  5. Set the caption to Export to LightBurn.

  6. Click OK to save and exit the Customization window.

    Guide-CorelDRAWMacroSetup-config

Using the Export to LightBurn Macro

  1. Click the Export to LightBurn macro button in CorelDRAW.

  2. LightBurn will launch, loading your current selection from CorelDRAW into the Workspace.

  3. If nothing is selected in CorelDRAW, the entire file will be imported into LightBurn.


By following these steps, you can streamline your workflow, effortlessly transferring designs from CorelDRAW to LightBurn for engraving and cutting projects.