Master Object Manipulation and Program Settings with the Edit Menu
The Edit Menu in LightBurn offers a variety of tools for manipulating objects, managing selections, and accessing program, device, and machine settings. This guide outlines each tool, including shortcuts, descriptions, and use cases.
Note for macOS users
On macOS, Settings are accessible in the LightBurn menu, labeled as Preferences, or by pressing Cmd + ,
Key Tools in the Edit Menu
Undo and Redo
- Undo: Reverses previous actions starting with the most recent.
- Shortcut: Ctrl/Cmd + Z
- Redo: Restores actions previously undone.
- Shortcut: Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + Z
Selection Tools
- Select All: Selects all objects in the Workspace.
- Shortcut: Ctrl/Cmd + A
- Invert Selection: Deselects selected objects and selects unselected ones.
- Shortcut: Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + I
Clipboard Tools
- Cut: Deletes selected objects while copying them to the clipboard.
- Shortcut: Ctrl/Cmd + X
- Copy: Copies selected objects to the clipboard.
- Shortcut: Ctrl/Cmd + C
- Paste: Inserts clipboard objects into the Workspace.
- Shortcut: Ctrl/Cmd + V
- Paste in Place: Inserts clipboard objects in their original positions.
- Duplicate: Creates duplicates directly over existing objects.
- Shortcut: Ctrl/Cmd + D
- Delete: Removes selected objects from the Workspace.
- Shortcut: Del
Path and Shape Tools
- Convert to Path: Converts shapes or text into editable paths.
- Shortcut: Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + C
- Convert to Bitmap: Converts vector graphics into a bitmap image.
- Shortcut: Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + C
- Close Path: Joins the start and end points of an open path.
- Close Selected Paths with Tolerance: Adjusts open paths within a specified tolerance.
- Auto-Join Selected Shapes: Joins disconnected segments into a single shape.
- Shortcut: Alt/Option + J
- Optimize Selected Shapes: Smooths or adjusts selected shapes.
- Shortcut: Alt/Option + Shift + O
Selection Refinement
- Select Open Shapes: Highlights shapes with unconnected start and end points.
- Select Open Shapes Set to Fill: Selects open shapes assigned to Fill mode.
- Select All Shapes in Current Layer: Selects all shapes in the active layer.
- Select Contained Shapes: Highlights shapes inside a selected boundary.
- Select Shapes Smaller Than Selected: Highlights shapes smaller than a selected object.
Image Options
- Refresh Image: Reloads an imported image to reflect updates.
- Replace Image: Substitutes the current image with a different file.
- Replace Image to Fit: Substitutes the current image, resizing the new one to match.
Program and Device Settings
General Settings (Preferences on macOS)
- View and adjust general, device-independent settings in LightBurn.
- macOS Shortcut: Cmd + ,
Device Settings
- Configure settings specific to your laser device. These vary based on the device in use.
Machine Settings
- Adjust parameters for supported laser controllers.
Get Controller Info
- Retrieve firmware versions and usage statistics from supported controllers.
Tips for macOS Users
On macOS, the Settings are labeled as Preferences in the LightBurn menu. You can access them by pressing Cmd + ,.
The Edit Menu is a versatile component of LightBurn, offering tools that simplify object manipulation, selection, and program configuration. Master these tools to streamline your design process and maximize productivity.