Layout and Design
      Back to home
      1. SA Laser Knowledge Base
      2. Tools & Features
      3. Layout and Design

      Using the Measure Tool in LightBurn

      Analyze Shapes and Measure Distances with Precision

      he Measure Tool in LightBurn provides detailed information about shapes in your Workspace, including perimeter, dimensions, and segment lengths. You can also use it to create temporary measurement lines for precise distance and angle analysis.

      How to Access the Measure Tool

      Toolbar and Shortcuts

      • Location: Tools → Measure
      • Toolbar Icon: Ruler icon in the Tools Toolbar
      • Keyboard Shortcuts:
        • Windows: Alt + M
        • Mac: Option + M

      Keyboard Modifiers

      • Shift + Drag: Locks the measurement line to horizontal, vertical, or 45-degree angles.

      Ref-Measure-InToolbar

      Using the Measure Tool

      Shape Analysis

      1. Hover Over a Shape:
        • Move the cursor over a shape to display information about it, including:
          • Perimeter
          • Overall dimensions
          • Whether the shape is Open or Closed
          • Lengths of individual line or curve segments
        • Highlights:
          • The entire shape is highlighted in green.
          • The segment under the cursor is highlighted in purple.

      Ref-Measure-Demo

      Dragging to Measure

      1. Create a Temporary Line:
        • Click, hold, and drag between two points to create a temporary measurement line.
        • This line can snap to shapes, nodes, or any arbitrary point in the Workspace.
      2. Lock Angles:
        • Hold Shift while dragging to lock the line to specific angles (horizontal, vertical, or 45 degrees).

      Ref-Measure-DragDemo

      Ref-Measure-StatusToolbar-1

      Measurement Window Overview

      Ref-Measure-Dialog

      The Measurement Window displays detailed properties of the selected shape or segment:

      Value Explanation
      Nodes Number of nodes (start and end points of lines and curves).
      Lines Total number of straight lines in the shape.
      Curves Total number of arcs or Bézier curves.
      Perimeter Length Combined length of all line and curve segments.
      Closed/Open Indicates whether the shape is a closed loop or an open path.
      Area Total area of the shape (empty for open shapes).
      Segment Length Length of the selected line or curve segment.
      Start Point X, Y coordinates of the start node for the selected segment.
      End Point X, Y coordinates of the end node for the selected segment.
      Difference X and Y differences between the start and end points of the selected segment.
      Angle Angle of the line between the start and end points.
      Arc Radius Radius of the arc (if the curve is a circular arc).
      Arc Center Center point of the arc (if the curve is a circular arc).

      Tips for Using the Measure Tool

      • Use the Measure Tool to analyze shapes as you create or modify them for precise laser cutting.
      • Locking angles with Shift is especially useful for checking alignment and symmetry.
      • Snap to nodes or shapes for accurate measurements in complex designs.

      Conclusion

      The Measure Tool in LightBurn is an essential feature for analyzing shapes and ensuring precision in your designs. Whether measuring distances, evaluating angles, or inspecting shape properties, this tool provides all the details you need for accurate laser engraving and cutting.