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      Using Multiple LightBurn Instances: Guide for Advanced Users

      Overview Multiple LightBurn Instances

      LightBurn allows users to open multiple windows for working on different projects or controlling multiple devices. This guide explains how to manage multiple LightBurn windows and create fully independent instances for advanced workflows.

      Opening Additional LightBurn Windows

      Each LightBurn window can:

      • Open one project.
      • Communicate with one device at a time.

      To Open a New Window:

      1. Go to File → New Window.

      Note:
      All LightBurn windows share the same settings and preferences. Changes made in one window will overwrite settings when it is closed last.

      Running Fully Independent LightBurn Instances (Windows Only)

      For advanced users, it’s possible to create separate profiles for independent instances of LightBurn. This allows each instance to maintain its own settings, preferences, and devices.

      Prerequisites

      • This method is only supported on Windows.
      • Familiarity with adjusting operating system settings is required. Follow the steps carefully.

      Step-by-Step Guide

      Step 1: Export Current Preferences

      1. Open LightBurn.
      2. Navigate to File → Preferences → Export Prefs.
      3. Save the .lbprefs file and note its location.
        Guide-MultipleLBInstances-1

      Step 2: Prepare Shortcuts for Separate Profiles

      1. Close all LightBurn windows.
      2. Open File Explorer and navigate to:
        C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\LightBurn\.
        Guide-MultipleLBInstances-2
      3. Copy the LightBurn shortcut twice and rename them (e.g., LightBurn_A and LightBurn_B).
        Guide-MultipleLBInstances-3
      4. Grant administrative permissions when prompted.

      Step 3: Configure Shortcuts for Independent Profiles

      1. Edit Shortcut Properties:

        • Right-click the first shortcut (LightBurn_A) and select Properties.
          Guide-MultipleLBInstances-4
        • In the Shortcut tab, replace the Target field with:
          mathematica
          Copy code
          C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe /c "SET LB_SETTINGSFOLDER=%USERPROFILE%\LightBurn_A&& START /D ^"C:\Program Files\LightBurn\^" LightBurn.exe"
          Guide-MultipleLBInstances-FileProperties
        • Click Apply, then OK, granting administrative permissions.
          Guide-MultipleLBInstances-5

      2. Repeat the process for the second shortcut (LightBurn_B) with the following Target value:

        mathematica
        Copy code
        C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe /c "SET LB_SETTINGSFOLDER=%USERPROFILE%\LightBurn_B&& START /D ^"C:\Program Files\LightBurn\^" LightBurn.exe"

      Step 4: Launch Independent Instances

      1. Open the Windows Start Menu and launch LightBurn_A.

        Guide-MultipleLBInstances-6

      2. Close the Help & Notes window.

      3. Go to Devices → Import Preferences and load the .lbprefs file saved earlier.

        Guide-MultipleLBInstances-7

      4. Remove any devices not needed for this instance.

      5. Launch LightBurn_B and repeat the process, loading the same preferences file. Adjust the devices for this instance as needed.

      Summary

      Independent LightBurn profiles are now available:

      • Preferences and device settings are stored in separate directories:
        %USERPROFILE%\LightBurn_A and %USERPROFILE%\LightBurn_B.
        Guide-MultipleLBInstances-8
      • Changes in one profile do not affect the other.
      • Each instance maintains unique preferences, file lists, and configurations.

      Important Note:
      While multiple instances can control different devices simultaneously, cameras and lasers cannot be accessed by more than one instance at the same time.