Using the Numeric Edits Toolbar in LightBurn

Precision Editing for Size, Position, and Orientation

The Numeric Edits Toolbar enables precise control over the size, position, and orientation of selected objects in LightBurn. Changes made through the toolbar treat all selected objects as a single unit, maintaining their relative positions and proportions during adjustments.


How to Access the Numeric Edits Toolbar

Default Location

  • Found in the top toolbar to the left of the Text Options Toolbar.

Re-enabling the Toolbar

  1. Navigate to Window → Numeric Edits to enable it if hidden.
  2. To restore all toolbars to their default positions, select Window → Reset to Default Layout.

Ref-NumericEditsToolbar-LocationInContext

Tip: LightBurn’s interface is customizable. For more information, see Customizing the LightBurn Window.


Numeric Edits Toolbar Options

9-Dot Control

The 9-Dot Control determines the anchor point used for:

  • Displaying and adjusting selection coordinates.
  • Scaling objects toward or away from the anchor point.
  • Setting the center of rotation during rotation adjustments.

Each dot corresponds to a specific position on the bounding rectangle of the selected objects (e.g., corners, edges, or center).

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Position Adjustments (XPos and YPos)

  • XPos: Horizontal position relative to the laser’s origin.
  • YPos: Vertical position relative to the laser’s origin.

Adjustments move the anchor point (set in the 9-Dot Control) to the specified coordinates, shifting all selected objects together.

Ref-NumericEditsToolbar-XPosYPosDemo

Tip: For imprecise adjustments, use the Move handle directly in the Workspace.


Size Adjustments (Width and Height)

  • Width: Horizontal dimension of the selection.
  • Height: Vertical dimension of the selection.

Ref-NumericEdits-WidthHeightDemo

Adjusting Dimensions

  • Enter specific values for precise adjustments.
  • Change by percentage for proportional scaling.

Lock Aspect Ratio

  • Locked Mode (Closed Lock Icon): Maintains the aspect ratio during resizing.
    • Example: A rectangle with a 2:1 ratio (50 mm x 25 mm) rescaled to 80 mm wide will adjust height to 40 mm.
  • Unlocked Mode (Open Lock Icon): Allows independent scaling of width and height.

Ref-NumericEdits-LockDemo

Tip: Use the Size handles in the Workspace for imprecise adjustments.


Rotation Adjustments

  • Enter a specific angle to rotate the selection.
  • Positive values rotate clockwise, negative values rotate counterclockwise.

The 9-Dot Control sets the center of rotation.

Ref-NumericEdits-RotateDemo

Tip: Rotate imprecisely using Rotate handles or hotkeys in the Workspace.


Units Toggle

Switch between metric (mm) and imperial (in) units with the Units Toggle. You can also adjust the default unit in the Settings window.

Ref-NumericEdits-UnitsToggleDemo


Advanced Features

Equation Support

  • Fields accept mathematical equations for complex adjustments.
    • Examples:
      • 58 + 37
      • 10.25 / 2
      • (10+2) * 4 + 1
  • Supported constants and functions include: e, pi, sin, cos, sqrt, log, and more.

Automatic Unit Conversion

  • Enter measurements in different units directly into fields.
    • Example: If working in millimeters, inputting 5in or 5" for width will convert to millimeters automatically.

Conclusion

The Numeric Edits Toolbar in LightBurn is an essential tool for precise design adjustments, enabling control over size, position, rotation, and units. With advanced features like equation support and unit conversion, this toolbar provides the accuracy and flexibility needed for professional laser engraving projects.