---
title: Preview Window in Lightburn for CO2 Lasers
description: Guide to using the Preview Window in Lightburn. Learn to access, view, use time slider/play button, and utilize additional features effectively.
---

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1. [SA Laser Knowledge Base](https://support.salasers.com/?hsLang=en)
2. [Lightburn](https://support.salasers.com/lightburn?hsLang=en)
3. [Lightburn For Gantry (Co2,RF)](https://support.salasers.com/lightburn?hsLang=en#lightburn-for-gantry-co2rf)

# Preview Window in Lightburn for CO2 Lasers

The Preview Window in Lightburn allows you to see the path your laser will take and provides an estimated time for the job. This guide explains how to use the Preview Window effectively.

**Accessing the Preview Window**

1. **Opening the Preview Window**
   
     - Hover over the Preview Window icon in the main toolbar and left-click.
     - Alternatively, use the shortcut keys: Alt + P.
2. **Viewing the Job**
   
     - The preview shows the job exactly as it would be sent to the laser, including multiple passes, tabs, layer order, selected graphics, and job origin.

**Using the Time Slider and Play Button**

1. **Time Slider**
   
     - Quickly move through the job and see the order of operations and laser path.
2. **Play Button**
   
     - Preview the job in real-time based on your settings.
     - Adjust playback speed with the smaller slider labeled "Playback Speed" (1 to 40 times the speed of the engraving).

**Additional Information and Tabs**

1. **Useful Information**
   
     - Below the time slider, view cut distance, rapid moves, and total time estimate.
2. **Tab Options**
   
     - **Show Traverse Moves:** Turn on/off the red laser travel lines in the preview.
     - **Shade According to Power:** Works with grayscale in image mode.
     - **Invert:** Useful for seeing how an image might look on a black object (does not change the engraving).

**Additional Features**

1. **Start Here Button**
   
     - Start your job from any point on the time slider.
2. **Save Image Button**
   
     - Save a picture of the preview window to your computer.
3. **Exiting the Preview Window**
   
     - Select "OK" to exit the preview window.

**Conclusion**

The Preview Window in Lightburn is a powerful tool for understanding the order of operations and how your laser will cut or engrave. The time estimate feature helps with planning and meeting deadlines. For further assistance, refer to Lightburn documentation or support channels. Happy engraving!

- [Lightburn](https://support.salasers.com/lightburn?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Lightburn For Galvo (Fiber)](https://support.salasers.com/lightburn?hsLang=en#lightburn-for-galvo-fiber)
    - [Lightburn For Gantry (Co2,RF)](https://support.salasers.com/lightburn?hsLang=en#lightburn-for-gantry-co2rf)
- [Fiber (Galvo) Lasers](https://support.salasers.com/fiber-galvo-lasers?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Troubleshooting](https://support.salasers.com/fiber-galvo-lasers?hsLang=en#troubleshooting)
- [Co2 Lasers](https://support.salasers.com/co2-lasers?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Razor Series](https://support.salasers.com/co2-lasers?hsLang=en#razor-series)
- [Troubleshooting](https://support.salasers.com/troubleshooting?hsLang=en)
- [EzCad 2](https://support.salasers.com/ezcad-2?hsLang=en)
- [How-To Guides](https://support.salasers.com/how-to-guides?hsLang=en)
- [Explainers](https://support.salasers.com/explainers?hsLang=en)
- [Tools & Features](https://support.salasers.com/tools-features?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [User Interface](https://support.salasers.com/tools-features?hsLang=en#user-interface)
    - [Essential Functions](https://support.salasers.com/tools-features?hsLang=en#essential-functions)
    - [Layout and Design](https://support.salasers.com/tools-features?hsLang=en#layout-and-design)

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