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      How to Use the Radius/Fillet Tool in LightBurn

      Round, Remove, or Modify Corners with Precision

      QuickRef-RadiusFillet

      What Is the Radius/Fillet Tool?

      The Radius/Fillet tool in LightBurn is used to round sharp corners, take a "bite" out of corners with a negative radius, or revert rounded corners back to sharp ones. This versatile tool can be applied to various shapes and paths, offering precision and flexibility for your designs.

      Location

      Modifiers Toolbar: Radius/Fillet Tool

      Applications

      • Smoother Appearance: Round sharp corners for a softer look.
      • Complex Shapes: Create varied, intricate designs with custom radiuses.
      • Assembly-Friendly Tabs: Round corners to make assembly easier.
      • Decorative Elements: Add rounded details for aesthetic appeal.

      How to Use the Radius Tool

      Ref-Radius-InModifiersToolbar

      1. Activate the Tool:

        • Select the Radius Tool icon from the Modifiers Toolbar.

      2. Set the Radius Value:

        • Enter the desired radius size. Ensure there’s enough space for the radius to fit between the corner and adjacent points.
        • For a unique effect, use a negative radius value to create a “bite” in the corner.
        Ref-Radius-AddToPath

      3. Apply the Radius:

        • Select the object you want to modify.
        • Hover over a corner. The cursor changes to indicate if the radius can be applied:
          • Icon-Cursor-Radius-Add Fillet Corner: Ready to apply the radius.
          • Icon-Cursor-Radius-Remove Remove Fillet: Corner can be reverted to sharp.
          • Icon-Cursor-Radius-NotEnoughRoom Not Enough Space: Radius cannot be applied.
        • Click the corner to apply the radius.

      4. Exit the Tool:

        • Press Esc to exit the Radius Tool.

      Removing or Modifying a Radius

      • Remove a Radius:

        • Click on an existing rounded corner to revert it to sharp.
        • This works even for imported designs, provided the software used exported actual arcs.

      Ref-Radius-RemoveAndEdit

      • Change a Radius:

        • Remove the current radius and reapply a new radius with the desired size.

      Special Features

      Rectangles and Radius Handles:

      • Use the Shape Properties Window to adjust rectangle corners. This ensures consistent corner radiuses when resizing the rectangle.
      • Hold Ctrl/Cmd while selecting a rectangle to reveal blue corner radius handles.
        • Drag Outward: Increase corner radius.
        • Drag Inward: Decrease radius.
        • Drag Vertically: Create a reversed radius (“bite” effect).

      Ref-Radius-AddToRectangle-1

      Troubleshooting

      Common Issues and Solutions:

      1. Radius Tool Doesn’t Work:

        • Ensure shapes are Ungrouped.
        • Verify the Radius Tool is active and the object is selected.
        Icon-Cursor-Radius-NotEnoughRoom

      2. Not Enough Space for Radius: 

        • Check if the corner has sufficient room for the radius.
        • If lines at the corner aren’t joined:
          • Use the Edit Nodes Tool to adjust and snap them together.

      3. Trouble Reverting to Sharp Corner:

        • Imported arcs may appear as tiny lines. Use Optimize Selected Shapes to recover true arcs.

      Practical Tips

      • Consistent Design: Use the Shape Properties Window for uniform radiuses, especially in rectangles.
      • Visual Cues: Pay attention to cursor icons when hovering over corners for clear guidance.
      • Custom Effects: Experiment with negative radius values for decorative “bite” effects.

      The Radius/Fillet tool enhances your designs by enabling smooth transitions, creative corner effects, and precise modifications, perfect for both functional and decorative applications.