Introduction
In this chapter, we'll be covering the tools menu in the LightBurn software. LightBurn has several menus available including File, Edit, Tools, Arrange, Window, Language, and Help menus. For this chapter, we will focus on the Tools menu. Let's jump into it.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Accessing the Creation Toolbar
With LightBurn open, locate the creation toolbar on the left side of the LightBurn interface. It provides access to various drawing tools and functions.
Step 2: The Selection Tool
The first icon on the creation toolbar is the Selection tool, represented by a cursor arrow. Click on this icon to activate the selection tool, which allows you to select and manipulate objects on the canvas.
Step 3: The Line Tool
The Line tool, represented by a pencil icon, is used to create lines. Click once to start a line, move the cursor to another location, and click again to create a line. Click and drag on the canvas to bend a line, then release the mouse button to finalize the bend.
Step 4: Shape Tools
The shape tools, represented by icons of a rectangle, circle, and hexagon, are used to create shapes. Click and drag on the canvas to create a shape. Hold Shift while creating the shape to maintain perfect height and width proportions.
Step 5: The Node Tool
The node editing tool, represented by a square with control points on the vertices, allows you to manipulate shapes or paths. Click on this icon to activate the node editing tool and adjust the shape or path by dragging the control points, lines, and handles. Note that your graphic must be ungrouped and be a path for nodes to show. Using line mode may be visually preferred when manipulating nodes.
Step 6: The Tab Tool
The tab tool, represented by an icon with a broken square, allows you to add tabs to shapes or lines in layers set to line mode. Click on the shape edge or line to add a tab. The laser will skip the selection with a tab during engraving.
Step 7: The Text Tool
The text tool, represented by a capital A icon, enables you to add text to your design. Click on the canvas and start typing to enter your desired text. Use the text editing toolbar at the top of the screen to adjust the font size, alignment, and other formatting options.
Step 8: The Zoom and Pan Tools
The zoom and pan tools help you navigate and focus on specific areas of your design. The zoom tool, represented by a magnifying glass icon, allows you to zoom in or out by clicking on the canvas. The pan tool, represented by a hand icon, lets you move the viewable area by clicking and dragging on the canvas.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You now should be able to navigate the toolbar better. Happy laser engraving!