Tools Toolbar Overview in LightBurn

A Guide to Selecting, Creating, and Editing Objects

The Tools Toolbar in LightBurn is your primary hub for selecting, creating, and editing objects. This toolbar simplifies the design process by providing quick access to essential tools.


Accessing the Tools Toolbar

By default, the Tools Toolbar is located in the upper-left corner of the LightBurn interface.

If the Tools Toolbar is not visible:

  1. Go to Window → Tools to re-enable it.
  2. To restore all toolbars and windows to their default positions, go to Window → Reset to Default Layout.

Ref-ToolsToolbar-ToolsToolbarWithContext

Tip: LightBurn’s layout is highly customizable. To learn more about enabling or disabling toolbars, rearranging windows, or customizing the workspace, refer to Customizing the LightBurn Window.


Tools Toolbar Options

Click any button in the image below to explore detailed guides for each tool, or scroll down for descriptions of each option.

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Tip: The Tools Toolbar is normally vertical but can be repositioned and oriented horizontally. Learn more in Customizing the LightBurn Window.


Detailed Tool Descriptions

Select Icon-Select

Shortcut: Esc
The Select tool is used to choose objects for modification. Click to select individual objects, or click, hold, and drag to create a selection box for multiple objects.


Draw Lines Icon-DrawLines

Shortcut: Ctrl/Cmd + L
Create vector paths by placing points connected with straight or curved lines.


Create Rectangle Icon-CreateRectangle

Shortcut: Ctrl/Cmd + R
Draw rectangles by clicking and dragging with the Create Rectangle tool.


Create Ellipse Icon-CreateEllipse

Shortcut: Ctrl/Cmd + E
Draw ellipses or circles by clicking and dragging with the Create Ellipse tool.


Create Regular Polygon Icon-CreateRegularPolygon

Create polygons such as hexagons or triangles. Adjust the number of sides in the Shape Properties window.


Edit Nodes Icon-EditNodes

Shortcut: Ctrl/Cmd + `
Modify vector paths by adjusting their nodes (points). This tool works only on ungrouped vector paths.


Trim Shapes Icon-CutShapes

Shortcut: Ctrl/Cmd + K
Remove sections of vector graphics that lie between intersections using the Trim Shapes tool.


Add Tabs Icon-AddTabs

Shortcut: Ctrl/Cmd + Tab
Add small, uncut sections (tabs) to prevent objects from falling out of the base material after cutting.


Create/Edit Text Icon-CreateEditText

Shortcut: Ctrl/Cmd + T
Use this tool to add, edit, and format text objects in your design.


Position Laser Icon-SetLocation

Shortcut: Alt/Option + L
Click within the workspace to move the laser to the corresponding location in its physical work area. Always ensure the laser’s path is clear before using this tool.


Measure Icon-Measure

Shortcut: Alt/Option + M
Hover over an object to view measurements and node details, or click and drag to measure distances between two points.