--- title: Using Variable Text in LightBurn description: Learn how to automate text replacements in LightBurn using Variable Text for dates, serial numbers, and CSV data entries. Simplify and enhance your laser engraving workflow. --- [Skip to content](https://support.salasers.com/using-variable-text-in-lightburn#main-content) English Show submenu for translations [Submit a Ticket](https://support.salasers.com/kb-tickets/new?hsLang=en) ![MicrosoftTeams-image.png\]](https://support.salasers.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/MicrosoftTeams-image.png?height=50&name=MicrosoftTeams-image.png) Open main navigation Close main navigation - English Show submenu for translations - [Submit a Ticket](https://support.salasers.com/kb-tickets/new) - Go to salasers.com Go to salasers.com Hello. How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [SA Laser Knowledge Base](https://support.salasers.com/?hsLang=en) 2. [Tools & Features](https://support.salasers.com/tools-features?hsLang=en) 3. [Layout and Design](https://support.salasers.com/tools-features?hsLang=en#layout-and-design) # Using Variable Text in LightBurn ## Automate Dynamic Text Replacements in Your Laser Projects Variable Text enables automatic text substitution in your LightBurn projects. By using specially formatted expressions, you can dynamically replace text with alternate data when sending, previewing, or exporting your projects. This functionality is ideal for automating repetitive tasks like adding dates, serial numbers, or CSV data to your designs. #### **What Can Variable Text Replace?** - **Date or Time Stamps:** Automatically include current date and time. - **CSV File Entries:** Import and use data rows from a CSV file. - **Serial Numbers:** Seamlessly generate sequential numbering. - **Cut Settings:** Add predefined cutting instructions to your design. For details on formatting expressions, see Variable Text Formatting. --- ### **Selecting a Variable Text Mode** To set up Variable Text: 1. **Create Text:** Use the Create Text tool to insert the desired formatted expression. 2. **Choose Text Mode:** Select the appropriate mode from the dropdown menu in the Text Options Toolbar: - **Date/Time:** Insert dynamic timestamps. - **Merge/CSV:** Use entries from a CSV file. - **Serial Number:** Generate sequential numbering. - **Cut Settings:** Apply specific cutting data. ![Ref-VariableText-DynamicTextDropdown](https://support.salasers.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ref-VariableText-DynamicTextDropdown.png?width=640&height=267&name=Ref-VariableText-DynamicTextDropdown.png) If you select **Merge/CSV** or **Serial Number**, additional controls will be available in the **Variable Text Window**. --- ### **Accessing the Variable Text Window** By default, the Variable Text Window is not enabled. To activate it: 1. Navigate to **Window → Variable Text**. 2. The window will appear docked behind the **Cuts/Layers Window** on the upper right of your workspace. Click the **Variable Text tab** to bring it forward. ![Ref-VariableText-VariableTextTab](https://support.salasers.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ref-VariableText-VariableTextTab.png?width=427&height=102&name=Ref-VariableText-VariableTextTab.png) **Tip:** The LightBurn interface is highly customizable. For more information, refer to Customizing the LightBurn Window. --- ### **Variable Text Window Features** The Variable Text Window provides powerful tools for managing dynamic text: ![download-Jan-19-2025-03-43-47-4691-PM](https://support.salasers.com/hs-fs/hubfs/download-Jan-19-2025-03-43-47-4691-PM.png?width=421&height=347&name=download-Jan-19-2025-03-43-47-4691-PM.png) - **Current:** Displays the serial number or CSV row being used for substitution. - **Start & End:** Define the sequence range for serial numbers or CSV rows. - **Advance By:** Set how many entries to skip each time the sequence updates. - **Auto-Advance:** Enable automatic updates of the Current value during project output. - **Test:** Preview the output of your formatted expressions. ![Ref-VariableText-TestButton](https://support.salasers.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ref-VariableText-TestButton.gif?width=688&height=387&name=Ref-VariableText-TestButton.gif) - **Bake:** Convert Variable Text expressions to static text, freezing the current values. - **Browse/Clear:** Load or unload CSV files. --- ### **Offsets in Variable Text** Offsets allow incremental variations within Text Objects. - **Example:** A Text Object with an Offset of 2 and a Current value of 1000 will output "1002." - **Batch Processing:** Combine Offsets with the **Advance By** value to increment groups of designs, such as name tags or serial numbers. ![Ref-VariableText-OffsetDemo](https://support.salasers.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ref-VariableText-OffsetDemo.gif?width=688&height=387&name=Ref-VariableText-OffsetDemo.gif) #### **Automatic Offsets** LightBurn tools like **Grid Array**, **Circular Array**, and **Copy Along Path** can automatically apply Offset values for seamless duplication with incrementing data. ![Ref-VariableText-GridArrayAutoIncrementDemo](https://support.salasers.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ref-VariableText-GridArrayAutoIncrementDemo.png?width=688&height=457&name=Ref-VariableText-GridArrayAutoIncrementDemo.png) ![Ref-VariableText-GridArrayAutoIncrementDemoPreview](https://support.salasers.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ref-VariableText-GridArrayAutoIncrementDemoPreview.png?width=688&height=544&name=Ref-VariableText-GridArrayAutoIncrementDemoPreview.png) --- ### **Shape Properties for Variable Text** The **Shape Properties Window** offers additional controls to refine your Variable Text: ![Ref-VariableText-ShapeProperties](https://support.salasers.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ref-VariableText-ShapeProperties.png?width=499&height=395&name=Ref-VariableText-ShapeProperties.png) - **Max Width:** Limits the maximum width of Text Objects after substitution. - **Squeeze:** Adjust text horizontally while maintaining height (or scale proportionally when disabled). - **Ignore Empty Vars:** Removes newlines before empty Variable Text fields. ![Ref-VariableText-MaxWidthSqueezeDemo](https://support.salasers.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ref-VariableText-MaxWidthSqueezeDemo.gif?width=688&height=387&name=Ref-VariableText-MaxWidthSqueezeDemo.gif) --- ### **Conclusion** Variable Text in LightBurn enhances efficiency by automating text replacements in your laser engraving projects. Whether you’re adding serial numbers, timestamps, or CSV data, these tools simplify complex workflows and save time. 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