LightBurn

LightBurn is the software for the Redsail laser. It's installed on the computers opposite the laser. LightBurn documentation

Workflow

  1. Create your file in any vector program (Inkscape, Illustrator…), or model in CAD and export faces as DXF.

  2. Import — DXF, AI (v8+), SVG and more.

  3. Assign colours — each colour is a layer with its own settings in Cuts / Layers.

Origin: Start From sets where on the bed the job starts; Job Origin sets which point of your design is the origin.

Frame: [ ] Frame traces the bounding rectangle; ( ) Frame follows the outer contour.

Your own computer

LightBurn needs a licence — 75% discount via the member page. On the makerspace network you can control the laser from your own laptop. Installation guide

Easiest: import redsail.lbdev — includes the engraving offsets. (Or import only the offsets: scanning_offsets.lbso, under Edit → Device Settings.)

Manual setup (doesn't include engraving offsets):





1. Devices → Create Manually (or Import for the .lbdev)


2. Choose Ruida


3. Choose Ethernet/UDP


4. IP address 10.20.0.252 (the dots behave oddly when typing)


5. Name it, e.g. RedSailLaser


6. Origin: Rear Right


7. Finish


8. The laser now appears under Devices


Adobe Illustrator

  • New document 1400 × 900 mm (max bed size), landscape, RGB.

  • Units: File → Document Setup → mm.

  • Export as AI, SVG or DXF. LightBurn uses the outlines from AI files.

  • DXF: File → Export → Export As, AutoCAD version R14/LT98/LT97, scale 1 mm = 1 unit. Script for grouping issues

Illustrator DXF export settings

Illustrator DXF export settings