All About Operation Mode
Operation mode determines which motion path the laser follows when processing each part of the artwork. It defines how the artwork's geometry is converted into laser toolpaths before power, scanning speed, pulse frequency, or pulse duration affect the process.
Line
Line mode follows vector paths. Line mode is appropriate for outlines, scoring, thin marks, open-path gratings, and cutting when the laser and material are suitable for the intended operation. In Line mode, the laser follows the boundary of a closed shape rather than scanning lines across its interior.
Fill
Fill mode moves the laser along a series of parallel scan lines through the interior of closed vector shapes. Line interval controls the spacing between the parallel scan lines, while scan angle controls the direction those paths travel across the workpiece. Fill mode is commonly used for solid marks, larger engraved areas, and filled vector artwork.
Offset Fill and related strategies
Offset Fill fills a closed vector shape with concentric lines that follow its outer contour rather than parallel scan lines traveling back and forth across its interior. Offset Fill can reduce non-engraving travel when filling large, hollow shapes or designs containing substantial empty space. It is usually less suitable for narrow features or complex geometry, and its toolpaths can take LightBurn significantly longer to calculate than ordinary Fill.
Examples
Use Line mode for geometry such as a serial-number outline or a diffraction grating constructed from open vector paths. Use Fill mode for a closed vector logo whose interior should be engraved as a solid area. Consider Offset Fill for a closed, hollow design containing substantial empty space when contour-following paths may reduce non-engraving travel. You can also use Offset Fill as a creative styling choice when its concentric, contour-following line pattern produces the texture or appearance you want, even when it offers no processing-time advantage. Use LightBurn Image mode when the source should remain a bitmap and its pixel values or selected image-processing method should control the engraving directly.
What it does not decide
Selecting an operation mode does not make the overall laser setting safe or appropriate for the machine and material. Power, scanning speed, focus, line interval, pulse behavior, air assist, exhaust, and material response all influence both the finished result and whether the process is safe.