How do you save a laser jig as a reusable LightBurn template?
You built the jig once. Don’t rebuild the file every time you use it. Computer Creationz turns the finished layout into a LightBurn jig template: everything on a tool layer, saved in the Art Library. Next order, he drags it in, drops the artwork, and goes.
Applies to
- Software
- LightBurn (tool layers + Art Library)
- Process
- Any laser LightBurn drives
- When
- A jig you’ll load again for repeat orders
Why it matters
A jig file still has cut layers in it. Open it for a new job, forget one checkbox, and the laser re-cuts the pockets right through your product.
Tool layers never output. Put the whole template on one and the worst you can do is engrave the art. That’s the point of the job anyway.
The engrave-area box in each pocket is the quiet hero. Drop the artwork in and it snaps to the center of the box, so placement is done before you think about it.
What good looks like
- The template drags in from the Art Library in one move
- Nothing in it shows as output in the preview
- Artwork snaps centered in each pocket’s engrave area
- The original cuttable layout is saved separately
How to apply it
- Cut the jig and confirm the product fits.
- Duplicate the layout and drag the copy aside. Keep the original so you can recut a worn jig.
- Select the copy and convert all of it to a tool layer.
- In the Art Library, use Import graphic from project and give it a plain name, like the product.
- For a job: open a new file, drag the template in, align the jig on the bed, drop your artwork into the engrave areas, and run.
Exceptions & tradeoffs
LightBurn’s Art Library is the tool Computer Creationz uses. Saving the template as its own .lbrn file does the same job if you don’t keep a library.
Common mistakes
- Converting your only copy to a tool layerDuplicate first; keep the cuttable original
- Leaving cut layers live in the templateEvery part of the template goes on a tool layer
- Hand-placing art in each pocketUse an engrave-area box in each pocket and snap to its center
Frequently asked questions
- What is a tool layer in LightBurn?A layer that shows on screen but never goes to the laser. That makes it ideal for jig outlines and placement guides.
- How do I save a jig template in LightBurn?Put the whole jig layout on a tool layer, then use the Art Library’s Import graphic from project. Drag it into any new file to reuse it.
- Why duplicate the jig before converting it?So you still have a version with live cut layers. When the jig wears out, you can cut a new one from the same file.
Engrave-area tool-layer box inside each pocket so artwork snaps to center — Making laser jigs the easy way! (Setup time is less than 1 minute) ↗ at 03:49.
Duplicating the layout, then converting the copy entirely to a tool layer — Making laser jigs the easy way! (Setup time is less than 1 minute) ↗ at 12:22.
Importing the template into the LightBurn Art Library — Making laser jigs the easy way! (Setup time is less than 1 minute) ↗ at 13:45.
New file: drag the template in, drop artwork, engrave — Making laser jigs the easy way! (Setup time is less than 1 minute) ↗ at 14:33.
The tool-layer template and the Art Library habit are Computer Creationz’s. He says he wouldn’t be without the library, and once a jig file has been rebuilt from scratch twice, you’ll agree.