One step at a time · 4 lessons
Learn laser cutting and engraving
A laser can cut a shape or mark its surface. LightBurn is software used to prepare jobs for supported lasers. These lessons explain what a material test tells you, how to arrange the work and how to include setup and finishing in the price.
Read at your own pace. You can open any lesson and return whenever you need it.
New to the machine?
Start with the complete laser 101 course.
Choose equipment, plan the complete budget, learn the setup and work toward your first two projects. Then return here for settings and job pricing.
Explore all 12 beginner lessons →Make it useful
Your practice goal
Prepare a labeled test sample and a simple plan for making several items.
Before you begin
What to have nearby
Your laser instructions, approved material information and the software guide for your machine.
Questions this path helps answer
- What can a small material test tell me?
- Which parts of a design should run first?
- How do I price a set of engraved items?
Your next steps
Start here · 5 min reading, plus practice
Prepare your first laser job
Check material suitability, focus, job position and enabled operations before a laser test.
Open lesson →Build your skills · 5 min reading, plus practice
Read a laser material test
Compare labeled samples and select settings that meet the project’s quality requirements.
Open lesson →Build your skills · 5 min reading, plus practice
Choose the order of laser cuts and marks
Sequence engraving and cuts so the work stays aligned and supported.
Open lesson →Go further · 5 min reading, plus practice
Price a set of laser-made items
Calculate the cost of each saleable item, including setup, finishing and rejected pieces.
Open lesson →
Keep exploring
Looking for a quick explanation or a different skill?