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LaserPost
for Lightburn

Create perfect LightBurn projects directly from Fusion 360, HSMWorks, and Inventor.

Eliminate hand setup of DXF files. All layer settings fully configured. Just click and burn.

Diode laser engraving wood

LaserPost makes it

  • Create perfect LightBurn projects in one click.
  • Supports all shapes, including conversion to Bezier curves.
  • All LightBurn layer settings configured with your model.
  • Grouping of CAM operations and shapes.
  • LightBurn material library fully integrated.
  • Automatic update detection.
  • Stock outline and offset options.
  • Totally free and open-source.

LaserPost is open-source and free to use.

Tutorials, tips and tricks

LaserPost Getting Started Tutorials
December 28, 2022

These six short tutorial videos (2-3 minutes each) will take you from zero to a fully finished LightBurn project using Fusion 360, including a material library, cutting and engraving operations, and generating LightBurn projects.

While a bit out of date, these videos are a great way to get started. Make sure to review the Conscise Guide to LaserPost settings for all current features and settings.

Concise guide to LaserPost settings (1.1)
January 18, 2023

This guide is a “cheat sheet” for LaserPost, showing and describing every setting and option so you can create perfect laser projects directly from Fusion 360, HSMWorks and Inventor.

Concise guide to LaserPost settings (1.2)
December 27, 2023

This guide is a “cheat sheet” for LaserPost, showing and describing every setting and option so you can create perfect laser projects directly from Fusion 360, HSMWorks and Inventor.

Need help?

Found a bug?

Visit the LaserPost issue tracker on GitHub.

Releases

Version 1.2.0

LaserPost for LightBurn
May 14, 2024

Version 1.2 introduces three killer features that make LaserPost super easy to use:

  1. LightBurn material libraries:  Select a LightBurn material library, and choose your materials directly in Fusion 360 from a new Material dropdown.    You can also select the units (mm/inch) you want to see in the library.
  2. Standard vs. Advanced experience: Laserpost has always had comprehensive integration with the Fusion 360 Tool Library and extensive properties for LightBurn settings, which is great for repeatable, consistent settings from a solid model – but with LightBurn material library integration, it makes sense to simplify LaserPost.  Now you can choose from Standard and Advanced experiences.  Standard simplifies the experience and all laser settings are done with LightBurn materials, and Advanced does everything in Standard, plus provides the native Fusion 360 tool library and advanced laser settings.
  3. Auto-launch LightBurn: Now you can have LaserPost automatically launch the generated LBRN file in LightBurn, streamlining your workflow.

All of these options can be found in your Machine’s post-properties (right-click your setup and choose Edit, in the setup dialog click Edit on the machine, then switch to the Post-Properties tab to see these options).

You need to run a post after changing Standard/Advanced or Material Library settings: 

You have to run a post one (you can ignore the result, it just needs to be executed) before the changes will be fully applied and available.  For example, when you add or change a LightBurn material library, you won’t see the materials available on your operations until you run another post.  Why?  Currently, Autodesk does not inform the post-processor when settings are changed, so the only time LaserPost can see the change and adjust is when a post is run.

Version 1.1.0

LaserPost for LightBurn
February 4, 2023

This release of LaserPost for LightBurn brings several new features and many bug fixes (thanks to a new automated testing environment that tests over 80 configurations).  

Videos have not been updated:  Current information on all settings in LaserPost 1.1 can be found in the Concise guide to LaserPost settings. The videos are still super helpful in learning how to do setup, but there are differences (especially with setting the coordinate space, so do refer to the guide after watching the videos).

New features include:

  • Major rework to the coordinate space and machine orientations. Now has a Machine property to specify your LightBurn machine orientation (upper-left, upper-right, etc.) that must match your LightBurn file. The WCS coordinate should always be where you would like LightBurn to see the lower-left corner, with Z pointing upwards and X/Y pointing towards the stock. Hint: To set WCS correctly in Setup, use “Select Z axis/plane and X axis” and select your Z line (thickness line) first and then the line you wish to be horizontal in LightBurn (then flip Z and X until they align correctly). Shout-out to ZePapou for his help in finding the WCS problem and testing the alpha releases. 
  • “Use cutting mode” option on the post-property Layer mode selection. When selected, will determine the layer type (vector/raster) from the 2D Profile operation’s cutting mode (through will be “Fill” and etch will be “Line”).
  • Added a “File-per-layer” grouping option, which creates one project file for each layer.
  • Implemented the grouping-by-layer feature, which was missing from the prior version.
  • Alignment marks are not available in an “output off” layer. Very useful when using “file-per-layer” and importing individual files to align multiple shapes accurately.
  • Support for dual-laser machines that use a mirror shuttle (allows setting the “U” axis distance based on the laser). See Machine Properties to configure.
  • Changed the setting for “show/hide notes” from the machine properties to post properties.

Bugs fixed include:

  • Power-scale now retains the correct setting in the generated files.
  • Support for documents in unit inches (used to only work with mm units)
  • Improved the readability of generated comments and notes.
  • Significantly reduced the size of the encoded thumbnail (about 5x smaller).
  • Fixes for custom CutSetting XML and named grouping.
  • Work offsets are now correctly applied.

Version 1.0.0

LaserPost for LightBurn
December 28, 2022

The first stable release of LaserPost for LightBurn is now available!  There are no changes from Release Candidate 1 other than to change the version number.  A big Thank You to everyone who helped test.

Version 1.2.0

LaserPost for LightBurn
May 14, 2024

Version 1.2 introduces three killer features that make LaserPost super easy to use:

  1. LightBurn material libraries:  Select a LightBurn material library, and choose your materials directly in Fusion 360 from a new Material dropdown.    You can also select the units (mm/inch) you want to see in the library.
  2. Standard vs. Advanced experience: Laserpost has always had comprehensive integration with the Fusion 360 Tool Library and extensive properties for LightBurn settings, which is great for repeatable, consistent settings from a solid model – but with LightBurn material library integration, it makes sense to simplify LaserPost.  Now you can choose from Standard and Advanced experiences.  Standard simplifies the experience and all laser settings are done with LightBurn materials, and Advanced does everything in Standard, plus provides the native Fusion 360 tool library and advanced laser settings.
  3. Auto-launch LightBurn: Now you can have LaserPost automatically launch the generated LBRN file in LightBurn, streamlining your workflow.

All of these options can be found in your Machine’s post-properties (right-click your setup and choose Edit, in the setup dialog click Edit on the machine, then switch to the Post-Properties tab to see these options).

You need to run a post after changing Standard/Advanced or Material Library settings: 

You have to run a post one (you can ignore the result, it just needs to be executed) before the changes will be fully applied and available.  For example, when you add or change a LightBurn material library, you won’t see the materials available on your operations until you run another post.  Why?  Currently, Autodesk does not inform the post-processor when settings are changed, so the only time LaserPost can see the change and adjust is when a post is run.

Version 1.2.0-rc.1

LaserPost for LightBurn
March 2, 2024
rc1

Version 1.2 introduces three killer features that make LaserPost super easy to use:

  1. LightBurn material libraries:  Select a LightBurn material library, and choose your materials directly in Fusion 360 from a new Material dropdown.    You can also select the units (mm/inch) you want to see in the library.
  2. Standard vs. Advanced experience: Laserpost has always had comprehensive integration with the Fusion 360 Tool Library and extensive properties for LightBurn settings, which is great for repeatable, consistent settings from a solid model – but with LightBurn material library integration, it makes sense to simplify LaserPost.  Now you can choose from Standard and Advanced experiences.  Standard simplifies the experience and all laser settings are done with LightBurn materials, and Advanced does everything in Standard, plus provides the native Fusion 360 tool library and advanced laser settings.
  3. Auto-launch LightBurn: Now you can have LaserPost automatically launch the generated LBRN file in LightBurn, streamlining your workflow.

All of these options can be found in your Machine’s post-properties (right-click your setup and choose Edit, in the setup dialog click Edit on the machine, then switch to the Post-Properties tab to see these options).

You need to run a post after changing Standard/Advanced or Material Library settings: 

You have to run a post one (you can ignore the result, it just needs to be executed) before the changes will be fully applied and available.  For example, when you add or change a LightBurn material library, you won’t see the materials available on your operations until you run another post.  Why?  Currently, Autodesk does not inform the post-processor when settings are changed, so the only time LaserPost can see the change and adjust is when a post is run.

New in 1.2.0-rc.1

  • Fixed a crash that would occasionally happen with circles.  The HSM API occasionally reports that a circle is a semi-circle when it’s a full circle, which causes bezier conversion to fail to generate vectors (bezier requires multiple paths to create a full circle).  Now detects full circles and correctly translates to ellipse.
  • Improved coordinate space handling to ensure resulting models are aligned to coordinate space root of (0, 0) while maintaining correct alignment between stock and parts.  Resolves issues such as lines going outside of the coordinate space boundaries, and working with unusual stock positioning.

Version 1.2.0-beta.2

LaserPost for LightBurn
December 27, 2023
beta

Beta release of version 1.2 comes with three killer features that make LaserPost super easy to use:

  1. LightBurn material libraries:  Select a LightBurn material library, and choose your materials directly in Fusion 360 from a new Material dropdown.    You can also select the units (mm/inch) you want to see in the library.
  2. Standard vs. Advanced experience: Laserpost has always had comprehensive integration with the Fusion 360 Tool Library and extensive properties for LightBurn settings, which is great for repeatable, consistent settings from a solid model – but with LightBurn material library integration, it makes sense to simplify LaserPost.  Now you can choose from Standard and Advanced experiences.  Standard simplifies the experience and all laser settings are done with LightBurn materials, and Advanced does everything in Standard, plus provides the native Fusion 360 tool library and advanced laser settings.
  3. Auto-launch LightBurn: Now you can have LaserPost automatically launch the generated LBRN file in LightBurn, streamlining your workflow.

All of these options can be found in your Machine’s post-properties (right-click your setup and choose Edit, in the setup dialog click Edit on the machine, then switch to the Post-Properties tab to see these options).

You need to run a post after changing Standard/Advanced or Material Library settings: 

You have to run a post one (you can ignore the result, it just needs to be executed) before the changes will be fully applied and available.  For example, when you add or change a LightBurn material library, you won’t see the materials available on your operations until you run another post.  Why?  Currently, Autodesk does not inform the post-processor when settings are changed, so the only time LaserPost can see the change and adjust is when a post is run.

Videos have not been updated:  See the Concise guide to LaserPost settings (1.2 Beta) for updated information about LaserPost 1.2.  The videos are still super helpful in learning how to do setup, but there are differences (especially with setting the coordinate space, so do refer to the guide after watching the videos).

New in Beta 1.2-beta.2

  • Improved path handling and default extensions for LightBurn material libraries
  • Simplified launching LightBurn on post completion to just a checkbox, and moved from Machine settings to the Post page.
  • Improvements in messages related to changing settings and needing to run post-properties.

Version 1.2.0-beta.1

LaserPost for LightBurn
December 20, 2023
beta

Beta release of version 1.2 comes with three killer features that make LaserPost super easy to use:

  1. LightBurn material libraries:  Select a LightBurn material library, and choose your materials directly in Fusion 360 from a new Material dropdown.    You can also select the units (mm/inch) you want to see in the library.
  2. Standard vs. Advanced experience: Laserpost has always had comprehensive integration with the Fusion 360 Tool Library and extensive properties for LightBurn settings, which is great for repeatable, consistent settings from a solid model – but with LightBurn material library integration, it makes sense to simplify LaserPost.  Now you can choose from Standard and Advanced experiences.  Standard simplifies the experience and all laser settings are done with LightBurn materials, and Advanced does everything in Standard, plus provides the native Fusion 360 tool library and advanced laser settings.
  3. Auto-launch LightBurn: Now you can have LaserPost automatically launch LightBurn (or any application) as soon as a post is successfully finished, streamlining your workflow.

All of these options can be found in your Machine’s post-properties (right-click your setup and choose Edit, in the setup dialog click Edit on the machine, then switch to the Post-Properties tab to see these options).

You need to run a post after changing Standard/Advanced or Material Library settings: 

You have to run a post one (you can ignore the result, it just needs to be executed) before the changes will be fully applied and available.  For example, when you add or change a LightBurn material library, you won’t see the materials available on your operations until you run another post.  Why?  Currently, Autodesk does not inform the post-processor when settings are changed, so the only time LaserPost can see the change and adjust is when a post is run.

Videos have not been updated:  Current information on all settings in LaserPost 1.1 can be found in the Concise guide to LaserPost settings. When 1.2 is released, the guide will be updated with the new features as well.  The videos are still super helpful in learning how to do setup, but there are differences (especially with setting the coordinate space, so do refer to the guide after watching the videos).

Version 1.1.0

LaserPost for LightBurn
February 4, 2023

This release of LaserPost for LightBurn brings several new features and many bug fixes (thanks to a new automated testing environment that tests over 80 configurations).  

Videos have not been updated:  Current information on all settings in LaserPost 1.1 can be found in the Concise guide to LaserPost settings. The videos are still super helpful in learning how to do setup, but there are differences (especially with setting the coordinate space, so do refer to the guide after watching the videos).

New features include:

  • Major rework to the coordinate space and machine orientations. Now has a Machine property to specify your LightBurn machine orientation (upper-left, upper-right, etc.) that must match your LightBurn file. The WCS coordinate should always be where you would like LightBurn to see the lower-left corner, with Z pointing upwards and X/Y pointing towards the stock. Hint: To set WCS correctly in Setup, use “Select Z axis/plane and X axis” and select your Z line (thickness line) first and then the line you wish to be horizontal in LightBurn (then flip Z and X until they align correctly). Shout-out to ZePapou for his help in finding the WCS problem and testing the alpha releases. 
  • “Use cutting mode” option on the post-property Layer mode selection. When selected, will determine the layer type (vector/raster) from the 2D Profile operation’s cutting mode (through will be “Fill” and etch will be “Line”).
  • Added a “File-per-layer” grouping option, which creates one project file for each layer.
  • Implemented the grouping-by-layer feature, which was missing from the prior version.
  • Alignment marks are not available in an “output off” layer. Very useful when using “file-per-layer” and importing individual files to align multiple shapes accurately.
  • Support for dual-laser machines that use a mirror shuttle (allows setting the “U” axis distance based on the laser). See Machine Properties to configure.
  • Changed the setting for “show/hide notes” from the machine properties to post properties.

Bugs fixed include:

  • Power-scale now retains the correct setting in the generated files.
  • Support for documents in unit inches (used to only work with mm units)
  • Improved the readability of generated comments and notes.
  • Significantly reduced the size of the encoded thumbnail (about 5x smaller).
  • Fixes for custom CutSetting XML and named grouping.
  • Work offsets are now correctly applied.

Version 1.1.0-beta.1

LaserPost for LightBurn
January 17, 2023
beta

This beta release of LaserPost for LightBurn brings several new features and many bug fixes. A new automated testing environment that tests over 80 configurations has helped to improve the overall quality of all releases (and found scads of bugs!)

New features include:

  • Major rework to the coordinate space and machine orientations. Now has a Machine property to specify your LightBurn machine orientation (upper-left, upper-right, etc.) that must match your LightBurn file. The WCS coordinate should always be where you would like LightBurn to see the lower-left corner, with Z pointing upwards and X/Y pointing towards the stock. Hint: To set WCS correctly in Setup, use “Select Z axis/plane and X axis” and select your Z line (thickness line) first and then the line you wish to be horizontal in LightBurn (then flip Z and X until they align correctly). Shout-out to ZePapou for his help in finding the WCS problem and testing the alpha releases. 
  • “Use cutting mode” option on the post-property Layer mode selection. When selected, will determine the layer type (vector/raster) from the 2D Profile operation’s cutting mode (through will be “Fill” and etch will be “Line”).
  • Added a “File-per-layer” grouping option, which creates one project file for each layer.
  • Implemented the grouping-by-layer feature, which was missing from the prior version.
  • Alignment marks are not available in an “output off” layer. Very useful when using “file-per-layer” and importing individual files to align multiple shapes accurately.
  • Support for dual-laser machines that use a mirror shuttle (allows setting the “U” axis distance based on the laser). See Machine Properties to configure.
  • Changed the setting for “show/hide notes” from the machine properties to post properties.

Bugs fixed include:

  • Power-scale now retains the correct setting in the generated files.
  • Support for documents in unit inches (used to only work with mm units)
  • Improved the readability of generated comments and notes.
  • Significantly reduced the size of the encoded thumbnail (about 5x smaller).
  • Fixes for custom CutSetting XML and named grouping.
  • Work offsets are now correctly applied.

Version 1.0.0

LaserPost for LightBurn
December 28, 2022

The first stable release of LaserPost for LightBurn is now available!  There are no changes from Release Candidate 1 other than to change the version number.  A big Thank You to everyone who helped test.

Version 1.0.0-rc.1

LaserPost for LightBurn
December 13, 2022
rc1

A number of small fixes, nothing serious so it’s finally time to make our first Release Candidate!

  • Posts would fail if a single circle was cut using Through Cut (and therefore using lead-in and lead-out on the operation).  The lead-in was incorrectly identified as an ellipse shape, but now it correctly resolves to a linear path.
  • Some complex shapes were not closed due to slight inaccuracies in the position information from CAM.  Now supports an accuracy measurement (0.01mm) to determine if two points are close enough to be considered closed.
  • Changed shape segmentation to correctly close shapes when many points are clustered together (uses hints from CAM operations on movements and prioritizes finding the largest closable shape over the smallest).
  • LightBurn detects unclosed paths when using fill mode, and shows warning messages (and doesn’t render them).  LaserPost now comments out shapes that are not closed when a fill mode is set, such as when using the Through cutting mode (with lead-in/lead-out) instead of the more appropriate Etch cutting mode.
  • Cleaned up some logging messages when using ‘insane’ level logging.

Version 1.0.0-beta.3

LaserPost for LightBurn
December 7, 2022
beta

Lots of restructuring and bug fixes.  Now successfully generating LBRN files for some very complex models – getting very close to a release candidate!

Highlights of Beta 3:

  • Refactored all code across many source files to make it easier to manage and understand the code organization, and a new (simple) build system. See the README and the release directory for how to build the software.
  • Major refactor to shape generation – fixes many shape generation issues.
  • Moved several shared properties to machine post properties.
  • Reorganized 2D Profile post properties to be more usable.
  • Fixed bug with arc, where long vs. short arc on CW/CCW was incorrect.
  • Fixed bug where speed was sometimes zero.
  • Changed default air setting to use settings from the tool.
  • Add new notes feature to optionally only show notes when something important has been found (such as a release update).  Set as default.
  • Fixed stock outline to use workspace offsets.
  • Added XML encode/decode for string properties such as notes and properties.

Version 1.0.0-beta.2

LaserPost for LightBurn
December 3, 2022
beta

Beta-2 of LaserPost for LightBurn is here!  No longer do you need to peek over the fence to see if the grass is greener (well, check if there is an updated version that is), as LaserPost now self-checks if a newer, shiner version is available.

  • Post settings can specify how often to update (including never).  This is defaulted to hourly but will be changed to daily once at RC.
  • Post settings can also specify if beta vs. stable releases should be checked.  Defaulted to beta until we have our first official, stable release.
  • Adds guidance and management of extended permissions, since Fusion will warn that security approval is required to write to disk (for the time stamp) and access the Internet (to check for updates).  Disabling update checking allows for using LaserPost without providing permission.

And of course, a few bugs got whacked along the way:

  • If LaserPost was used without a machine setup, the post would fail to run with an error.
  • Fixed some minor issues that were causing warning messages in the log file.

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