Line mode and contour settings
Line mode follows a vector’s outline. It can be used for outline engraving or for a cut. Open Cuts and Layers, choose a Line layer and open Advanced cut and fill settings.
Choose the contour sequence
Use Inside first to process holes before their enclosing outlines. To process letters in reading order, use Cut left to right and follow the lettering guide. Generate a fresh preview and step through the moves to check the sequence.
Set kerf width and side
Kerf is the width of material removed by a cut. Enter the full measured width in Kerf width (mm). LaserStudio applies half that value as the offset on a closed contour. For example, a width of 0.20 mm moves the path by 0.10 mm. For open paths, set Kerf side to None.
| Kerf side | Path placement |
|---|---|
| None | On the drawn contour. |
| Outside | Outward, commonly used for the edge of a retained part. |
| Inside | Inward, commonly used for the edge of an opening. |
| Auto | Offsets outer contours outward and the holes they enclose inward. |
Review tabs, leads and perforation
Tabs leave short uncut sections that can hold a part in place. Lead-in and lead-out add moves at the ends of a contour. Perforation repeats cut and skip lengths along a path. Set tabs and both leads to zero before using perforation. Review the result in Preview job, especially on small features and narrow spaces.