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LightBurn Camera

Significant Changes in LightBurn 2.1

LightBurn 2.1 introduced a new camera system, with new features, a new interface, and new calibration and alignment processes. Information from earlier versions of LightBurn may not apply in LightBurn 2.1, and information for working with cameras in LightBurn 2.1 may not apply to earlier versions.

Camera Overview

If your laser has a LightBurn-compatible camera installed, you can use it to position designs on your material and to trace artwork or objects placed in your laser. Before you can use the camera features, you'll need to Calibrate and Align your camera.

LightBurn 2.1 adds:

  • Improved calibration and alignment methods.
  • Support for IP (network) cameras and a wider rage of manufacturer cameras.
  • Camera controls now work on macOS.
  • Support for multiple cameras.

Skip to the Cameras Window

Getting Started

Before you can use a camera in LightBurn, it has to be calibrated and aligned. If you move your camera, you'll need to redo the camera alignment, but the camera calibration doesn't need to be redone.

Importing an Existing Setup

If you've already set up your camera on a different computer or using an older version of LightBurn, you can import your existing calibration and alignment into LightBurn 2.1.

If you're happy with your existing calibration and alignment, great! If not, you may want to try redoing either (or both!) with our improved processes.

New Camera Setup

If you haven't already configured a camera, or you just want to start from scratch, you'll need to do the following:

  1. Select and install a camera, if you haven't already done so.
  2. Calibrate your camera lens to correct for the camera's distortion. We have presets for the LightBurn cameras , so if you've purchased your camera directly from us, you can use the appropriate preset.
  3. Align your camera to your workspace. Unlike Lens Calibration, which is based only on the camera itself, Alignment depends on the camera's location in the machine, so you'll have to redo this if you move the camera.

Cameras Window

You'll use the Cameras Window to add cameras, work with camera overlays, and check camera status. For more details, see Cameras Window. You also might want to jump to Camera Lens Calibration.