So, I, like many, have wondered if there was a way to add additional layers to the layer color palette, and as such, went on a search for answers. I discovered that the issue is somehow tied to the Ruida controller limitation of 30 layers. This adds questions to what I already wonder, but I want to be sure I understand first. So, I’ll start here:
Firstly - as stated, it is my understanding that the Lightburn programming of the layer color palette is somehow tied directly to the controller. If so, in what way? If I understand correctly, the Ruida controller can handle only 30 layers per project file, but those aren’t tied to anything until they’re added to the Cuts/Layers menu. As such, the number of items optionally available in the layer color palette should be arbitrary, so long as the number of items in the Cuts/Layers list doesn’t exceed 30, correct? OR… Is it that programmed within the controller itself are predefined layer names titled 00 to 29?
Whether either is true, it seems there are simple workarounds. At least in my brain. I’m not a great programmer - I actually LOATHE programming - but having spent 20-years in the I.T. industry and every employer also employing a couple dozen programmers who write programs in their ideal, pristine environments and call them good then push them out without any real-world testing, it always fell on me to find out WHY their programs didn’t work and how or what to do to fix them, then argue for an hour with programmers who are convinced of their greatness and infallibility about how they neglected to understand that not all computers have the same ideal, pristine setup as theirs. So, I know enough to make programmers hate me. As such… 
In scenario 1, where the number of layer color palette items is arbitrary, could the palette be setup for as many items as an individual wants to add and name as they see fit - say, instead of 00 I change 00 to a grey color and title it “Grayscale” (because I’m going to leave my import as is and use it in grayscale mode) - but if it’s the first Cut/Layer I add to my project, it is automatically listed in the Cuts/Layers list as “01”, and then every cut/layer I add after - no matter its color or name in the layer color palette - is listed in the Cuts/Layers window in order that it was added, but preventing you from adding any additional layer past “30”? With this method, the individual user can create as many layer color palette items as they want/need with whatever names they want for each, but the 30-layer Ruida limit isn’t exceeded. And, you still should be able to move around your 30-or-less layers in the order you want them performed by the laser, just like it is now.
In scenario 2, where the Ruida controller itself has a set of predefined layer names that it is programmed to work with, from 00 to 29, couldn’t the exact same setup as scenario 1 be programmed the same way, with the layer color palette simply being a placeholder for different laser settings and once applied as a cut/layer added to the Cuts/Layers list in order that each cut/layer is added, not to exceed “29”? IE. First cut/engraving added is 00, the next is 01, then 02, and so on until 29 at maximum and an error pop-up explaining the 30-layer limitation if trying to add more than 30 layers.
This is why I am asking: I currently have 1 CO2 laser, 2 diode lasers with wildly different output watts, and 2 fiber lasers, one a Raycus and one a MOPA. Each of these lasers have their own place in work and workflow, and each requires an entire library of settings per material type. And yes, I understand that’s what the Materials Library is for. HOWEVER, any pull-down menu from the right-side bottom of the Lightburn workspace has its own unique display issue no matter what device I use as a monitor.
I have multiple monitors setup at each of my 2 Windows 11 workstations (we could argue about OS’s, but that shouldn’t matter) within my shop so I can have a set of lasers I can use next to one workstation, and another set next to the other workstation (plus a 3rd workstation for my CNC and garment printer and hopefully one day a fiber laser CNC, so Lightburn may have to come into play there, too, one day). I have a random setup of 32- to 50-inch TV’s and 20- to 24-inch computer monitors at each location (Thanks, Goodwill!) so I can spread work all around rather than piling programs atop each other. But no matter which of these is used as my display for Lightburn, if I have to switch from one laser to another in the ‘Device’ list or I try to open up the pull-down menu for any of my “Material Libraries”, I have to go through some computer acrobatics.
Depending on which menu it is I am trying to access I have different steps I have to follow to get to those menus. I often have to setup my Taskbar to auto-hide to even get the next steps to work, and then I have to take Lightburn out of full-screen and then maximize again, or visa versa if I’m not running Lightburn full-screen. Sometimes I have to drag it to a different monitor then back again as well as the other steps. And if I do a single thing with any other portion of Lightburn, like switch to one of the upper-right menu’s (IE. Cuts/Layers to Camera), or work with my project within the softwares work area, it breaks my ability to access the lower-right menu’s any longer and I have to perform my acrobat steps again to, once again, gain access.
But most annoying is long pull-down menus for Material Libraries. The ‘Manage Library’ button and the ‘Laser’ controls tab ALWAYS sit atop the pull-down menu, and if it’s a long material library I can’t scroll to the bottom of that library, and any material setting at that place on the screen I can’t get to because that button and tab sit across and on top of my library, so I can’t access whatever is unlucky enough to be under those 2 artifacts.
And yes, this has been an issue across EVERY version of Lightburn. I’m currently on 2.0.05, and yes, on both workstations, AND the Windows 10 machines I had before I replaced them with these 2 Windows 11 machines had the exact same problem going all the way back to version 1.6, when I first got to know Lightburn. But what I’ve ALMOST never had an issue accessing is the layer color palette (but if I do I simply have to minimize then maximize Lightburn and it comes back - I don’t have to do any of the other menu’s acrobatics).
So, to me, it just makes more sense to be able to maximize the usefulness of the layer color palette.
In my ideal world I could, for example, use the first 29 layer color palette items for my CO2 and the different materials and thicknesses and styles I use on that laser. Then use my own added items 30 to 40 for my low-watt diode and those materials. 41 to 50 for my high-watt diode. 51-60 for my Raycus, and 61 to 77+ for my MOPA. Or set aside 20 menu items for each, and color code each item within that set to represent a material, thickness, or style, or in the case of the MOPA, a color.
From a logic point of view it seems a pretty simple solution. And the programming for adding the ability to add layers and modifying the setting for individual layer color palette items is pretty straightforward. As is changing the Cuts/Layers menu to call each added cut/layer whatever is necessary for the controller to understand, and to cap project layers at 30. I’m just wondering what it is I must be missing that this hasn’t been addressed before, other than time and desire, that is. But I would LOVE to see it in the ongoing project timeline for Lightburn at some point, because I KNOW (after reading through all the other posts here and across other forums) that it would get massive use. Especially if others are experiencing these ”Laser” and “Material Library” menu issues and their numerous workaround steps like I do. Plus, creative people tend to be visual, and since people are controlling lasers with Lightburn to create some of the most amazing things I have seen in the art and functionality ecosystems, I’d wager that most your base is some degree of “Creative”. Just a guess…
Anyway, simply my thoughts and questions and hope. I apologize for the length. Wordy on paper, stoic in person. And I do apologize if anything I’ve outlined is confusing. If so, let me know and I’ll do my best to simplify it. Maybe with bullet-points! 
Thanks for your time!