i have already spotted 5 different places to edit layer settings, and the most intuitive place (double clicking the colour at the bottom) is not an option. i would like to edit my layer settings regardless of whether or not i have something drawn on the canvas.
i also feel like activating the laser should only be possible from one spot; doing it from the material tester makes me feel like the functionality is different even though it is not. but this is just something i need to get used to i suppose.
That doesn’t make sense, usually. Layer settings are only valid if they are assigned to an object. You don’t have to click on the layer color; the “intended” way is to double-click the layer in layer window.
It does not make sense to have predefined settings in a color, because you can import different designs using the same color that would override the default settings. That’s why the ONLY meaningful way to define layer settings “offline”, is to do it in the material database. That’s made for storing settings. Those can be assigned to any layer of any color later on.
I also started with the assumption that I would set specific settings for a layer color that always stay the same, but at least when the second laser device arrives, it is obvious that this doesn’t make sense at all.
Oh, but it is. The Start button on the Laser tab is for running programs. The Start button in the Material Test is not for running programs. It SHOULD look different so it does not imply they are the same.
As you use Lightburn, you will get more comfortable with the design logic of the program.
it’s because i dont view it as a layer setting, i view it as a “pen”. i select the pen, then i draw on the canvas. it is currently reversed in my mind. besides, just being able to edit the settings before the layer is active has no influence other than choosing a default for that “pen”, the functionality you describe would remain
no, i just want to edit the settings before i put down layers, and then assign the layer to the object afterwards. it’s a workflow thing. i’ve given up and gone back to ezcad multiple times already because i get discombobulated by lightburn
for instance ezcad presents you with a window (that is always on top) when the laser is active, and you can basically smash your keyboard to stop the laser. that feels safe. you always know when the laser is active in ezcad, whereas in lightburn i have to think about where i’m aiming my mouse pointer and it’s not obvious the laser is running; i dont like that
for the record, im not saying i wont get used to it eventually, i will keep trying it out, i’m just saying these teething pains are avoidable if the UI was designed with a “how can i design this without forcing the user to read a manual”-mindset, which would also make for a more enticing product
Yes, I agree, it’s a workflow thing. Maybe because I didn’t use EzCad before, I found the LB UI as intuitive as it can get. I never had to read the manual at all (except for special functionality), because everything worked as I expected. But as usual, it’s mostly the habits you build. Coming from Photoshop, I never really got into the Gimp-UI until today, I never find what I’m looking for
That is exactly what you can do when setting up the Defaults.
You will need something initially to have the Layers appear in the Cuts window It can be anything. Then assign your settings. Follow the instructions for saving as Defailt Settings.
Then close and reopen Lightburn. Pick a layer color and whatever you set as defaults for that layer will be applied.
I have set you up with a template file. It has all layers open. Adjust the name and settings for each layer. Then make it your Defaults. Lightburn used is the PRO version, so there should be no issues. I can’t do any more for you. Either use it or don’t.
Be it LB or Gimp or whatever…Practice Practice Practice!!!
Our minds and habits overcomplicate what’s new.
Must strongly agree with MickeyH approach to layer settings, And also concur with Misken after I only recently became comfortable using Gimp. It turned out to be far more intuitive than I had been realising.
