Art Library

An Art Library provides a way to store artwork so you can quickly access and reuse it in future projects.

You can load multiple Art Libraries at the same time, and separate Libraries are a great way to split artwork up by theme (holidays, birthdays, animals), or purpose (tests, tools, templates, boxes).

An entry in an Art Library can contain any combination of objects that would normally make up a project, including text, Primary Shapes, paths, and images.

Note

The Library only stores artwork, much like the contents of AI, SVG, DXF, or image files — it doesn't store any Cut Settings applied to the artwork. If you wish to store cut settings with your design, you must Save your work instead.

Accessing the Art Library Window¶

The Art Library Window is not enabled by default. To open it, go to Window → Art Library.

By default, the Art Library will appear docked on the left side of your Workspace.

Tip

The layout of LightBurn is highly customizable. For more information on enabling and disabling windows and toolbars, or rearranging the default layout, see Customizing the LightBurn Window.

Using the Art Library¶

You'll see a list of Art Libraries on the left, and thumbnails of the artwork within the currently selected Library on the right.

Note

If there are no Libraries listed, a New Library must be created, or an existing one Loaded, in order to access artwork.

Creating a Library¶

To create an empty Library, click the New button, then choose a location and name for the .lbart file — this is where added artwork will later be stored, in compact form.

Loading and Unloading Libraries¶

To add a previously saved Library, click the Load button in the bottom of the Art Library Window. Saving, transferring, and Loading Libraries makes it possible to share artwork between computers and users.

To remove a Library from the list, click Unload. Unloading a Library removes it from view, but does not delete the file or its contents from the hard drive where it is saved.

Storing Art in a Library¶

Use the Import button to add artwork from saved files to your Library. You can import multiple files at once using this method, and each will become an individual entry in the current Library.

To add selected objects from your current project, click Import Graphic from Project, or right-click in the Art Library Window and choose Add Selection to Library.

Editing Art and Libraries¶

Right-clicking artwork in an Art Library brings up the options to Delete or Rename it.

To change the name of a Library, change the .lbart file name in your file browser, and then Unload and Reload the Library in LightBurn.

Adding Art to a Project¶

Dragging a thumbnail from the Art Library into a project adds it to the project wherever the mouse is released.

Clicking the Add Graphic to Project button adds the selected artwork into the center of the current field-of-view in the Workspace.

For more help using LightBurn, please visit our forum to talk with LightBurn staff and users, or email support.