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Framing Your Job

Learn how to use the framing feature to preview your job boundaries and ensure proper alignment before cutting.

Overview​

Framing allows you to preview the exact boundaries of your laser job by tracing an outline with the laser at low power or with the laser off. This helps verify positioning and prevent costly mistakes.

When to Use Framing​

  • First-time setups: Verify material placement
  • Precise positioning: Ensure design fits within material boundaries
  • Multiple jobs: Confirm alignment before each run
  • Expensive materials: Double-check before committing to cuts

How to Frame​

Method 1: Outline Only​

Trace the job boundary without turning on the laser:

  1. Load your design in Rayforge
  2. Position material on the laser bed
  3. Click the Frame button in the toolbar
  4. Watch the laser head trace the boundary rectangle
  5. Verify positioning and adjust material if needed

Method 2: Low Power Preview​

Some machines support low-power framing with a visible beam:

  1. Enable low-power mode in machine settings
  2. Set framing power (typically 1-5%)
  3. Run frame operation
  4. Observe the outline traced on material surface
Check Your Machine

Not all lasers support low-power framing safely. Consult your machine documentation before using this feature.

Frame Settings​

Configure framing behavior in your machine's laser head settings:

  • Frame speed: How fast the laser head moves during framing. This is set per laser head, so if your machine has multiple lasers you can use different speeds for each.
  • Frame power: Laser power during framing (0 for off, low % for visible trace)
  • Corner dwell time: A brief pause at each corner of the frame outline. This gives you a moment to see exactly where each corner lands — especially helpful at higher frame speeds.
  • Repeat count: Number of times to trace the outline. Setting this higher than one can make the frame path easier to follow by eye.
Machine-Controlled Framing

Some machines can frame the job even when running offline (e.g., from a G-code file on a memory card). Rayforge can include the required job dimensions in the G-code to support this. See G-code Dialect Support for the available placeholders.

Using Frame Results​

After framing, you can:

  • Adjust material position if needed
  • Reframe to verify new position
  • Proceed with job once satisfied with placement

Tips for Effective Framing​

  • Mark corners: Place small pieces of tape at corners for reference
  • Check clearance: Ensure adequate space around your design
  • Verify orientation: Confirm material is oriented correctly
  • Account for kerf: Remember that cuts will be slightly wider than outlines

Framing with Camera​

If your machine has camera support, you can:

  1. Capture camera image of material placement
  2. Overlay design on camera view
  3. Adjust position virtually before framing
  4. Frame to confirm physical alignment

See Camera Integration for details.

Troubleshooting​

Frame doesn't match design: Check job origin and coordinate system settings

Laser fires during frame: Disable frame power or check machine settings

Frame too fast to see: Reduce frame speed in settings

Head doesn't reach corners: Verify design is within machine work area

Safety Notes​

  • Never leave machine unattended during framing
  • Verify laser is off if using zero-power framing
  • Keep hands clear of the laser head path
  • Watch for obstructions that could interfere with motion