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Multi-Layer Workflow

Rayforge's multi-layer system allows you to organize complex jobs into separate processing stages, each with its own operations and settings. This is essential for combining different processes like engraving and cutting, or working with multiple materials.

What Are Layers?

A layer in Rayforge is:

  • A container for workpieces (imported shapes, images, text)
  • A workflow defining how those workpieces are processed
  • An execution unit processed sequentially during jobs

Key concept: Layers are processed in order, one after another, allowing you to control the sequence of operations.

Why Use Multiple Layers?

Common Use Cases

1. Engrave then Cut

The most common multi-layer workflow:

  • Layer 1: Raster engrave the design
  • Layer 2: Contour cut the outline

Why separate layers? - Engraving first ensures the piece doesn't move during engraving - Cutting last prevents pieces from falling before engraving completes - Different power/speed settings for each operation

2. Multi-Pass Cutting

For thick materials:

  • Layer 1: First pass at moderate power
  • Layer 2: Second pass at full power (same geometry)
  • Layer 3: Optional third pass if needed

Benefits: - Reduces charring compared to single high-power pass - Each layer can have different speed/power settings

3. Multi-Material Projects

Different materials in one job:

  • Layer 1: Cut acrylic parts
  • Layer 2: Engrave wood parts
  • Layer 3: Mark metal parts

Requirements: - Each layer targets different areas of the bed - Different speed/power/focus for each material

4. Color Layer Mapping

Organize by color:

  • Layer 1: All red paths (cutting layer)
  • Layer 2: All black paths (engraving layer)
  • Layer 3: All blue paths (scoring layer)

Workflow: - Import SVG with color-coded paths - Rayforge can auto-assign paths to layers by color - Each layer gets appropriate operation settings

Creating and Managing Layers

Adding a New Layer

  1. Click the "+" button in the Layers panel
  2. Name the layer descriptively (e.g., "Engrave Layer", "Cut Layer")
  3. The layer appears in the layer list

Default: New documents start with one layer.

Layer Properties

Each layer has:

Property Description
Name User-facing label
Visible Toggle visibility in canvas and preview
Stock Item Optional material association
Workflow The operation(s) applied to workpieces in this layer
Workpieces The shapes/images contained in this layer

Reordering Layers

Execution order = layer order in the list (top to bottom)

To reorder:

  1. Drag and drop layers in the Layers panel
  2. Order matters - layers execute from top to bottom

Example: 

Layers Panel:
1. Engrave Layer     Executes first
2. Score Layer       Executes second
3. Cut Layer         Executes last (recommended)

Deleting Layers

  1. Select the layer in the Layers panel
  2. Click the delete button or press Delete
  3. Confirm deletion (all workpieces in the layer are removed)

Deletion is Permanent

Deleting a layer removes all its workpieces and workflow settings. Use Undo if you delete accidentally.

Assigning Workpieces to Layers

Manual Assignment

  1. Import or create a workpiece
  2. Drag the workpiece to the desired layer in the Layers panel
  3. Or use the properties panel to change the workpiece's layer

Auto-Assignment by Color

When importing SVG files:

  1. Enable "Assign by Color" in import settings
  2. Rayforge creates layers based on stroke/fill colors
  3. Each color gets its own layer automatically

Example: SVG with red, black, and blue paths: - Red paths "Red Layer" - Black paths "Black Layer" - Blue paths "Blue Layer"

Moving Workpieces Between Layers

Drag and drop: - Select workpiece(s) in the canvas or Document panel - Drag to target layer in Layers panel

Cut and paste: - Cut workpiece from current layer (Ctrl+X) - Select target layer - Paste (Ctrl+V)

Layer Workflows

Each layer has a Workflow that defines how its workpieces are processed.

Workflow Structure

A workflow consists of:

  1. Producer - Generates initial toolpaths from workpieces

  2. Contour, Raster, Depth Engraving, etc.

  3. Transformers (optional) - Modify toolpaths

  4. Overscan, Kerf adjustment, Tabs, etc.

  5. Post-processing - Final optimizations

  6. Path ordering, speed optimization

Common Layer Workflows

Engraving Layer: - Producer: Raster Engraving - Settings: 300-500 DPI, moderate speed - No transformers typically needed

Cutting Layer: - Producer: Contour Cutting - Transformers: Tabs (for holding parts), Overscan (for clean edges) - Settings: Slower speed, higher power

Scoring Layer: - Producer: Contour (without cutting through) - Settings: Low power, fast speed - Purpose: Fold lines, decorative lines

Layer Visibility

Control which layers are shown in the canvas and previews:

Canvas Visibility

  • Eye icon in Layers panel toggles visibility
  • Hidden layers:
  • Not shown in 2D canvas
  • Not shown in 3D preview
  • Still included in generated G-code

Use cases: - Hide complex engraving layers while positioning cut layers - Declutter the canvas when working on specific layers - Focus on one layer at a time

Visibility vs. Enabled

State Canvas Preview G-code
Visible & Enabled   
Hidden & Enabled   
Visible & Disabled   
Hidden & Disabled   

Disabling Layers

To temporarily exclude a layer from jobs without deleting it, disable the layer's workflow or remove its operation.

Layer Execution Order

How Layers are Processed

During job execution:

FOR each layer (in order):
  [Layer Start Hook]  (if configured)

  FOR each workpiece in layer:
    [Workpiece Start Hook]  (if configured)
    ... execute workpiece operations ...
    [Workpiece End Hook]  (if configured)

  [Layer End Hook]  (if configured)

Order Matters

Wrong order: 

1. Cut Layer
2. Engrave Layer
Problem: Cut parts may fall out or move before engraving!

Correct order: 

1. Engrave Layer
2. Cut Layer
Why: Engraving happens while part is still attached, then cutting frees it.

Multiple Passes

For thick materials, create multiple cutting layers:

1. Engrave Layer
2. Cut Layer (Pass 1) - 50% power
3. Cut Layer (Pass 2) - 75% power
4. Cut Layer (Pass 3) - 100% power

Tip: Use the same geometry for all cutting passes (duplicate the layer).

Advanced Techniques

Layer Grouping by Material

Use layers to organize by material when running mixed jobs:

Material 1 (3mm Acrylic):
  - Acrylic Engrave Layer
  - Acrylic Cut Layer

Material 2 (3mm Plywood):
  - Wood Engrave Layer
  - Wood Cut Layer

Workflow: 1. Process all Material 1 layers 2. Swap materials 3. Process all Material 2 layers

Alternative: Use separate documents for different materials.

Conditional Layer Processing

Using hooks for layer control:

Layer Start Hook: 

; Layer: {layer_name}
M0 (Pause for material change)

Use case: Pause between layers to inspect, adjust focus, or change materials.

Layer-Specific Settings

Each layer's workflow can have unique settings:

Layer Operation Speed Power Passes
Engrave Raster 300 mm/min 20% 1
Score Contour 500 mm/min 10% 1
Cut Contour 100 mm/min 90% 2

Best Practices

Naming Conventions

Good layer names: - "Engrave - Logo" - "Cut - Outer Contour" - "Score - Fold Lines" - "Pass 1 - Rough Cut" - "Pass 2 - Final Cut"

Poor layer names: - "Layer 1", "Layer 2" (not descriptive) - Long descriptions (keep concise)

Layer Organization

  1. Top to bottom = execution order
  2. Engraving before cutting (general rule)
  3. Group related operations (all cutting, all engraving)
  4. Use visibility to focus on current work
  5. Delete unused layers to keep projects clean

Performance

Many layers: - No significant performance impact - 10-20 layers is common for complex jobs - Organize logically, not to minimize layer count

Simplify if needed: - Combine similar operations into one layer when possible - Use fewer raster engravings (most resource-intensive)

Troubleshooting

Layer Not Generating G-code

Problem: Layer appears in document but not in generated G-code.

Solutions:

  1. Check layer has workpieces - Empty layers are skipped
  2. Check workflow is configured - Layer needs an operation
  3. Verify operation settings - Power > 0, valid speed, etc.
  4. Check workpiece visibility - Hidden workpieces may not process
  5. Regenerate G-code - Make a small change to force regeneration

Wrong Layer Order

Problem: Operations execute in unexpected order.

Solution: Reorder layers in the Layers panel. Remember: top = first.

Layers Overlapping in Preview

Problem: Multiple layers show overlapping content in preview.

Clarification: This is normal if layers share the same XY area.

Solutions: - Use layer visibility to hide other layers temporarily - Check 3D preview to see depth/order - Verify this is intentional (e.g., engraving then cutting same shape)

Workpiece in Wrong Layer

Problem: Workpiece was assigned to incorrect layer.

Solution: Drag workpiece to correct layer in Layers panel or Document tree.