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Main Window

The Rayforge main window is your primary workspace for creating and managing laser jobs.

Window Layout

Main Window

1. Menu Bar

Access all Rayforge functions through organized menus:

  • File: Open, save, import, export, and recent files
  • Edit: Undo, redo, copy, paste, preferences
  • View: Zoom, grid, rulers, panels, and view modes
  • Operations: Add, edit, and manage operations
  • Machine: Connect, jog, home, start/stop jobs
  • Help: Documentation, about, and support

2. Toolbar

Quick access to frequently used tools:

  • Selection tool: Select and move objects
  • Pan tool: Navigate the canvas
  • Zoom tool: Zoom in/out on specific areas
  • Measurement tool: Measure distances and angles
  • Alignment tools: Align and distribute objects
  • WCS dropdown: Select the active Work Coordinate System (G53-G59)

The WCS dropdown allows you to quickly switch between coordinate systems. See Work Coordinate Systems (WCS) for more information.

3. Canvas

The main workspace where you:

  • Import and arrange designs
  • Preview toolpaths
  • Position objects relative to machine origin
  • Test frame boundaries

Canvas Controls:

  • Pan: Middle-click drag or Space + drag
  • Zoom: Mouse wheel or Ctrl++ / Ctrl+-
  • Reset View: Ctrl+0 or View → Reset Zoom

4. Layers Panel

Manage operations and layer assignments:

  • View all operations in your project
  • Assign operations to design elements
  • Reorder operation execution
  • Enable/disable individual operations
  • Configure operation parameters

5. Properties Panel

Configure settings for selected objects or operations:

  • Operation type (Contour, Raster, etc.)
  • Power and speed settings
  • Number of passes
  • Advanced options (overscan, kerf, tabs)

6. Control Panel

The Control Panel at the bottom of the window provides:

  • Jog Controls: Manual machine movement and positioning
  • Machine Status: Real-time position and connection state
  • Log View: G-code communication and operation history
  • WCS Management: Work coordinate system selection and zeroing

See Control Panel for detailed information.

Window Management

Panels

Show/hide panels as needed:

  • Layers Panel: View → Layers Panel (Ctrl+L)
  • Properties Panel: View → Properties Panel (Ctrl+I)

Full Screen Mode

Focus on your work with full screen:

  • Enter: F11 or View → Full Screen
  • Exit: F11 or Esc

Customization

Customize the interface in Edit → Preferences:

  • Theme: Light, dark, or system
  • Units: Millimeters or inches
  • Grid: Show/hide and configure grid spacing
  • Rulers: Show/hide rulers on canvas
  • Toolbar: Customize visible buttons

Related Pages: