Working with layers

In DIYCutLab a layer is an operation, not just a folder. Every object belongs to exactly one layer. Layer names follow your process — for example printing uses Cut lines, Fold lines and Artwork, and cutters use Draw (pen) and Score / fold — but the operations are the same.

Layer	What happens	Typical use
Cut	Cut through along the outline	Outer shape of each part
Inner cut	Cut through, inside a part	Holes, windows, slots
Score	Shallow line, not through	Fold lines on card, light marks
Engrave	Mark the surface along the lines	Text, logos, decoration
Raster reference	Area to fill-engrave in your machine software	Photo engraving placement
Reference	Never manufactured	Guides, notes, traced images

Change an object's layer

Select it and choose Properties → Layer. Several objects can be changed at once.

The Layers panel

Open Layers to see the operations your design uses, hide a layer while you work, or lock it so you cannot move its objects by accident. Hidden objects are not included in the files; the check tells you how many are hidden so nothing goes missing by accident.

In the files

The layer name is written into every SVG group and DXF layer (CUT_OUTER, CUT_INNER, SCORE, ENGRAVE_VECTOR). Assign machine operations by layer name; colours are only hints and can change when files are converted.

Process rules

Some processes cannot do every operation. A vinyl cutter cannot engrave, so engrave lines are exported but flagged; a craft cutter scores with its scoring tool or pen. The Layers step of Generate files shows how your process handles each layer.