Guide · November 2026

How to nest in LightBurn

LightBurn has more than one way to nest, and they pack very differently. Which one you have depends on your version. Here is what each does and how to use it.

1. Know the three options

Quick Nest (LightBurn 2.1). Built in and fast. It treats every part as its bounding rectangle, so curved letters leave gaps.
SVGNest (External Tool). In the Arrange menu. It sends your selection to SVGnest.com in your browser and you import the result. It packs by real shape but needs internet and a manual upload and download.
True Nest (LightBurn 2.2, Pro). Built in, runs offline, and nests by true shape with adjustable rotation steps.

2. Nest with Quick Nest

Draw a rectangle the size of your sheet. This is the container.
Select the container and all the parts.
Set Padding (the minimum gap between parts) and Edge Buffer. Turn on Lock Inner Objects so the inside of a letter moves with it.
Click Quick Nest. Run it again for a different layout. Parts that do not fit are put in extra containers.

3. Nest by shape

With True Nest, select the container and parts, open Arrange → Nesting, choose True Nest and click Start Nesting. On older versions, choose SVGNest (External Tool) from the Arrange menu and follow the dialog: upload the file on SVGnest.com, press Start Nest, then Stop Nest, download the SVG and import it back.

When a dedicated nesting tool helps

For a few parts on a laser bed, LightBurn is usually enough. Sign letters are harder: big sheets, many sizes, small parts that belong inside the holes of large letters, and a router bit that sets the gap. NestSigns nests letters by real shape, sets spacing from your bit or kerf, puts small parts inside letter holes, uses leftovers first, and splits oversize letters. You get numbered parts and a summary PDF, then send the result back to LightBurn as .lbrn2.

Common questions

Why does Quick Nest leave gaps around letters? It packs rectangles, not outlines. That is how it stays fast, and it is fine for squares and tags.

Can I keep using LightBurn to cut? Yes. Nesting is only the layout step; LightBurn still runs the job.

Nest sign letters, then cut in LightBurn. NestSigns opens AI, PDF, DXF, SVG and CorelDRAW files and exports PDF, AI, DXF, SVG and LightBurn .lbrn2. Try it free: 20 nesting runs, no credit card. Sign up with your email.
Try NestSigns free

More guides: LightBurn nesting for letters · Deepnest alternative · Router bit size and part spacing · FAQ