How to Set your Processing Path with User Defining Mode

Updated Jan 9,2025

xTool Creative Space offers two modes for path planning: Auto-planning and User-defining, each catering to different project needs. This tutorial will introduce you to User Defining Mode.

What is Use defining?

For those who prefer a hands-on approach, the User defining mode allows for customized path settings under baseplate-like mode. Select User defining when you want to operate XCS more freely.

Scanning path for engraving

All together: Engraves multiple objects at the same time in the set sequence and direction. The laser module travels a longer distance since it needs to travel across the empty space between each object over and over again. Therefore, the processing time is usually longer.

One by one: Engraves objects one by one in the set sequence and direction. The laser module travels a shorter distance since it can finish engraving one object before moving to the next. Therefore, the processing time is usually shorter.

For details about All together and One by one, refer to How to Set Scanning Path for Engraving.

By layer

xTool Creative Space lets you set the order in which your design gets processed by simply adjusting the layer order.

The processing order follows the vertical layer order, from the top layer down to the bottom. The sequence isn't dictated by layer numbers. To change the order, just left-click and hold the layer you wish to move and drag it to your preferred position.

Then, choose the "By layer" option in the parameter setting panel.

Note: For details about by layer, refer to How to Set Processing Order by Layer.

Note:
For those familiar with LightBurn or other software alike, layer-oriented processing parameter settings may be customary.
However, XCS layers do not directly establish parameters. Instead, the primary purpose is to expedite the selection of identically colored objects with a single click, followed by the application of uniform parameters.
For instance, by clicking on the yellow layer, all yellow objects can be selected and set to "cut". Adding another yellow graphic to the canvas will not be automatically assigned to "cut"; parameters must be manually set once more.

Smart Engraving

Exclusive to xTool F1: Smart Engraving is a game-changer for projects with large empty spaces, like engraving within a big rectangle. This feature smartly navigates the laser to avoid blank spaces, significantly reducing travel time and focusing on the areas that matter. When working with multiple patterns, Smart Engraving also optimizes the path within each pattern for maximum efficiency.

Tips for Smart Engraving:
In user defining mode, activating the Smart Engraving feature without selecting "by layer" will mimic the effect of the Auto planning mode, offering an intelligent blend of efficiency and precision.
For intricate designs, the Smart Engraving may result in paths that appear to jump around, occasionally leaving gaps to be filled later. Use our preview tool to understand the engraving path better and avoid any surprises.

Note: For details about Smart Engraving, refer to How to Set Smart Engraving.

Scanning way

Set the Scanning way, which applies to vector and bitmap engraving.

From top to bottom: Engrave a pattern from the top to the bottom.

From bottom to top: Engraves a pattern from the bottom to the top.

Note: For details about scanning way, refer to How to Set Scanning Way.

When to use User defining?

When your design requires a more complex path planning, the expected effect may not be achieved by using automatic planning. In the User-defining mode, XCS provides strong customization ability.

For example, when dealing with designs that have nested graphics, multiple layers of engraving with different order requirements for each layer, or specific routing needs for an elegant look, you can control the processing path more finely according to your specific requirements for effect, time and route. Thus, it is important to choose the appropriate mode based on your actual design complexity.

How to use User defining?

#1 Design objects for processing

Use the tools on the left side bar to create objects. You can import images, insert shapes, enter text, or draw vectors as needed.

#2 Adjust the layer

If you want to follow a specific object processing order for your design, you can arrange the object by layer first.

(1) Right-click the object you want to adjust and select the layer.

(2) Arrange the layers in order.

Here, the circle comes first, love comes second and bitmap comes end.

Note: When selecting By layer in User defining mode, the layer with higher ranking is processed first, and then the layer with lower ranking is processed.

#3 Adjust the parameters

Adjust object parameters. Select objects for engraving, scoring or cutting. When you choose the xTool materials, XCS will automatically recommend the parameters for you without adjustment.

#4 Start processing

(1) After finishing all steps before processing, click the

icon next to the Process button and select User defining.

(2) Adjust the parameters according to your need.

Choose All together or One by one as the scanning path for engraving. The effects are as follows:

When enabled By layer, XCS will not follow the engrave-score-cut rule but follow the layer order.

Choose From bottom to top or From top to bottom. The effects are as follows:

Preview

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What is Use defining?

Scanning path for engraving

By layer

Smart Engraving

Scanning way

When to use User defining?

How to use User defining?

#1 Design objects for processing

#2 Adjust the layer

#3 Adjust the parameters

#4 Start processing

Services & Help

Learn & Education

Company

Contact Us

Account Center

What is Use defining?

Scanning path for engraving

By layer

Smart Engraving

Scanning way

When to use User defining?

How to use User defining?

#1 Design objects for processing

#2 Adjust the layer

#3 Adjust the parameters

#4 Start processing

Services & Help

Learn & Education

Company

Contact Us