How to Use Registration Marks for Perfect Laser Engraving Alignment

If you’ve ever struggled to get your engraving aligned exactly where you want it, registration marks can make a big difference. They’re a simple and effective way to ensure your design engraves in the right spot every time, especially when you're working with a jig.

This guide explains how to use registration marks engraved directly onto a jig and how to align your laser in LightBurn for consistent, professional results.

What Are Registration Marks?

Registration marks are small reference points engraved onto your jig. They let you match the laser’s position in your software with specific physical points on the jig, giving you a reliable frame of reference for positioning any artwork or design.

Why Use Registration Marks on a Jig?

Adding registration marks to your jig allows you to:

• Align materials precisely in LightBurn
• Repeat jobs with consistency
• Quickly recover interrupted jobs
• Reduce wasted material and time

How to Use Registration Marks with a Laser Engraving Jig

Follow these steps to create and use registration marks effectively:

1. Design Your Jig in LightBurn or LaserArtCreator
You can design your jig manually in LightBurn or generate it automatically using LaserArtCreator.com. Be sure to include cutouts for your items and add two registration marks—one in the top left and one in the bottom right. These marks can be simple circles or crosses, placed just outside the work area.

2. Engrave the Jig with Registration Marks
Engrave the complete jig layout onto a stable material like MDF or acrylic, making sure the registration marks are part of the engraving.

3. Place the Jig on the Laser Bed
Secure the jig on the laser bed so it stays fixed in place. Use magnets, tape, or a physical stop to ensure it doesn't move between jobs.

4. Align the Laser Using LightBurn’s Set Laser Position Tool
Now it's time to sync LightBurn with your physical jig:

• Move the laser head to the top-left registration mark on your jig
• In LightBurn, set that position as your reference (use the "Set Laser Position" feature)
• Then move the laser to the bottom-right registration mark and verify that it matches the position in LightBurn
• If both match, your software and physical jig are now aligned

5. Position Your Artwork Relative to the Jig in LightBurn
With the laser aligned to the registration marks, you can place your design in LightBurn exactly where you want it to engrave within the jig’s cutouts. The software layout now mirrors the real-world jig.

6. Run a Low-Power Test Pass (Optional)
To double-check your setup, run a light outline pass over your material. This will trace the shape without marking the surface, helping you confirm everything is positioned correctly.

Best Practices for Accuracy

• Always engrave the registration marks during the jig creation process
• Use durable, warp-resistant materials for your jigs
• Keep the jig file saved and labeled for future jobs
• Secure your jig in the same location each time to maintain accuracy

How LaserArtCreator Helps

LaserArtCreator.com makes it simple to generate jig layouts with built-in registration marks. Whether you're engraving coasters, tumblers, dog tags, or badges, you can create laser-ready jigs in just a few clicks. Then use LightBurn to align your laser and engrave with confidence.