Save your layout as a Light Lane template. Load it next week for the same result.
A .lltemplate file captures your image positions, cut-line overlays with edge buffers, laser settings, and material presets. Load it for the next order and everything is exactly where you left it. Export it to a colleague's machine and they get the same layout without starting from scratch.
- Image placeholder positions saved so you drop in new artwork without re-aligning.
- SVG cut-line overlays with configurable edge buffers and cutout shapes.
- Optional material binding auto-applies your saved settings when the template loads.
What a Light Lane template includes
- Image placeholder positions: defined spots on the canvas where you drop in new artwork each time.
- SVG overlay shapes: cut-line outlines with per-side edge buffers, cutout shapes (circle or rectangle), and roles (outline for cut boundary, imageBounds for placement constraint).
- Laser settings snapshot: speed, power, DPI, processing mode, and other parameters saved at creation time.
- Material binding (optional): link a material preset so settings auto-apply when the template loads.
- Template notes: add a description reminding you or your colleague what the template is for.
- Export as .lltemplate for sharing. Import on another machine and the ID regenerates automatically.
- Loading and importing templates is free on all plans. Creating and exporting requires Pro.
How to create and use a template
- Step 1
Set up your layout on the canvas
Position your images, add SVG cut-line overlays using the shape editor or by importing an SVG, and configure your laser settings. This is your master layout for this job type.
Why it matters: Everything on the canvas at this point gets captured in the template. Get the layout right here.
- Step 2
Save as template
Go to File, then Save as Template. Give it a name and optional notes. If you want the template to auto-load material settings, bind it to a material preset.
Why it matters: The template saves your image positions, overlays, edge buffers, and settings. Next time you load it, the entire layout comes back.
- Step 3
Load the template for the next order
Go to File, then Template Manager. Select your template and load it. The canvas restores all placeholder positions and overlays. Drop in new artwork for this order's images.
Why it matters: You skip all the layout and settings work. Drop in the new images and you are ready to generate.
- Step 4
Export and share (optional)
To share the template, export it as a .lltemplate file. Your colleague imports it on their machine. The template ID regenerates so there are no conflicts.
Why it matters: Multiple machines can run the same layout. Same positions, same cut lines, same settings.
Templates vs. manual setup for repeat jobs
| Without templates | With Light Lane templates | What changes |
|---|---|---|
| Rebuild layout from memory each order | Load the template and drop in new artwork | Consistent positioning every time |
| Re-enter speed, power, and DPI manually | Settings auto-loaded from template (or bound material) | No re-dialling between orders |
| Redraw cut lines and align edge buffers | Overlays with buffers saved in the template | Cut lines land in the same place every time |
| No way to share a layout between machines | Export .lltemplate and import on another machine | Every machine runs the same layout |
Templates in Light Lane
The Template Manager lists all your saved templates. Load one and the canvas restores your full layout, overlays, and settings.
- Template with image placeholders and cut-line overlays.
- Pair templates with Step and Repeat for batch production.
Template questions
What exactly is saved in a .lltemplate file?
Image placeholder positions, SVG overlay shapes (with edge buffers, cutouts, and roles), a laser settings snapshot, optional material binding, and template notes. Format version 2.0.
Do I need Pro to use templates?
Creating and exporting templates requires a Pro subscription ($24/month). Loading and importing templates someone else created is available on all plans, including Maker.
Can I bind a material preset to a template?
Yes. When saving the template, link it to a material preset. The next time you load that template, the material's speed, power, and other settings auto-apply.
What happens when I import a .lltemplate from another machine?
Light Lane reads the file and regenerates the template ID so it does not conflict with existing templates. All layout data, overlays, and settings import intact.
Can templates work with Step and Repeat?
Yes. Load a template to set your layout, then use Step and Repeat to duplicate the design across the bed. This is common for batch production of keychains, coasters, or tags.
Save your first template. Reuse it next week.
Set up a layout once, save it as a template, and stop rebuilding from scratch. 14-day free trial, no card required.
Next steps
Validate one real workflow in Light Lane, then move to the most relevant guide or feature page.
Last updated February 20, 2026