The real “laser depth layers,” done in your browser and kept separated in LightBurn/xTool.
Layers mode splits your image into tonal bands — darker tones become deeper (higher-power) layers. Each band is exported as its own color-coded layer with a suggested power, so stacking them engraves a stepped relief. Bands are exclusive, so every spot on the material burns exactly once.
Use the Layers slider (2–8). More layers = smoother relief but more setup in your laser software. 4–5 is a good starting point for wood, leather, and acrylic.
Choose your material so the guide can point you to verified power/speed. The suggested powers shown are rough, tone-based starting points — always confirm on scrap.
For multi-color art, use Color mode instead: it separates into up to 12 color layers, traced lightest-first, each on its own layer.
Export to .lbrn2 or .xs. LightBurn and xTool Creative Space import each band/color as a separate operation, so you set power and speed per layer. (SVG/DXF keep the layers as separate colors too.)