Step 01
Upload Your Image
Drop or select any PNG, JPEG, or BMP. T1 auto-fills with your filename, type, and dimensions as a reference layer.
About the Technology
What is a MOPA Laser?
New to fiber lasers? Here's the plain-language explanation — and why layer management is the key to great colour results.
MOPA stands for Master Oscillator Power Amplifier. It's a type of pulsed fiber laser that lets you independently control pulse width and pulse frequency — something standard Q-switched fiber lasers cannot do.
That extra control unlocks a remarkable capability: colour marking on stainless steel and certain coated metals without any paint, inks, or coatings. The laser heats the metal surface to precise temperatures, creating a thin oxide layer that reflects light at different wavelengths — producing vivid, permanent colour.
By varying the pulse width, frequency, speed, and power, you can produce a full spectrum — from deep red and warm orange through yellow, green, blue, and rich violet. Popular MOPA sources include the JPT MOPA M6 and M7, widely used in jewellery, engraving, small business production, and maker workshops.
The challenge: each colour requires a different set of laser parameters, and a single image can need 20+ distinct colour passes. Managing that in LightBurn manually is slow and error-prone. MOPA Color Studio solves that problem.
Example colour passes — parameter variation
Deep Red
Low freq · Wide pulse
Orange
Low freq · Mid pulse
Yellow
Mid freq · Mid pulse
Green
Mid freq · Narrow pulse
Blue
High freq · Narrow pulse
Light Blue
High freq · Very narrow
Violet
Very high freq · Ultra narrow
Each colour pass fires the laser with different pulse width, frequency, speed, and power settings. MOPA Color Studio maps these automatically from your image.
Workflow
From Image to Laser-Ready in Four Steps
MOPA Color Studio handles the complex layer setup so you can focus on engraving.
Step 02
Detect Colours
The tool scans your image and groups distinct colours into up to 28 working layers — Layers 00 through 27.
Step 03
Map Parameters
Each layer maps to MOPA laser settings using the built-in colour guide. Adjust for your machine and material.
Step 04
Export to LightBurn
Click Export LightBurn. Open the .lbrn file in LightBurn, group, position on your workpiece, and engrave.
Features
What's Inside
Everything built into a single browser file — nothing to install, nothing to configure.
30-Layer System
Layers 00–27 handle colour passes. Layers 28 and 29 are designated Reserve/Aux — pre-labelled and open for cut outlines or custom shapes. T1 holds your file metadata.
Layers 00–29 + T1Auto Metadata — T1
When you import an image, T1 automatically fills with the file name, type, and dimensions. Editable at any time. It does not fire the laser — it's a reference record.
Auto-populated on importMOPA Colour Guide
A built-in reference guide provides starting laser parameters for each colour pass. Use it as a baseline and tune for your specific machine, material, and surface finish.
Built-in referenceReserve / Aux Layers
Layers 28 and 29 are clearly labelled and intentionally open. Add cut lines, engraving borders, or custom geometry without disturbing any of your colour layers.
Layers 28 & 29Who It's For
Built for MOPA Users
From first-time hobbyists to professional engravers — if you're using a MOPA fiber laser with LightBurn, this tool is for you.
Hobbyists
Exploring MOPA colour marking at home? Get organised, consistent layer setups without the manual grind.
Small Businesses
Speed up production with repeatable layer setups across jobs. Export, open, engrave — every time.
Laser Engravers
Handle complex multi-colour jobs with a systematic, reliable layer workflow that scales with you.
LightBurn Users
Already using LightBurn? MOPA Color Studio exports directly to .lbrn — open it and go.
Vendor Showcase
Featured Machines
MOPA fiber laser machines showcased by our vendor partners — trusted by the community.
📸
Vendor photo
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Vendor photo
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Featured Vendor
Your Machine Name Here
This is where your machine description will appear — two sentences describing what makes your MOPA fiber laser stand out. Vendors email their photo and we handle the rest.
View listing →📸 Machine photo
Your Brand
Machine Model Name
Short description of the machine appears here. One to two sentences about what makes it great.
View product →📸 Machine photo
Your Brand
Machine Model Name
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View product →📸 Machine photo
Your Brand
Machine Model Name
Short description of the machine appears here. One to two sentences about what makes it great.
View product →User Feedback
How are we doing?
Used MOPA Color Studio on a job? We would love to hear what you think. Your feedback helps us improve and may be featured in our community showcase.
Ready to try it?
Free, runs in any browser, no account needed. Your first export in under five minutes.
Open Studio