Scan each object in the layer one by one as opposed to scanning over the entire layer.
If you have a layer with lots of spread out objects, enabling this setting can save a lot of time executing the job.
? What does this setting do for BMP layers ?
Note: In the gradient test file for Output Direct, the block gradient and smooth gradient aren't properly output unless Independent Output is checked. Try enabling/disabling Independent Output for the Output Direct layer and looking at the preview window.
?? Something with ramping the laser power up and down from Min Power(%) to Max Power(%) at the start and stop of scan lines ??
The below settings are only controllable if the target layer is operating on an imported bitmap image. These settings are disabled for vector layers.
Output Direct (example)
Output direct causes the laser power to adjust based on the blackness of pixel it is scanning over. Pure white maps to Min Power(%) and pure black maps to Max Power(%)
This setting can be useful to get varying depths when attempting 3d etching. It is also good for getting smooth gradients when etching images.
Note: Enabling Output Direct disables the Overstriking scan parameter.
Negative Engrave inverts the laser power for the scan. Instead of black parts of an image causing the laser to turn on, the white parts will.
This can be used when etching an image onto a material that lightens with engraving, such as slate rock.
?? Something with adjusting the scan interval based on the image. Maybe it looks at the resolution of the picture -- not sure. ??