Use xTool Creative Space (XCS) to Operate xTool F1

Obtain and install XCS

(1) Download the xTool Creative Space (XCS) software applicable to the operating system that runs on your PC.

Go to xtool.com/software or click the following links to download XCS:

• Windows (Win7+): https://s.xtool.com/software/download/windows?ref=8nm_j_3zfk8s
• macOS (Mojave 10.13+): https://s.xtool.com/software/download/macos-intel-chip?ref=8nm_j_3zfk8s
• macOS (M1/M2 chips): https://s.xtool.com/software/download/macos-apple-chip?ref=8nm_j_3zfk8s

(2) Double-click the software you've downloaded to install it.

Click "Yes" if you are asked "Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?" and then continue the installation as prompted.

This guide demonstrates how to operate xTool F1 with XCS on the computer. You can also download XCS for mobile phone or iPad from xtool.com/software or by searching "xTool Creative Space" in an app store. For more information, see support.xtool.com.

Quick start example

1. Select a language

Open XCS, click the [settings icon] and select a language.

2. Connect xTool F1 to XCS

(1) Use the USB cable to connect xTool F1 to your computer.

(2) Turn on xTool F1.

(3) On the top-right corner of XCS, click "Connect device".

(4) On the pop-up "Connect device" window, click the name of your device (xTool F1) to connect it.

After xTool F1 is connected, you can configure Wi-Fi for the device. This allows connection to XCS via Wi-Fi next time.

3. Place a material

Ensure that the removable baseplate is installed on the base, and place the material on the baseplate.

If you want to cut the material, it is advised to place the triangular prism working panel on the baseplate first. Then, place the material on top of the triangular prism working panel.

(1) Using the triangular prism working panel helps reduce areas burned during processing and protects the baseplate. Ensure the triangular prisms face the smoke outlet.(2) For very small or lightweight materials, use tools like tape to fix the material. Otherwise, the exhaust fan's airflow might shift the material during processing.

4. Open or create a project

You can open an existing project to start processing or create a new one. Creating a new project requires designing patterns and setting parameters from scratch.

Open a project

In the upper-left corner of XCS, click the [open icon] and select "Open project...". In the pop-up window, select a file of the xTool Creative Space Project (.xcs) type and click "Open".

A project file can contain processing patterns, modes, and parameters. If the machine model, processing mode, or material thickness differs from the current setup, you may need to reset the parameters.

Create a new project

When you open XCS, a new blank project is created by default. You can click the [save icon] in the upper-left corner of XCS to name and save the project.

5. Select the processing mode and material name

(1) On the right side of XCS, select "Laser Flat".

(2) In the "Materials" drop-down list, select the name of your material.

(1) If your material is not listed, click "[more icon]" to search the xTool SELECTED online material center. If still not found, select "User-defined material".(2) After selecting a material, the software automatically focuses and sets default parameters for laser processing. These settings apply to xTool materials and can be adjusted as needed.

6. Set the laser focus

xTool F1 supports manual focusing and autofocusing. Choose your preferred method.

Manual focus setting

Turn the knob to move the laser module up and down. When the red and blue light spots coincide, the focus is successfully set.

When the bottom of the laser module reaches its highest point, stop turning the knob.

Auto focus setting

(1) Measure the material thickness.

(2) On the right side of the XCS home screen, enter your measurement in "Thickness (mm)". The machine will then automatically focus.

If using Auto Focus for the first time after powering on xTool F1, initialize the device by clicking "Init" under "Thickness". This returns the laser module to its original position.

7. Design objects for processing

(1) Use the tools on the left side of the canvas to create objects. You can import images, insert shapes, enter text, or draw vector graphics.

XCS supports importing image formats such as SVG, DXF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, BMP, etc.

(2) Select the objects and use the toolbar above the canvas to further edit them.

8. Set parameters for processing

Select objects on the canvas. Then, on the right side of the XCS home screen, set parameters for the selected objects.

(1) Parameters must be set for every object; missed objects may not be processed. Parameters differ for bitmap and vector objects. Multiple objects of the same type can be selected for simultaneous parameter setting.(2) xTool F1 features both a blue laser and an infrared laser. Select the appropriate Laser type for each object.

Supported materials of blue light laser: black alumina, metal name card, rock coaster, acrylic, aluminum sheet, wood, corrugated paper, cobblestone, etc.

Supported materials of infrared laser: black alumina, metal name card, rock coaster, acrylic, aluminum sheet, copper sheet, stainless steel, etc.

For bitmaps

Processing type: Engrave

Setting: Manual setting

Laser type: Blue Laser Process / IR laser Process

Dot duration: [Slider control]

Power range: [Slider control]

Pass: [Input field]

DPI: [Input field]

Bitmap mode: Grayscale

Engraving mode: Bi-directional

For vectors

Processing type: Score, Engrave, Cut

Setting: Manual setting

Laser type: Blue Laser Process / IR laser Process

Power(%): [Input field]

Speed(mm/s): [Input field]

Pass: [Input field]

9. Preview the processing area

(1) At the bottom-right corner of the software, click the [settings icon] next to the "Framing" button to set parameters for framing.

xTool F1 supports two preview modes: Rect and Outline. "Rect" previews the rectangular border of the processing area. "Outline" previews the outline of the processing objects.

(2) Close the protective enclosure, and then click "Framing" in the software or press the framing button on xTool F1 to preview the processing area on the material.

If the area is not ideal, adjust the material position or object positions in the software, and then preview the processing area again.

(a) During framing, keep the protective enclosure closed or wear goggles that shield laser beams of 455 nm and 1064 nm wavelengths.(b) To stop framing, click "Stop framing" in the software or press the framing button on xTool F1.

10. Start processing

Using the infrared laser for bitmap engraving at a low temperature may yield unsatisfying results. Preheat the laser module before processing for better engraving outcomes.

(1) On the bottom right corner of the software, click "Process".

(2) Preview the processing objects in the software. Then, in the upper-right corner of the software, click "Process".

(3) Close the protective enclosure. Then, press the knob on xTool F1 to start processing.

During laser processing, keep the protective enclosure closed or wear goggles that shield laser beams of 455 nm and 1064 nm wavelengths.

This is the general process of using XCS to create your works. For details on the functions of XCS, see support.xtool.com.