Welcome to the Glowforge Community. Consider this a Welcome Wagon basket of helpful files.
To download files referenced here, right click on the file and select “save as” an SVG on your computer. To use the file, either upload it into your library, or drag the file onto the bed of your Glowforge in the interface.
(edit - you need to open the thread first, then save the file from there)
Securing Material
The material that you are cutting/scoring/engraving needs to be secured to the honeycomb tray so that the surface is uniformly flat. Here are some links to files you can use to make items to help hold the material flat:
https://community.glowforge.com/t/what-to-do-with-precious-proof-grade-scraps/18631
https://community.glowforge.com/t/warp-wedges/22217
https://community.glowforge.com/t/corrected-square-gf-magnet-hold-downs/28190
https://community.glowforge.com/t/simple-material-holder/16389
https://community.glowforge.com/t/new-material-holder/27867
Using the Glowforge without the Honeycomb Tray
If the material you are trying to engrave is thicker than .5”, you must remove the honeycomb tray. The surface to be engraved must be within 0”-.5” from the focus point of the laser, so you must elevate your material to that position.
A quick tool you can make to guide you to the correct position of your material is here: No-Math Focus Ruler
A second file that may be helpful is here:
https://community.glowforge.com/t/no-crumb-tray-set-up-jig/31034
Although you can elevate your material with anything handy, users have provided files for making some material risers that are quick to make and easy to use.
https://community.glowforge.com/t/x-risers/20863
https://community.glowforge.com/t/another-take-on-the-riser-stand/26102
https://community.glowforge.com/t/material-risers-in-medium-draftboard/18997
https://community.glowforge.com/t/another-set-of-crumb-tray-removal-jigs/40563/10
Once you have elevated the material into the proper range, use the set focus tool under the settings tab to focus the camera correctly before placing your artwork on the material.
Honeycomb Tray Security
When using the pass through, it is essential that the honeycomb tray remains completely stationary. These boots take the wiggle out of the tray.
https://community.glowforge.com/t/give-that-wiggly-gf-tray-the-boot/28329
Cut Shapes and Lines Template
The Glowforge User Interface does not include any design elements. Often is it helpful to have a file available in your library that includes lines, circles, squares, etc. that can be added to your own file. Here is that helpful file: