Shifted layers

You see

Your project has an engrave layer and a cut layer (for example). After running, the cut outline does not align with the engrave, one is offset from the other by a millimeter or several.

What is happening

Between the engrave pass and the cut pass, something moved. Either the material shifted on the bed, the machine lost position, or there is a mechanical issue causing per-pass drift.

Fix

If the material shifted

Most common cause. The first pass cuts or scores the outline, leaving free-floating pieces. The air assist or the head's wind catches them and moves them. The second pass lands offset.

Fix by reordering the layers in the Cuts/Layers panel:

• Engrave first.
• Score second.
• Cut through last so nothing is free until the very end.

Or use tabs / bridges on the cut layer so the parts stay connected to the surrounding material.

If the machine lost steps mid-job

Steps lost = position lost = subsequent passes shift. Causes:

• Speed too high for acceleration, motor stalls.
• Belt too loose, slips.
• Mechanical obstruction, head hit something.

Check $110-$112 (max rate) and $120-$122 (acceleration), try lower values.

Inspect belts: should be taut but not over-tight. Listen for clicking during fast moves.

If multiple passes of the same layer shift

The layer's individual passes shift relative to each other (not just relative to a different layer). Same root cause as above, motion / belt / acceleration. Less common.

If the design is small but shifts a lot

Check that you have not enabled rotational compensation or some other transform mid-project.

Verify it worked

• Test job with multiple layers shows clean registration.
• Cut outlines fall exactly where they were designed relative to engrave fills.

Still stuck?

• Tabs (bridges) for clean cuts guide.
• GRBL configuration guide, $110, $120.
• Steps per millimeter.
• Post in the Facebook group with a photo of the misregistration and your machine's $$ output.