First week with an LP2 Plus — what do I actually do first?

Do these four things in this order and you'll skip most of the pain:

1. Run a material test array. LDS has one built in (Material Test Array in the tools menu). Set power 10–100% across one axis and speed across the other, engrave it on the actual plywood you bought, then keep the tile and write the settings on the back with a pencil. That single tile answers more questions than a week of forum reading.
2. Nail focus. On the LP2 Plus that means using the focus gauge every time the material thickness changes. Out-of-focus is the number one cause of "my engraving looks weak".
3. Learn masking tape. Low-tack painter's tape over plywood before engraving stops the smoke staining; peel it after. For cutting, tape both faces.
4. Only then start caring about images. Vector text and simple shapes first, photos much later — photos need dithering settings and clean prep and it's a rabbit hole.

Post your test tile photo when it's done, people will tell you what to adjust.