Laser engraving and cutting have become incredibly popular for personal and commercial use over the past decade. As the technology continues advancing and becoming more affordable, laser engravers are now practical tools for small businesses, schools, hobbyists and anyone looking to customize, personalize or manufacture items out of materials like wood, plastic, leather, acrylic, metal and more.
But to get the most out of your laser engraver, you need the right software to create and edit your designs. The laser engraver software serves as the bridge between your creative ideas and the physical laser engraving results. With the engraver software, you can design images, text, logos, barcodes and more to engrave or cut.
Choosing the right laser engraving software is crucial for achieving the results you want efficiently. The software needs to be compatible with your specific laser engraver model and have the right features to design your projects. With the range of options available today, it can be tricky to determine which solution is best for your needs and budget.
To help you find the perfect laser engraver software, here is an overview of the top options on the market and key factors to consider when deciding:
LightBurn
LightBurn is one of the most popular paid options for laser engraver software today. It’s compatible with over 100 different laser cutter and engraver models, making it highly versatile. LightBurn works on Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems.
The software is designed specifically for laser cutters, with features tailored to that use case. It can import and work with a wide range of file formats, including PDF, SVG, DXF and more. LightBurn has advanced image tracing capabilities to convert any image to vectors suited for laser engraving.
Other key features include:
- Intuitive design workspace with live preview of the laser output
- Powerful text tools with over 170 fonts available
- Supports rotary attachments for cylindrical engraving
- Customizable laser profiles for calibrated results
- Works with both RGB and grayscale images
- User-friendly interface and comprehensive manual
LightBurn also has an active user community for tips, project galleries and technical support. While LightBurn is a paid solution, it’s affordable at around $40 for a hobbyist license. There are volume discounts available for commercial use.
Overall, LightBurn is one of the best solutions for laser engraving due to its specialization for laser cutters, extensive compatibility, excellent functionality and reliable performance.
Inkscape
Inkscape is a popular open-source vector graphics editor that can also be used for laser engraver software. It’s free and open-source, available on Windows, Mac and Linux. The software is actively developed by a community of contributors and designers.
While Inkscape isn’t dedicated laser engraving software, it has some key features that make it a versatile option:
- Supported import/export formats include SVG, PNG, DXF, AI and EPS
- Vector drawing and editing tools for creating designs
- Object manipulation features like align, distribute and arrange
- Bezier curves, pens, clones, markers and calligraphy tools
- Built-in tracing that converts bitmaps to vectors
- Extendable through plugins
- Supports line engraving, raster engraving and cutting
Inkscape takes some additional setup to prepare designs for laser engraving compared to specialized software. But it’s a powerful free option for those on a budget or who prefer open-source tools. The Inkscape community provides guides on using the software for laser cutting and engraving.
K40 Whisperer
K40 Whisperer is an open-source program tailored for K40 laser engravers and cutters. The K40 is an economical Chinese CO2 laser that has grown in popularity for hobbyists. But the included software is limited. This is where K40 Whisperer comes in to unlock the full potential of a K40 laser.
K40 Whisperer is designed to replace the original control software for K40 lasers. Key features include:
- Modern, user-friendly interface
- Import SVG, PNG, JPEG and other standard image formats
- Intuitive design workspace with live preview
- Send designs directly to your K40 laser
- Customizable laser profiles for dialing in power, speed and other settings
- Tools to align, scale, duplicate and arrange objects
- Supports raster engraving, vector engraving and cutting
Since it’s tailored specifically for the K40 laser, K40 Whisperer works seamlessly to control engraving and cutting. It also adds functionality the original software lacks. The main downside is K40 Whisperer only works with the K40 laser models and is limited compared to paid solutions. But it’s an excellent free option for K40 owners looking to improve their results.
Fusion 360 (CAD/CAM)
For an advanced, full-featured design and machining solution, Fusion 360 from Autodesk is a top choice. While not laser-specific, it is a professional CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing) program that can support laser cutting and engraving workflows.
Fusion 360 goes far beyond just laser engraving to offer a complete product development platform. Key features include:
- CAD modeling and drafting tools
- CAM programming for machining like laser cutting, milling and turning
- Simulation, rendering and animation
- PCB (printed circuit board) design capabilities
- Collaboration features and version control
- Manufacturing cost estimation tools
- Generates CAD/CAM G-code
With the robust CAM programming features, Fusion 360 can output engraving toolpaths and G-code for controlling a laser. It also seamlessly integrates design and machining prep. The learning curve is steeper than laser-specific software, but it’s an incredibly powerful tool for product design and manufacturing.
Fusion 360 requires a paid subscription, but has an excellent free option for hobbyists, startups and small businesses earning under $100k in revenue.
RetinaEngrave For Mac users, RetinaEngrave provides an affordable and user-friendly laser engraving software option. Designed exclusively for Mac, RetinaEngrave has an intuitive interface focused on ease of use.
It supports the major design elements needed for laser engraving, including:
- Bezier curves and vector drawing tools
- Import of SVG, AI, PDF, EPS, PNG, DXF and other file types
- Image tracing for converting pixel art to vectors
- Text tools with built-in and external fonts
- Generates engraving paths for raster and vector engraving
- Estimates job time
- Print and export functions
RetinaEngrave is designed to make laser engraving and cutting simple and approachable. It doesn’t have some of the advanced features of paid counterparts like LightBurn. But at around $20, it provides excellent value as straightforward Mac laser software for beginners and hobbyists.
LaserGRBL
LaserGRBL is a free, open-source laser engraving software that runs on Windows, Mac and Linux. It can interface with low-cost engraving machines like those using Arduino-based controllers running GRBL firmware.
By connecting to GRBL devices, LaserGRBL can take designs created in other programs and convert them to G-code for engraving and cutting. It also has built-in vector conversion and editing capabilities. Other features include:
- Imports DXF, SVG, PNG, JPG and other standard image formats
- Preview your design before sending to the laser
- Control laser power, speed and other parameters
- Works with both raster and vector output
- Estimates job completion time
- Open-source and customizable
For Arduino-GRBL setups, LaserGRBL provides a free, DIY-friendly option to add laser engraving and cutting functionality. It has some limitations in its capabilities compared to full-featured paid software. But LaserGRBL is powerful for its purpose and device compatibility.
Benbox
Benbox is affordable, entry-level laser engraving software for Windows, currently priced around $25. It has an easy-to-use interface and set of features deliberately tailored for beginners.
Benbox allows you to:
- Import and work with standard image formats like JPG, PNG, SVG, etc.
- Convert images to laser-compatible black and white format
- Preview designs before engraving
- Create text labels with a variety of fonts
- Simple object editing like move, copy, delete, etc.
- Send designs directly to your laser engraver
- Comes with free starter designs and templates
While the functionality is limited compared to paid professional software, Benbox succeeds in providing an intuitive introduction to laser engraving. For casual laser engraving and customization, it keeps things straightforward and affordable.
LaserWeb
LaserWeb is an open-source laser control software built on JavaScript and Node.js. It runs in the browser, allowing you to control your laser engraver from any internet-connected desktop or mobile device.
LaserWeb is compatible with engravers and controllers running either Grbl or Smoothieware firmware. It allows you to stream designs directly to the laser without generating gcode. Other features include:
- Real-time monitoring of laser jobs
- Manual jog and control capabilities
- Imports DXF, SVG, PNG, JPG and other standard image formats
- Image tracing for converting pixel art to vectors
- Create and manipulate shapes and paths
- Customizable cam processing profiles
- Requires minimal hardware for connection
Since everything is handled in the browser, you don’t need a dedicated computer to run LaserWeb. The software is also expandable through user-created plugins. However, browser-based functionality does have some limitations in capabilities and stability compared to desktop programs. But it provides a free, flexible foundation to build on.
How to Choose Laser Engraver Software
With a range of laser engraver software options available, it can be difficult to determine the right solution for your needs. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing laser engraving software:
Compatibility
Make sure any paid or free software you choose is compatible with the make and model of your laser cutter or engraver. The software connects to firmware inside the laser, so compatibility is essential. Consult your laser’s documentation or the software’s website to confirm.
Cost
Paid laser engraver software ranges from $20 to $100+, with differences in capabilities between price points. Free open-source options are also available. Evaluate the features you need versus the cost to strike the right balance. Consider volume discounts for business use.
Functionality
Evaluate which design, editing, machining and other features you require in your laser software. Prioritize software that provides the functionality you’ll actually use. Specialized laser engraving solutions tend to offer a better feature set compared to general graphics software.
Ease of Use
Look for laser engraver software with an intuitive, easy to navigate interface. Laser engraving has a learning curve on its own without fighting against complex software. Beginner-friendly options remove unnecessary complexity.
File Compatibility
Most laser software can import standard image files like JPG, PNG, SVG, DXF and more. Double check which file types are supported to easily bring in designs from other programs.
Supported Operating System
Make sure the solution you choose works on your computer’s operating system, whether Windows, Mac, Linux or a web browser. Some laser software is exclusive to certain platforms.
Technical Support
Paid software usually comes with technical support to help troubleshoot any issues. With free open-source laser software, you’ll need to rely on user forums and documentation for help. Factor in the level of support available.
Output Options
Different laser software supports raster engraving, vector engraving and laser cutting in different capacities. If you only need raster engraving, a simpler program could suffice. Know what type of output you need.
Special Features
Consider special capabilities like rotary attachments for cylindrical engraving, built-in design libraries, simulation previews, color management and other useful features that may benefit your work.
Community Resources
An active user community provides helpful guides, tips, tricks, templates and plugins that enhance the software. Large communities are ideal for troubleshooting and continued learning.
Choosing the right laser engraver software is an important decision. Taking the time to properly evaluate your needs and research the options will pay off with software that unlocks the full potential of your laser engraver and delivers incredible results.
