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LaserGRBL Open Source•
Windows
LaserGRBL is a free open-source laser engraver control software for Windows, ideal for beginners using GRBL-based diode lasers.
License / Price
Free
Ease of use
9/10
Features
5/10
About LaserGRBL
LaserGRBL is an open-source G-code sender and control software for hobby laser engravers running GRBL firmware. It offers a simple, lightweight interface to import images (JPG, PNG, BMP) and basic SVG designs, converting them to laser instructions. While limited in design tools and only compatible with GRBL controllers on Windows, LaserGRBL provides useful features like jogging controls and real-time power/speed override. It’s a popular free solution for diode laser users who need straightforward engraving capability without advanced features like camera alignment or multi-layer editing.
Supported laser models
FAQ
What operating systems does LaserGRBL support?
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LaserGRBL is a Windows-only application. It is designed to run on Microsoft Windows (from older versions up to current releases) and does not have native macOS or Linux builds. Some users run it through compatibility layers like Wine on Linux or macOS, but that is unofficial and may require extra tweaking. If you want a straightforward setup, plan to use LaserGRBL on a Windows machine.
Which laser machines are compatible with LaserGRBL?
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LaserGRBL is designed for machines that use a GRBL-based motion controller, typically Arduino-class boards driving stepper motors. Many hobby-grade diode engravers and small CNC conversions fall into this category. If your controller firmware identifies itself as GRBL (for example GRBL 1.1), LaserGRBL can usually connect and send G-code directly. It does not control DSP controllers like Ruida or proprietary cloud-only systems, so large CO₂ machines with those controllers are outside its scope unless they are retrofitted with GRBL electronics.
Is LaserGRBL really free to use, and is it safe software?
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Yes. LaserGRBL is free, open-source software. You can download and use it without paying license fees. Because the source code is public, the community can review it, which helps ensure that it does not contain hidden malware. Occasionally, antivirus software may flag the installer as a generic risk due to the way it is packaged, but those warnings are typically false positives and widely reported as such by the user community.
Can I design or edit graphics in LaserGRBL, or do I need other software?
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LaserGRBL is primarily a G-code sender and basic CAM tool, not a full design environment. It provides simple image-to-G-code tools (including dithering and basic tracing), but it has very limited native drawing tools and no full vector editing workflow. For anything beyond simple tasks, you usually create your designs in programs like Inkscape, Illustrator, or CAD tools, then either export G-code there or export images/vectors for LaserGRBL to process and send to the machine.
What file formats or inputs can LaserGRBL work with?
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LaserGRBL commonly works with raster images (JPG, PNG, BMP and similar) and pre-generated G-code files. When you import an image, LaserGRBL can convert it into G-code for raster engraving with various dithering and grayscale options. Direct vector support (for example raw SVG or DXF) is limited and far less robust than in dedicated design packages, so users typically either convert vectors to G-code elsewhere or export them as high-contrast images for LaserGRBL to process.