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LightBurn Software•
WindowsmacOSLinux
LightBurn is professional laser cutting and engraving software with camera support and advanced layout tools.
License / Price
$99.00
Ease of use
8/10
Features
9/10
About LightBurn
LightBurn is a powerful laser CAM and design software supporting a wide range of lasers, including Ruida, Trocen, TopWisdom, and GRBL-based machines. It offers vector and raster editing, camera alignment, image tracing, material libraries, and batch jobs. Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux, LightBurn is popular for its intuitive UI and depth of features. Paid perpetual license with a one-year update plan.
Supported laser models
FAQ
Which laser controllers and machines are compatible with LightBurn?
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LightBurn supports a wide range of laser controllers, including popular DSP controllers like Ruida and Trocen as well as many G-code based controllers (for example, boards running GRBL or Smoothieware). This covers a broad spectrum of CO₂, diode, and some fiber machines, as long as they use a supported control board. Closed, cloud-only systems such as Glowforge are not supported. If you are unsure, you typically check whether your machine’s controller is Ruida, Trocen, TopWisdom, Smoothieware, or GRBL; if yes, it is usually compatible with LightBurn.
What operating systems can I run LightBurn on?
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LightBurn is available as a native application for Windows, macOS, and Linux. You download an installer for your OS and run LightBurn locally on your machine. The Linux build has historically been less of a priority and official support may be reduced in future versions, but Windows and macOS builds are actively maintained and frequently updated.
Does LightBurn require an internet connection or cloud account to use?
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No. LightBurn is fully offline software. You install it on your computer and it runs locally, without needing an online account or persistent internet connection. Your project files, device profiles, and settings are stored on your own system. You only need internet access for downloading updates or license activation; day-to-day cutting and engraving can be done completely offline.
What file formats and design features does LightBurn support?
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LightBurn can import common vector formats such as AI, SVG, PDF, DXF, and PLT, as well as raster formats like PNG, JPG, BMP, and GIF. Once imported, you can edit shapes, perform boolean operations, adjust nodes, add text, trace bitmaps to vectors, and arrange objects on multiple layers. Each layer can have its own cut or engrave settings (power, speed, passes, modes), so you can combine vector cutting and raster engraving in a single job without leaving the program.
How does LightBurn’s licensing work, and is there a free trial?
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LightBurn offers a fully functional time-limited trial so you can test all features before purchasing. After that, you buy a one-time license (different license types exist for G-code vs DSP controllers). The license includes a fixed period of free updates. When that period ends, you keep the version you have forever; updates are optional and can be purchased as renewal. A single license can typically be activated on multiple computers you own, which is convenient for multi-PC workshops.