Laser cutters rely on software both to create designs and to instruct the machine. Typically, the user creates an image in design software, then imports it to the control software. A number of different softwares are available. The best free, open-source laser engraver softwares include LaserGRBL for Windows and Inkscape for Mac. Other free programs are SolveSpace and LaserWeb, the latter of which comes with a cost estimator. For paid software, LightBurn works for Windows, Mac or Linux, and it comes with a 30-day free trial. Adobe Illustrator isn’t specialized laser cutting software, but it works well, with features such as Artboards. The best professional-grade software is DraftSight’s Premium version, although it is expensive.
Key Takeaways:
- Among the best free, open-source software are LaserGRBL for Windows and Inkscape for Mac.
- Adobe Illustrator isn’t specialized for laser cutting, but can create designs at a cost of under $30 a month.
- Note that software is used to create designs, but other software is used to instruct the machine.
“Laser engraving isn’t controlled manually — it relies on laser cutting software that instructs the laser where to move using a CNC (computer numerical control) programming language, such as g-code.”
Read more: https://www.cncsourced.com/rankings/best-laser-cutter-engraving-software/