Most people buy a laser engraver, plug it in, and then stare at their computer wondering what software they’re supposed to use.
And then they find out there’s actually more than one type of software involved. That’s where the confusion starts.
This guide cuts through it. You’ll know exactly what software you need, what it costs, and which option works with your specific machine.
What’s the Difference Between Control Software and Design Software?
Control software and design software are two different things, and understanding both is what makes the rest of this easy.
Control software is what actually talks to your laser. It converts your design into movement commands, sets power and speed, and sends the job to the machine. LightBurn and LaserGRBL are control software.
Design software is where you create the artwork. Think vector layouts, text, and image editing. Inkscape, Illustrator, and CorelDRAW are design software.
Here’s the thing: LightBurn includes basic design tools. For most people, it handles both tasks without needing a second app. But if you’re doing complex original artwork, you’ll want a dedicated design tool alongside it.
The short version: start with control software first. Design tools come later if you need them.
1. LightBurn: The Best Laser Engraving Software for Most Users
LightBurn is what most serious laser users end up on, and the reason is simple: it works with almost every machine, runs on every major operating system, and you pay once.
There are two license tiers.
The Core license is $99 and covers GCode-based diode lasers, including xTool, Sculpfun, Atomstack, iKier, Creality Falcon, and most other brands.
The Pro license is $199 and adds support for CO2 DSP controllers and galvo/fiber machines.
Both licenses are perpetual. Pay once, use it forever.
You get one year of updates included, and after that you can optionally renew for $40/year. If you don’t renew, the software still works. You just don’t get new features or bug fixes.
Each license covers up to 3 devices, so you can run it on your desktop and laptop without buying a second seat.
Based on the machines I’ve set up personally, LightBurn is consistently the smoothest experience. The camera alignment feature alone saves a lot of time on repeat positioning work. And the ability to import SVGs directly, run image trace, and adjust burn settings all within one app keeps the workflow tight.
There’s a 30-day free trial on the LightBurn website. Start there before buying anything.
What’s the Best Free Laser Engraver Software?
The best free laser engraver software depends on your machine: LaserGRBL for Windows users with GRBL-based diode lasers, xTool Creative Space for xTool owners, and RDWorks for Ruida-based CO2 machines.
Here’s what each one actually gets you.
LaserGRBL is the go-to free option for Windows diode laser users. It’s open-source, lightweight, and handles both raster and vector engraving. The interface is dense and not particularly beginner-friendly, but it’s capable. The main limitations: Windows only, and it doesn’t work with xTool machines (which use a different communication protocol).
xTool Creative Space (XCS) is free for xTool device owners and runs on both Mac and Windows. It’s significantly more beginner-friendly than LaserGRBL, with a clean interface and a built-in project library. The catch: it only controls xTool machines.
RDWorks is the standard bundled software for CO2 lasers running a Ruida DSP controller, which is common on entry-level Chinese CO2 machines. It’s free, functional, and sufficient for basic jobs. Most users eventually move to LightBurn Pro because the workflow is more capable.
The honest summary: free software works. But it’s worth knowing what you’re trading off.
Which Software Works With Your Machine?
The right software depends on your laser type.
Here’s the quick breakdown.
Diode lasers (xTool S1, Sculpfun S30, Atomstack A20 Pro, iKier K1 Pro, Creality Falcon 2):
LightBurn Core ($99) is the top pick for machine control.
On Windows, LaserGRBL is the free alternative.
xTool owners also get xTool Creative Space as a free option.
If you’re still deciding on a diode machine, see our best diode laser engravers guide for what’s worth buying right now.
CO2 lasers (xTool P2S, Gweike Cloud Pro II, OMTech K40+):
LightBurn Core works on most GCode-based CO2 machines.
Ruida-based CO2 lasers need LightBurn Pro ($199) or the free RDWorks bundled software.
For our top picks in this category, check out the best CO2 laser engravers roundup.
Fiber and galvo lasers:
These machines almost always ship with EZCAD2 or EZCAD3 bundled.
EZCAD2 is older (32-bit, Windows XP through 10) and still widely used.
EZCAD3 is the newer 64-bit version for Windows 10 and 11, with better performance and 4-axis support.
Which version you get depends on the controller your machine ships with.
LightBurn Pro also works with some galvo machines — worth checking their compatibility list before buying a separate license.
Not sure which machine type is right for you? Start with our best laser engravers for beginners guide to get oriented.
Do You Need Separate Design Software?
Not immediately. LightBurn includes enough built-in design tools for most users: text, basic shapes, image imports, and an image trace function. For the majority of hobbyists and small business jobs, that covers it.
Where you’ll feel the gap is with original vector artwork. If you’re designing from scratch, things like advanced node editing, complex path operations, and precise curve control are easier in a dedicated design app.
For free:
Inkscape is the standard starting point for most laser users. It’s open-source, exports files that import cleanly into LightBurn, and handles most vector design work well. The learning curve is real but manageable.
For paid:
Adobe Illustrator and CorelDRAW are the professional options. Illustrator is subscription-based, while CorelDRAW offers perpetual licenses. Most operators who are running laser engravers for small business end up at one of these two as their design workload grows.
The practical stack for most users: LightBurn for control and basic design, Inkscape when you need more. That covers 90% of use cases without spending anything on design software.
Is LightBurn Worth Paying For?
Yes, for almost anyone who uses their machine more than occasionally.
For hobbyists: $99 is a one-time cost with no subscription. Most people spend more than that on materials in their first month. And unlike a subscription, the license doesn’t disappear if you don’t renew.
For business users, the case is even clearer. Camera registration, multi-layer jobs, and precise machine control all make the workflow faster. Faster jobs mean more output per hour. The ROI on $99 shows up quickly.
The 30-day trial is the right way to decide. Use it on your actual machine, run real jobs, and see if you miss it when it expires. Most people do.
If you’re running a laser engraver for a small business, LightBurn isn’t optional. It’s part of the setup.
The software decision comes down to your machine type and your budget.
Diode laser owner who wants the best workflow?
Start LightBurn’s free trial today.
xTool owner who wants free?
xTool Creative Space is a solid starting point.
Fiber laser owners are covered by EZCAD right out of the box.
Once the software is sorted, the next step is making sure you have the right machine to go with it.
Check out our roundups for best diode laser engravers, best CO2 laser engravers, or best laser engravers for beginners to find the right match.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LightBurn a one-time purchase or a subscription?
LightBurn is a one-time purchase. The Core license is $99 and the Pro license is $199. Both are perpetual, meaning the software keeps working after you buy it. You get one year of updates included, and can optionally renew updates for $40/year after that. If you skip the renewal, the software still works. You just won’t get new features.
Does LightBurn work with xTool, Sculpfun, and Atomstack machines?
Yes. LightBurn Core ($99) is compatible with most major diode laser brands including xTool, Sculpfun, Atomstack, iKier, and Creality Falcon. Always verify compatibility with your specific model on LightBurn’s website before purchasing.
What’s the best free laser engraver software?
It depends on your machine. LaserGRBL is the best free option for Windows users with GRBL-based diode lasers. xTool Creative Space is free for xTool machine owners and works on Mac and Windows. Ruida-based CO2 lasers typically come with RDWorks at no extra cost.
What software do fiber laser engravers use?
Fiber laser engravers almost always come bundled with EZCAD2 or EZCAD3, depending on their controller hardware. EZCAD2 runs on Windows XP through 10. EZCAD3 is the newer 64-bit version for Windows 10 and 11, with better performance and 4-axis support. LightBurn Pro also supports some galvo/fiber machines.
Do I need design software in addition to LightBurn?
Not necessarily. LightBurn includes basic design tools like text, shapes, and image trace that cover most hobbyist needs. If you’re creating complex original vector artwork, pairing it with Inkscape (free) or Adobe Illustrator (paid) gives you more control. Most beginners can start with LightBurn alone and add a design tool later if needed.
