LightBurn
LightBurn: A paid desktop workspace for designing laser projects and sending jobs to compatible machines. Ranked #20 of 23 in Diy Makers by our editors (6.2/10); pricing: 30-day trial; best for designing and controlling compatible laser projects.
At a glance
- Editor score6.2 / 10
- Pricing30-day trial
- Best forDesigning and controlling compatible laser projects
- Free planNo
- Customization depthAdvanced
- Facts checked24 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Combines vector design, layout, and laser job settings in one workspace
- Controls compatible lasers and sends jobs directly
- Exports AI, SVG, DXF, PNG, JPG/JPEG, and BMP files
Where it doesn't
- Requires a paid license; there is no free plan
- Laser control depends on machine compatibility
- Available for Windows and macOS, not current Linux versions
Our verdict on LightBurn
LightBurn is desktop software for designing, editing, arranging, and controlling laser-cutter and engraver projects. It suits makers and businesses that want to prepare vector or image artwork, configure a job, and send it to a compatible machine from the same application. It runs on Windows and macOS, and offers a 30-day free trial before a paid license is needed.
Its main strength is the connection between design work and machine settings. Users can import vector and image artwork, edit shapes with offsetting, boolean operations, welding, and node editing, then set speed, power, interval, pass count, and cut order. LightBurn can control compatible lasers and send jobs directly. Projects and reusable templates support repeat work, while export options include AI, SVG, DXF, PNG, JPG/JPEG, and BMP. For makers who need these design and job-preparation steps together, that breadth is a practical fit; someone looking only for a general-purpose graphics editor may not need the laser-specific controls.
The two licenses are organized around controller support. Core supports GCode-based lasers and includes design, editing, and layout tools. Pro supports GCode, DSP, and Galvo lasers, with Core features plus additional design tools. The product is paid, with a 30-day trial rather than a free plan. LightBurn is a better fit for users whose laser is compatible and whose workflow benefits from direct job control; it is less suitable for Linux users, since Linux is no longer supported in version 2.0 and later, or for anyone seeking a free license.
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LightBurn pricing
All 2 LightBurn plans and prices →
LightBurn fact sheet
| Free plan | No |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Project templates | Yes |
| Customization depth | Advanced |
| Export formats | AI, SVG, DXF, PNG, JPG/JPEG, BMP |
| Commercial use | Yes |
| Team collaboration | Not verified |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS |
| Free trial | 30 days |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS |
| Support | Email, Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | 30-day trial (source) |
| Website | lightburnsoftware.com |
| Facts checked | 24 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to LightBurn
- TinkercadA free browser-based workspace for 3D models, circuit simulation, and block coding.8.8
- Arduino IDEA focused, open-source desktop IDE for writing, debugging, and uploading Arduino sketches.8.7
- Brother CanvasWorkspaceFree design software for preparing patterns to transfer to compatible Brother ScanNCut machines.8.4
See all LightBurn alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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