LightBurn review
A paid desktop workspace for designing laser projects and sending jobs to compatible machines.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
LightBurn pros and cons
- 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
LightBurn fact sheet, pricing and score →
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