Everything you need to know about LightBurn Software

What is Lightburn Software?

Lightburn is an all-in-one software solution for laser engraving and cutting, designed to give users full creative and operational control over their laser systems. Originally developed for CO2 laser machines, it has grown to support a wide variety of diode and galvo lasers, making it one of the most versatile tools in the laser engraving industry.

The software allows you to import vector files like SVG, AI, DXF, and image formats such as PNG and BMP, and offers a powerful built-in editor to create, position, and adjust your graphics. It includes real-time controls for laser power, speed, number of passes, brightness, contrast, and even dithering modes for raster images.

LightBurn Software communicates directly with a wide range of laser controllers, including Ruida, Trocen, TopWisdom, and GCode-based systems (like GRBL, Smoothieware, and Marlin), eliminating the need for intermediate software. It is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, and offers a 30-day full-feature trial with no limitations, so you can test it thoroughly before purchasing.

Whether you're a hobbyist working with a small diode laser, or a professional using high-end CO2 or Galvo systems, Lightburn brings efficiency, precision, and creative freedom to your laser workflow.

How Much Is LightBurn Software and What Versions Are Available?

Which LightBurn Software Do I Need?

If you're wondering which version of LightBurn software is right for you, the answer depends on the type of laser system you’re using. LightBurn offers different licenses based on your controller type, so choosing the correct version ensures full compatibility and access to the software’s features.

For users with GCode-based machines — such as diode lasers or open-source CNC builds — the LightBurn GCode license (also called Core) is the ideal and most affordable option. If you’re using a laser with a DSP controller (like Ruida, Trocen, or TopWisdom) or a galvo laser system (commonly used in marking applications), you’ll need the LightBurn DSP or Galvo version, also known as LightBurn Pro.

Choosing the right license from the start avoids the need for future upgrades and ensures smooth operation with your laser. All licenses are perpetual — you pay once and own the software forever — with optional updates available annually at a reduced cost.

You can also purchase the LightBurn license together with one of our Plug & Play kits, available with the laser heads listed below. This way, you’ll get everything you need — hardware and software — in a single, ready-to-use package.

How to Use LightBurn Software

LightBurn is designed with simplicity and versatility in mind, making it accessible even for beginners. The interface is clean and logically organized, with intuitive tools for creating and arranging vector shapes, importing files, editing paths, and setting laser operations such as cutting, engraving, or filling.

When you connect your device, LightBurn doesn't detect the laser itself — it recognizes the machine's controller. For example, if your system uses a GRBL controller, LightBurn will identify it as a GRBL-based machine. If the controller is not on LightBurn’s predefined list, the software won’t recognize the device automatically. This is important to note, as laser heads don’t communicate directly with LightBurn — the software talks only to the motion controller, not the laser module.

Despite this, LightBurn remains extremely flexible. Even if your machine isn’t connected or auto-detected, you can still manually configure device settings and generate custom G-code files. These can be saved and run on virtually any compatible laser system, making LightBurn an excellent choice for custom-built or DIY laser machines.

This ability to work offline and generate G-code for later use turns LightBurn into a powerful and universal laser CAM software, perfect for makers, tinkerers, and professionals alike.

Predefined Materials and Machines

LightBurn includes a built-in Material Library that allows users to organize and store cutting and engraving settings for various materials. This feature is especially useful for standardizing results across projects and machines. Users can create their own libraries or import predefined libraries tailored for specific systems, such as the Emblaser series. These libraries include optimized settings for power, speed, and passes for materials like plywood, acrylic, leather, or anodized aluminum.

While LightBurn doesn’t directly detect the type of material in your machine, the use of predefined libraries makes switching between materials fast, consistent, and efficient. You can also assign different cut layers in your project to specific materials, using saved settings for fast setup and repeatability.

Custom G-Code and Post-Processor Flexibility in LightBurn

Unlike traditional, heavy CAD/CAM software, LightBurn is lightweight, fast, and incredibly flexible — yet still offers a rare feature that places it among professional-level tools: the ability to create custom G-code output.

LightBurn allows users to modify or create custom post-processors to generate G-code tailored for virtually any motion control system. Whether you're running your machine with Mach3, Mach4, or another unique GRBL-based or proprietary controller, LightBurn can be adapted to suit your exact needs. You can insert customized startup and shutdown commands, fine-tune coordinate formatting, or inject pauses, probes, tool changes — whatever your workflow requires.

This makes LightBurn an exceptional tool for both hobbyists and professionals who are working with DIY builds, retrofitted machines, or hybrid systems. Even if your machine isn't directly supported by LightBurn’s auto-recognition, you can still generate optimized and compatible G-code using a personalized setup.

Few laser CAM solutions offer this kind of post-processing customization — and even fewer do it in such a lightweight and user-friendly interface. It’s this balance between simplicity and advanced capability that makes LightBurn stand out from bloated, resource-heavy alternatives.

System Requirements and Best Laptop for LightBurn Laser Software

LightBurn laser software is known for its efficient performance and low system demands, making it an ideal solution for makers who value speed and stability. Whether you're running it on a workshop desktop or a portable device, it doesn't require high-end hardware to perform reliably.

For users looking for the best laptop for LightBurn software, we recommend choosing a device with at least a mid-range processor (such as Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5), 8 GB of RAM, and SSD storage. A dedicated graphics card can help when working with complex designs or large raster files, although it's not mandatory.

In terms of LightBurn software requirements, the application runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and its lightweight architecture ensures compatibility even with older or budget-friendly systems — perfect for mobile setups or secondary workshop PCs.

Official Partner of Opt Lasers

Opt Lasers is proud to be an official LightBurn software distributor and partner. This collaboration ensures that our customers receive not only the software license directly from a trusted source, but also full support in connecting and configuring their systems with LightBurn.

As one of the earliest adopters of LightBurn in the laser head industry, Opt Lasers began its partnership with LightBurn back in 2018. Since then, we’ve worked closely to optimize compatibility between our high-performance laser heads and the LightBurn software environment.

LightBurn has committed to supporting Opt Lasers customers by providing guidance for machine integration, including controller setup, communication, and configuration. This ensures a smoother experience for both hobbyists and professionals using our laser solutions.

Whether you're purchasing a new laser head or building a custom CNC laser setup, choosing LightBurn through Opt Lasers means you get expert support and verified compatibility — from both hardware and software sides.

What Makes LightBurn Stand Out?

LightBurn sets itself apart by striking the perfect balance between simplicity and powerful features. It offers everything that both beginners and professionals look for in laser software — without the bloat, complexity, or high cost of traditional CAM tools.

• Affordable Price: A one-time license purchase starting at just $99, with optional and low-cost annual updates.
• Simple, Intuitive Interface: No steep learning curve — start designing and cutting within minutes.
• Easy Availability: LightBurn licenses are digital and globally distributed, with instant delivery — no dongles, no waiting.
• License Simplicity: Use one license on multiple devices (within the same OS family), and transfer easily if you switch PCs.
• Advanced Capabilities: Supports vector design, photo engraving, cut layers, optimization, and custom G-code generation.
• Cross-Technology Support: Compatible with diode heads, CO₂ lasers, and even galvo systems.

Whether you're working with a basic diode laser or a high-speed galvo system, LightBurn gives you the tools you need — without overcomplicating your workflow. That’s why it’s trusted by both DIY makers and industry professionals worldwide.

How LightBurn is Compatible with Opt Lasers and CNC Machines

LightBurn is fully compatible with Opt Lasers engraving heads and most CNC machine controllers, making it a universal solution for laser integration. The key lies in how LightBurn communicates with machine controllers — not directly with the laser head, but through standard control signals.

Every laser needs a modulation signal to control its power. Most CNC controllers — including GRBL, Smoothieware, and others — offer a spindle control output, which can be repurposed to drive the laser. This typically takes the form of standard G-code commands like S255, S1000, or Q255, which are interpreted as power level instructions.

As long as your controller supports such outputs, LightBurn can generate compatible G-code that adjusts laser intensity dynamically. This makes it possible to use LightBurn with virtually any CNC machine — from compact diode-based routers to large industrial systems retrofitted with Opt Lasers heads.

This flexible approach allows seamless integration without the need for special drivers or dedicated firmware — just a clear, standardized control signal from your CNC's motion board to the laser module.

Upgrade Your CNC with a Laser Kit and Use LightBurn Now!

Transform your existing CNC machine into a powerful laser engraving and cutting system by adding an Opt Lasers Plug-and-Play laser kit. These kits are designed for seamless integration with most CNC machines and are fully compatible with LightBurn software.

Enjoy the precision of LightBurn’s control with the reliability of industrial-grade laser heads from Opt Lasers. Whether you're a hobbyist or a professional, this combo brings next-level flexibility and performance to your workspace.

Real-World Applications of LightBurn Software

LightBurn software is used globally by hobbyists, professionals, and manufacturers to bring laser-powered creativity and precision into real-world applications. Thanks to its compatibility with various controllers and its intuitive CAM interface, LightBurn enables seamless workflows from design to execution across many industries.

• Personalized Product Engraving: Create custom designs on wood, leather, acrylic, and coated metals for promotional items, gifts, and branded products.
• Prototyping and Model Making: Rapidly generate parts and components for testing, model engineering, and product development using precise vector cutting and engraving.
• Sign and Label Manufacturing: Produce signage, safety labels, and engraved plates with scalable text and vector graphics.
• Fabric Cutting and Textile Marking: LightBurn works well for preparing intricate fabric shapes or textile patterns, ideal for fashion and upholstery industries.
• Architectural and Industrial Design: Bring technical drawings to life by cutting and etching on MDF, plywood, or acrylic for physical models.
• Educational and STEM Projects: Used in schools and labs for learning projects that involve laser machining, circuit design, and DIY engineering.

Real-World Applications of LightBurn Software

Thanks to its advanced yet intuitive features, LightBurn is used daily by hobbyists, designers, and businesses across multiple industries. From laser engraving to precision cutting and prototyping, it handles a wide variety of materials and project types. Below are real-world use cases paired with visual examples of what you can achieve using LightBurn.

Free LightBurn-Compatible SVG Files

Start your next laser project instantly with our collection of free SVG files, fully compatible with LightBurn software. Whether you're engraving, cutting, or prototyping, these files are optimized for CNC laser use and help you get results faster. Perfect for testing, practice, or producing ready-to-sell items.

Understanding GRBL Laser Mode and Power Control in LightBurn

When using LightBurn with GRBL-based CNC controllers, it’s essential to understand how laser mode and power scaling work. Two GRBL settings, $30 and $32, play a key role in how the laser behaves during engraving and cutting.

$30 defines the maximum spindle (or laser) power. For example, if your machine is configured with $30=255, then sending S255 means 100% laser power. Lower S-values scale the power accordingly.

$32=1 enables laser mode. This synchronizes laser firing with motion commands, meaning the laser only activates during coordinated movements (G1, G2, G3). Rapid moves (G0) will automatically turn the laser off, preventing unwanted burns or marks between cuts.

To fire the laser correctly in laser mode, the machine must be moving. A typical command might look like: G1 X10 S100 F50 — this moves the head 10 mm along the X-axis, at speed F50, using approximately 39% of the total laser power (S100 out of S255).

Correct setup of these parameters ensures accurate power delivery and clean, safe operation — especially when using LightBurn's advanced layer and path control features.

LightBurn Software – FAQ