LightBurn
Version 2.0.05 · LightBurn Software · Windows 10 / 11 (64-bit) · ranked #141 in the library
The layout and control software that most hobby and small shop laser cutters are actually driven by, combining a vector editor with direct machine control so a design goes from screen to cut without a separate sender.
Read the installation section below before you start. The order of the steps matters on this release.
About this release
Overview
LightBurn is two tools in one. It is a vector editor where you draw or import the artwork to be cut or engraved, and it is the control software that talks directly to the laser, sets the power and speed per layer, and runs the job. Because those two live in the same window, there is no exporting to a separate sender and no round trip. You draw, you assign cut settings, you frame the job on the bed, and you run it, all in one place, which is why it displaced the software that ships with most machines.
The editor covers what a cutting and engraving job needs. Draw primitives and freehand shapes, import vector formats from design tools and image formats for engraving, edit nodes, apply boolean operations, offset a path for a kerf allowance, and lay out text with proper font handling. Layers carry the cut parameters, so a single file can cut some shapes through, score others lightly and engrave a raster image, each on its own layer with its own power and speed.
The machine side is what makes it a workshop tool rather than a drawing program. It connects to the common controller types, positions and frames the job on the physical bed, sets the origin, and handles the material test grid for finding the right power and speed on a new material. Camera support overlays the bed so artwork can be placed onto an object already sitting on it, and the job is streamed to the machine directly.
What it does
Feature breakdown
Combined editor and controller
Draw or import artwork and drive the laser from the same window, with no separate sender in between.
Vector editing
Primitives, freehand drawing, node editing, boolean operations and kerf offset, with vector and image import.
Layer based cut settings
Cut, score and engrave in one file, each on its own layer with its own power and speed.
Direct machine control
Connects to the common controller types, sets the origin and frames the job on the physical bed.
Material test grid
Run a grid of power and speed combinations to find the right settings on an unfamiliar material.
Camera placement
Overlay the bed from a camera so artwork can be positioned onto an object already on the machine.
Changed in this build
Version 2.0.05
- Improved controller compatibility for recent machine firmware.
- Faster raster engraving path planning on large images.
- Better node editing responsiveness on complex vector artwork.
- Refined camera calibration for more accurate placement.
- Additional material test presets added.
Installation
Follow these in order
- Extract the archive.
- Disable real time protection while the licensed component is applied.
- Run the installer and complete setup.
- Apply the included activation before the first launch.
- Start LightBurn and add your machine by its controller type.
- Re-enable protection.
Release notes
From whoever packed it
- Add your specific machine profile on first run so the bed size and controller settings match.
- Run a material test grid on any unfamiliar material before committing a real job.
- Block the update check so the activation is not reverted.
System requirements
Minimum and recommended
| Operating system | Windows 10 or Windows 11, 64-bit |
|---|---|
| Processor | Dual core 2 GHz or faster |
| Memory | 4 GB minimum, 8 GB for large raster jobs |
| Graphics | Any GPU with a current driver |
| Storage | 300 MB for the application |
Questions about this release
Answered before you ask
- Does it replace the software my laser came with?
- Yes, that is the usual reason people install it. It edits and drives the machine directly.
- Can it engrave a photo?
- Yes, import the image onto a layer and it plans a raster engraving path for it.
- Does it support my controller?
- It connects to the common controller types. Check yours is listed before relying on it.
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