Diode laser software

Diode lasers from xTool's D-series, Ortur, Atomstack, Sculpfun, Creality Falcon, Twotrees, Longer, NEJE and many others run GRBL-compatible controllers and connect over USB, so one program can drive all of them. On Windows, LaserGRBL is free and capable for control. LightBurn is the paid all-rounder on Windows and macOS. Vextrify runs on macOS and Windows, drives the laser with framing, dry run and live control, and builds in photo, background, vector and relief preparation.

• Most diode lasers speak GRBL over USB
• Free on Windows → LaserGRBL
• Mac + Windows with prep built in → Vextrify

Because the controller language is shared, the real questions are practical. Which computer is next to the laser — LaserGRBL does not run on a Mac. How much of your work is photos — basic tools leave the preparation to another program, and photo engraving is where most disappointments start. Do you want to place the design on the real material with a camera, or run more than one machine? Answer those and the choice mostly makes itself.

• The computer next to the laser (Mac or Windows)
• How much photo and logo preparation you do
• Camera placement and more than one machine

Vextrify connects to the diode laser over USB and gives you framing, a dry run that traces the job before anything burns, and live start, pause, resume and stop within the device's safety limits. A calibrated camera places the design on the real workpiece, and a built-in material test grid helps you find your own speed and power. Photo Studio prepares photos for engraving with material profiles and dither patterns, and background removal, contour, vectorize and relief tools feed straight into the job.

• Framing, dry run and live job control over USB
• Camera alignment and a material test grid
• Photo, background, vector and relief prep built in

Some newer machines use their manufacturer's own software or connect only over Wi-Fi; if your model does not offer a USB serial connection, Vextrify prepares its files instead of driving it. Galvo diode lasers use a different control method and are not driven by Vextrify. LightBurn still has the widest device list, and Vextrify exports clean files for LightBurn when you want to finish a job there.

• Wi-Fi-only or proprietary models: files, not live control
• Galvo lasers are not driven by Vextrify
• Exports for LightBurn keep your options open

If you searched for your machine by name, the brand pages cover the connection details for xTool, Ortur, Atomstack, Sculpfun, NEJE, Creality Falcon, Twotrees, Longer, Comgrow and Algolaser. The workflow is the same on each: connect over USB, frame, dry run, engrave.

• xTool, Ortur, Atomstack, Sculpfun, NEJE
• Creality Falcon, Twotrees, Longer, Comgrow, Algolaser
• Same workflow on every brand