The short answer
If you are on a Mac, your real options are limited. LaserGRBL — the popular free GRBL tool — is Windows-only and will not run on macOS. LightBurn does have a paid Mac build. Vextrify runs natively on macOS as a desktop app, works in any browser, and is also on Windows — giving Mac owners full machine control, camera-accurate placement, several lasers at once, and built-in image, AI and vector prep without switching to a PC.
LaserGRBL — Windows-only, will not run on a Mac
LightBurn — has a paid macOS build
Vextrify — native macOS app plus browser and Windows
Why Mac users are underserved
Much of the free laser tooling grew up on Windows. LaserGRBL, the most common free GRBL controller, has no Mac build at all, which pushes many Mac owners toward virtual machines, dual-boot setups or buying a second computer. LightBurn closed part of that gap with a paid Mac version, but a free, capable, Mac-native path with real control has been missing.
LaserGRBL has no macOS build
Common workarounds: VMs, Boot Camp, a second PC
A free, Mac-native control path has been rare
What Vextrify gives Mac owners
Vextrify treats macOS as a first-class platform. The desktop app runs natively on Mac and connects to diode (GRBL) and CO2/Ruida machines for framing, dry-run and live job control. A calibrated camera and the millimetre-accurate Artboard place designs exactly on the material, a material-based engine suggests speed and power, and you can run several lasers at once — all without leaving the Mac. Background removal, contour-to-SVG, vectorizing and photo or AI prep are built in.
Native macOS desktop app plus browser access
Diode and CO2/Ruida control with framing and dry-run
Camera + Artboard placement and multi-laser, on Mac
Built-in background, contour, SVG, photo and AI prep
How the Mac options compare
For a Mac, the choice comes down to three paths: skip LaserGRBL entirely because it is Windows-only; pay for LightBurn's Mac build if you want its broad device support; or use Vextrify natively on macOS for multi-laser control, camera-accurate placement and an all-in-one prep-to-burn flow, with a free browser tier to start. Vextrify also exports clean files for LightBurn, EZCAD or Ruida when a job belongs in another tool.
LaserGRBL → not available on Mac
LightBurn → paid Mac build, broad device support
Vextrify → native Mac, multi-laser, all-in-one prep
Getting started on macOS
You can begin in the browser on your Mac with a free account — prepare a photo or logo, lay it out on the Artboard, and see the workflow end to end. When you are ready for live machine control, install the native macOS desktop app. No Windows machine, virtual machine or dual-boot required.
Start free in the browser on your Mac
Install the native macOS app for live control
No Windows, VM or dual-boot needed