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LightBurn on Linux: what to use after version 1.7

If your laser computer runs Linux, LightBurn 1.7 is the end of the line. Here is what stays possible, and what runs natively on Linux instead.

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01

What changed

LightBurn's documentation states that LightBurn 1.7 is the final version available for Linux. Your 1.7 installation keeps working, but new features and fixes arrive only for Windows and macOS. If you want to stay on Linux with current software, the native options are open source: Rayforge and MeerK40t.

  • 1.7 keeps working, but gets no new versions
  • Newer LightBurn: Windows and macOS
  • Native Linux options are open source
Compare open-source options
02

Programs that run natively on Linux

Rayforge is actively developed, runs on Linux, Windows and macOS, and drives GRBL, Smoothieware and Marlin machines, with camera alignment and rotary support; its Ruida support is still marked experimental. MeerK40t runs on Linux too and drives stock K40 boards, GRBL and Ruida controllers, but its maintainers describe it as being in maintenance mode. K40 Whisperer, for stock K40 boards, can be run on Linux from source.

  • Rayforge — active, GRBL, camera; Ruida experimental
  • MeerK40t — K40, GRBL, Ruida; maintenance mode
  • K40 Whisperer — stock K40, from source
03

Staying on LightBurn 1.7

Staying on 1.7 is reasonable if it does everything you need today. The risk grows over time: newer Linux distributions, new machines and new controller firmware are not tested against it. Keep an installer of 1.7 and its settings backed up, and plan the move before an update to your system forces it.

  • Fine if it covers your work today
  • Back up the installer and settings
  • Plan the move before a system update forces it
04

Where Vextrify fits on Linux

Honestly: only for preparation. Vextrify's desktop app, which drives GRBL diode and Ruida CO2 lasers, runs on macOS (Apple Silicon) and Windows, not on Linux. Its browser tools — photo preparation with material profiles and dithering, background removal, vectorizing and layout — work in a browser on Linux, and the exported files go into Rayforge, MeerK40t or LightBurn 1.7.

  • No Linux desktop app
  • Browser prep works on Linux
  • Export into your Linux laser program

Common questions

Does LightBurn still support Linux?

No new versions. LightBurn's documentation states that 1.7 is the final LightBurn version for Linux; current versions run on Windows and macOS.

What is the best LightBurn alternative for Linux?

Rayforge is the actively developed open-source option for GRBL machines on Linux, with camera alignment. MeerK40t also runs on Linux and drives stock K40, GRBL and Ruida controllers, but is in maintenance mode.

Does Vextrify run on Linux?

The browser tools for preparing photos and files work on Linux. The desktop app that drives the laser runs on macOS (Apple Silicon) and Windows.