Guides
Laser engraving guides & comparisons
Everything in one place: honest software comparisons, per-machine setup, material preparation, how-to workflows and a plain-English knowledge base for laser engraving.
Compare
Honest comparisons and LightBurn alternatives.Best laser engraving software in 2026
Laser engraving software compared by laser type and computer: LightBurn, LaserGRBL, Rayforge, xTool Creative Space, EZCAD and Vextrify — what each one is best at.
Vextrify vs LightBurn
Vextrify vs LightBurn compared: LightBurn's mature single-machine control versus Vextrify's multi-laser, camera alignment and built-in image and vector tools.
Laser engraving software for Mac
Laser engraving software for Mac: LaserGRBL is Windows-only, LightBurn is paid, Rayforge is free — and Vextrify runs natively on Apple Silicon with photo prep built in.
LightBurn vs LaserGRBL
LightBurn vs LaserGRBL compared: LaserGRBL is free but Windows-only and GRBL-only; LightBurn is paid but far broader. Plus where Vextrify fits for Mac and multi-laser.
Best LightBurn alternatives in 2026
The best LightBurn alternatives in 2026 — LaserGRBL, Rayforge, MeerK40t and Vextrify — compared by price, platform, supported lasers, camera and photo preparation.
Free LightBurn alternative
Free LightBurn alternatives compared: LaserGRBL (Windows), Rayforge (Win, Mac, Linux), MeerK40t (K40) and Vextrify's free browser preview for photos.
Is LightBurn worth it?
Is LightBurn worth it? For broad device support on one machine, often yes. But if you want free, Mac-native, multi-laser or built-in image prep, weigh Vextrify first.
Laser control software
Laser control software drives the machine itself. Here is what it has to do, which programs do it on which controller, and where each one stops.
G-code sender for GRBL lasers on macOS
LaserGRBL does not run on macOS. Here are the senders that do drive a GRBL diode laser from a Mac, and what each gives up.
CO2 laser software for macOS
Running a CO2 laser from a Mac: which programs drive it, what RDWorks does not give you, and where photo preparation fits.
LightBurn alternative for Mac
Looking for a LightBurn alternative on a Mac? LaserGRBL is Windows-only. MeerK40t and Vextrify run on macOS — Vextrify with photo prep and camera alignment built in.
Diode laser software
Diode laser software compared: LaserGRBL (free, Windows), LightBurn (paid, Mac and Windows) and Vextrify (Mac and Windows, photo prep and camera alignment built in).
CO2 laser software
CO2 laser software compared: RDWorks (free, Windows only), LightBurn (paid, Mac and Windows), MeerK40t for K40s, and Vextrify with camera alignment and photo prep.
K40 laser software
K40 laser software explained: K40 Whisperer and MeerK40t for the stock M2 Nano board, LightBurn and Vextrify after a Ruida upgrade, and where photo prep fits in.
RDWorks alternative for CO2 lasers
Looking for an RDWorks alternative for your CO2 laser? LightBurn and Vextrify drive Ruida controllers on Windows and macOS; Vextrify adds camera alignment and photo prep.
Open-source LightBurn alternatives
Open-source LightBurn alternatives compared: LaserGRBL, MeerK40t, K40 Whisperer and Rayforge — platforms, supported lasers and status, plus where Vextrify fits.
MeerK40t vs LaserGRBL
MeerK40t vs LaserGRBL compared: platforms, supported lasers, project status and ease of use — and when a third option makes more sense for a Mac or a CO2 laser.
LightBurn price: Core vs Pro
What LightBurn costs in 2026: Core for GRBL-type controllers, Pro for Ruida and galvo, licence terms and updates — plus how free and subscription alternatives compare.
LaserGRBL for Mac
LaserGRBL is Windows-only — there is no Mac version. What its own FAQ suggests for macOS, and the GRBL laser programs that run natively on a Mac.
LightBurn camera alternatives
Which laser programs besides LightBurn place designs on the material with a camera? Rayforge and Vextrify compared, plus what LightBurn's camera already includes.
ImagR alternative for laser engraving
ImagR prepares single photos in the browser with one-click presets. Vextrify adds local processing, batches with one recipe and the laser itself. An honest comparison.
Best photo laser engraving software in 2026
Photo laser engraving software compared: ImagR, Laser Photo Wizard, PhotoGrav, LightBurn's image modes and Vextrify — where each runs, what it costs, what it does.
RDWorks for Mac
RDWorks has no Mac version. Which programs drive a Ruida CO2 laser natively from a Mac, and how to switch without losing your machine setup.
LightBurn on Linux: what to use after version 1.7
LightBurn 1.7 is the last LightBurn version for Linux. What that means for your machine, and the laser programs that run natively on Linux today, compared honestly.
LightBurn REST API vs Vextrify API
LightBurn 2.2 adds a local REST API inside the running app. Vextrify's API runs online and prepares the photo itself. What that means for shops and automation.
By machine
Software and setup for specific laser brands.xTool laser software
Use Vextrify as xTool laser software: connect diode lasers for live control, plus built-in photo, background, vector and relief prep — on macOS and Windows.
Ortur laser software
Use Vextrify as Ortur laser software: connect diode lasers for live control, plus built-in photo, background, vector and relief prep — on macOS and Windows.
Atomstack laser software
Use Vextrify as Atomstack laser software: connect diode lasers for live control, plus built-in photo, background, vector and relief prep — on macOS and Windows.
Sculpfun laser software
Use Vextrify as Sculpfun laser software: connect diode lasers for live control, plus built-in photo, background, vector and relief prep — on macOS and Windows.
NEJE laser software
Use Vextrify as NEJE laser software: connect diode lasers for live control, plus built-in photo, background, vector and relief prep — on macOS and Windows.
OMTech laser software
Use Vextrify as OMTech laser software: connect CO2 lasers for live control, plus built-in photo, background, vector and relief prep — on macOS and Windows.
Creality Falcon laser software
Use Vextrify as Creality Falcon laser software: connect diode lasers for live control, plus built-in photo, background, vector and relief prep — on macOS and Windows.
Twotrees laser software
Use Vextrify as Twotrees laser software: connect diode lasers for live control, plus built-in photo, background, vector and relief prep — on macOS and Windows.
Longer laser software
Use Vextrify as Longer laser software: connect diode lasers for live control, plus built-in photo, background, vector and relief prep — on macOS and Windows.
Comgrow laser software
Use Vextrify as Comgrow laser software: connect diode lasers for live control, plus built-in photo, background, vector and relief prep — on macOS and Windows.
Algolaser laser software
Use Vextrify as Algolaser laser software: connect diode lasers for live control, plus built-in photo, background, vector and relief prep — on macOS and Windows.
Monport laser software
Use Vextrify as Monport laser software: connect CO2 lasers for live control, plus built-in photo, background, vector and relief prep — on macOS and Windows.
Thunder Laser laser software
Use Vextrify as Thunder Laser laser software: connect CO2 lasers for live control, plus built-in photo, background, vector and relief prep — on macOS and Windows.
Boss Laser laser software
Use Vextrify as Boss Laser laser software: connect CO2 lasers for live control, plus built-in photo, background, vector and relief prep — on macOS and Windows.
Genmitsu laser software
Use Vextrify as Genmitsu laser software: connect diode lasers for live control, plus built-in photo, background, vector and relief prep — on macOS and Windows.
Vevor laser software
Use Vextrify as Vevor laser software: connect CO2 lasers for live control, plus built-in photo, background, vector and relief prep — on macOS and Windows.
A laser engraving API: photo in, laser-ready file out
Send a customer photo to POST /v1/prepare and get a laser-ready PNG plus the settings used back — with a webhook when the job is done or failed.
Laser engraving photo software that keeps customer photos in your workshop
Prepare photos for laser engraving without uploading them or paying per image: Vextrify's Photo Studio, QR and on-device cut-outs run on your computer.
Prepare photos for LightBurn
How to prepare a photo before it goes into LightBurn: tone, background, dithering and DPI, then export a PNG and hand it over with Pass-Through.
Export laser files for LightBurn, EZCAD and SVG
Which files Vextrify exports, PNG for photos and SVG for artwork, and how to hand them to LightBurn, EZCAD or Ruida without double dithering.
Laser engraving production software
How Vextrify splits a laser shop workflow: prepare photos in any browser, run GRBL diode and Ruida CO2 lasers from the desktop app, one tab per laser.
Laser engraving software for Chromebook
Can you laser engrave from a Chromebook? What runs in ChromeOS, what needs another computer, and how to prepare photos and files for the laser in the browser.
Glowforge: preparing photos and files outside the Glowforge app
Glowforge runs only through its web app. How to prepare photos, cut-outs and logos before you upload them, and which files to bring into the Glowforge app.
xTool F1, F2, P2 and M1: preparing photos and files outside xTool Studio
The xTool F1, F2, P2 and M1 run with xTool Studio, not GRBL. What other software can still do for them: photo prep, cut-outs and SVG logos for import.
Bambu Lab H2D laser: preparing photos and files outside Bambu Studio
The H2D laser module runs from Bambu Studio. How to prepare photos, cut-outs and SVG logos for it, and what to check when you import a prepared image.
Snapmaker: preparing photos and files outside Snapmaker Luban
Snapmaker laser modules run with Luban on Marlin-based firmware. How to prepare photos, cut-outs and SVG logos before importing them into Luban.
3D laser engraving software
How 3D laser engraving works on diode and CO2 lasers: depth maps, layered passes, avoiding stepping, and the software that turns a depth map into a relief job.
Materials
How to prepare photos for each material.Engraving anodized aluminum with a laser
How lasers mark anodized aluminum, why photos need different preparation than logos, and how to find your own settings with a test grid instead of copied numbers.
Photo engraving on stainless steel
How lasers mark stainless steel, which laser types need a marking compound, and how to prepare a photo as a dark-on-light mark. Test on scrap first.
Photo engraving on acrylic
Clear acrylic is usually engraved as a negative, dark or coloured acrylic is not. How to prepare a photo for each, and how to find your settings.
Photo engraving on glass
Engraved glass gives a frosted white mark, so photos are usually prepared as a negative. How the glass profiles work and how to test before a real piece.
Photo engraving on leather
Leather darkens under the burn and can scorch, and dot gain is strong. How to prepare a photo lighter, and find settings with a test grid on scrap.
Dark materials in laser engraving
On dark slate, dark plastic or glass the mark is lighter than the surface. Which Vextrify profiles invert by default, which do not, and how to test.
How-to guides
Step-by-step laser preparation workflows.Laser engraving settings: how to find the right ones
Laser engraving settings explained: how speed, power, interval and passes interact, why you cannot just copy numbers, and how to find the right settings for your machine.
How to run a laser material test grid
A material test grid finds the best speed and power for any laser material. Here is how to set one up, read the results, and save the winning settings as a recipe.
Laser engraving photos on wood
Engraving photos on wood: why grain and species matter more than settings, how to prepare the image, and how to avoid the muddy grey look on birch, plywood and walnut.
Dithering vs greyscale for laser engraving
Dithering turns an image into burn-or-skip dots; greyscale varies laser power per pixel. Which works depends on your controller and material.
How to engrave a photo on slate
Slate engraves as a negative: the laser lightens the surface. Here is how to prepare a photo for that, why inverting matters, and how to avoid a washed-out result.
Why photo engravings look muddy
Flat, grey, smudged engravings have four usual causes: near-white that still burns, flattened mid tones, too fine a dot pattern, too much power.
Line density vs DPI in laser engraving
What line density means on a laser engraver, how it relates to DPI and line interval (25.4 ÷ DPI), and how to find the right value for your own laser and material.
Do you need to remove the white background before laser engraving?
Pure white does not burn, so a clean white background can stay. Off-white photo backgrounds, inverted materials like slate and cut contours are when it has to go.
Laser camera alignment for diode and CO2 lasers
How a camera places designs on the real workpiece for diode and CO2 lasers: lens calibration, alignment with engraved marks and a live overlay, step by step.
Depth maps for laser relief engraving
How a depth map becomes a laser relief: what white and black mean, when to invert it, why 16-bit matters, and how to find real depth settings with a test strip.
How to automate personalised laser engraving orders from your shop
Turn shop orders with a customer photo into laser-ready files automatically: Zapier, Make or n8n, Vextrify's prepare API and a webhook when it is done.
How to batch-prepare photos for laser engraving with one recipe
Prepare dozens or hundreds of photos for laser engraving with the same settings: approve one recipe, run it across the whole order, check the results and download a ZIP.
How to remove a background for laser engraving
How to cut out a subject for laser engraving: pick the right remover, check the edge, and place the result over white so the background stays unburned.
Laser photo too dark: causes and fix order
A laser engraving that comes out too dark usually has one of four causes: dark source, line spacing, dot gain or too much burn. Fix them in this order.
How to prepare a photo for laser engraving
Six steps from a customer photo to an engraving file: check the source, choose the material, fix the background, tune tone, dither, export and test.
Faces look flat in laser engraving
Flat-looking faces come from weak mid-tone contrast, a busy background and the wrong dithering. How to check each in the preview before you engrave.
Bad phone photos for laser engraving
Customer phone photos are often soft, small, dark or busy. What upscaling, background removal and tone work can fix, and what no software can.
Running several lasers from one computer
How to manage two or more laser engravers from one computer: separate windows in LightBurn, one tab per laser in Vextrify, and what to watch with identical USB lasers.
Laser camera calibration problems and how to fix them
Laser camera calibration failing, scoring 0 % or placing designs off by millimetres? The usual causes, the fix order, and how to see the remaining error in mm.
Photo engraving with banding or missing midtones
Stripes across a laser photo, or only black and white with no midtones? The mechanical and image causes, how to tell them apart, and the fix order that works.
Making rubber stamps with a laser
How to make a rubber stamp with a laser: mirror the design, invert it so the print stays raised, add a shoulder, and choose stamp-safe material. Step by step.
Engraving the background and leaving the text
How to make the laser engrave the background and leave text or a logo untouched: invert the image or knock the shapes out of a filled area. Step by step.
Rotary engraving on tumblers and bottles
How to engrave tumblers, bottles and mugs with a rotary: roller or chuck, diameter, steps per revolution and a test revolution before the first real piece.
Exporting an SVG from LightBurn
Export an SVG from LightBurn with File > Export: which formats exist, how selection works, what the export leaves out, and how to keep processed images.
Laser engraving a QR code that scans
How to laser engrave a QR code that scans reliably: enough size, a quiet zone of four modules, clean contrast, and a test scan before the real piece.
Knowledge
Core laser-engraving concepts explained.Dithering methods for laser engraving
What dithering does in laser engraving and how Floyd-Steinberg, Jarvis, Stucki, Atkinson, ordered, halftone and blue noise differ — plus why text should not be dithered.
Dot duration in laser engraving, explained
What dot duration means, why it is not the same as line density, how it relates to DPI, and how it converts to the speed setting gantry lasers use (dot spacing ÷ speed).
DPI, dot density and line interval: a laser engraving glossary
What DPI, dot density, line interval and lines per mm mean in laser engraving, how they relate through 25.4, and how laser programs name them.