Laser engraving software for Linux

If you want one program that prepares your artwork and drives the laser on Linux, Vextrify's desktop app runs natively on Ubuntu 24.04, Debian 13 and newer. If you prefer free, open-source software, Rayforge is actively developed and MeerK40t is strong for stock K40 boards. LightBurn 1.7 keeps working on Linux, but its documentation says no newer Linux version will follow.

• Vextrify: native desktop app, many controllers
• Rayforge and MeerK40t: free, open source
• LightBurn: stays at 1.7 on Linux

The Linux app is the same desktop app as on macOS and Windows. It connects to GRBL lasers over USB or network, to Marlin, Smoothieware and Snapmaker machines, to Ruida, TopWisdom, Trocen and stock K40 CO2 lasers, and to SEA-LASER / BSL, JCZ / EZCAD2 and EZCad3 fiber galvo boards. Every laser gets its own tab. The .deb package sets up USB access for supported lasers; for serial lasers your user needs to be in the dialout group.

• Diode, CO2 and fiber galvo controllers
• Every laser in its own tab
• USB access set up by the installer

You do not have to start from zero. Vextrify opens LightBurn projects (.lbrn2) with their layers, images and tabs, and imports LightBurn material libraries (.clb) and device files (.lbdev). Anything that cannot be carried over is listed in a visible note, so you know what to check before the first job.

• Open .lbrn2 projects
• Import .clb libraries and .lbdev devices
• Visible note for anything not carried over

With a camera above the bed, you calibrate the lens once and align the camera to the work area. Then Detect workpieces finds every blank on the bed and places your design on each one, fits it into each piece or cuts an outline or holder around them. The same tools work on every operating system.

• Lens calibration and bed alignment
• Workpiece detection in one click
• Same tools as on macOS and Windows