5 best laser engraving machine software in 2022

If you’re in the market for laser engraving software in South Africa, you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed! There are so many laser engraver software options out there that it’s hard to know which one is the best for your purposes. This leads to many questions. What software do you use for a laser engraver? What is the best free laser engraver software on the market? 

Fortunately, MaxLaser is here to help. In this blog post, we’ll give you an overview of five of the best laser engraving software programmes on the market. After reading this, you should have a much better idea of which software is right for your needs. So without further ado, let’s get started! 

 #1 – LightBurn Software  

LightBurn laser software enables you to control, do the layout and the editing of advanced programmes on your laser cutter. It is compatible with Mac OS, Linux and Windows, and it has great functionality, including the following: 

• It enables you to apply and control a range of settings like speed, brightness, contrast, power, cutting order, total number of passes, and threshold, ordered and dithering mode. 
• You can import artwork in a range of image and vector formats including AI, SVG, PDF, PLT, DXF, PNG, GIF, JPG and BMP. 
• You’re not only able to arrange and edit shapes, but you can even create new vector shapes with LightBurn’s potent welding, node editing, offsetting and boolean functions. 

• Finally, you can transmit the completed settings directly to the laser cutter you’re working with. 

LightBurn FAQs  

Is LightBurn any good? 

Yes, LightBurn is one of the easiest and most flexible engraving programmes to use. Lightburn is our pick as the best free laser engraver and cutter software. It also has an excellent community web page, and a reputation for great customer service. 

What is the LightBurn program?  

LightBurn is a sophisticated interactive design and modification software programme for the operation of laser cutters and engravers. 

What does LightBurn software do?  

It allows you to create, arrange and modify laser cutting designs using all common art and image formats and then exporting them directly to your laser cutter. 

What files work best with LightBurn?  

The best vector formats for LightBurn are AI, DXF, SVG, PDF, PLT, HPGL and RD. As regards image formats JPEG, PNG, BMP, TGA, TIFF and GIF work best for LightBurn. 

What laser engravers work with LightBurn? 

LightBurn works with many laser engraver controllers including Ruida, Trocen, TopWisdom and GCode engravers. 

#2 – LaserWeb4  

Though designed to be employed on a desktop PC, LaserWeb4 employs the same technology as that used by an industrial engraving machine.  

• Excellent for collaboration 
• Good functionality and is user-friendly 
• Enables you to import many files into one project   
• Allows you to control your laser cutter according to your design 

• Translates your vector file to your laser cutter 

#3 – TurboCAD 

TurboCAD is an excellent CAD software programme for drafting and product design, and is used internationally by professional engineering and architectural businesses. It’s reasonably straight-forward to use and is compatible with Mac OS and Windows. It works well as an exporter, and will create accurate drawings to scale though the rendering isn’t standardised. 

#4 – Inkscape 

It’s fast, creates superior conversions, and is great for editing and creating images with the FABOLIFT engraver. It can be used as a graphic design app, but is not compatible with PSD. However, it’s compatible with many other formats, and generally easy to use. As said, it works well as a converter, but can fall prey to slowdowns with very big files. 

#5 – OnShape 

OnShape is a web-based computer-aided 3D design tool enabling the creation of excellent design drawings without the need to download anything. It runs on a cloud platform, is extremely user-friendly and can be used on smartphones and tablets too. There are also tons of video tutorials on using OnShape for laser cutting and engraving projects, making this a good option for beginners. It’s also free for students, hobbyists, and non-commercial user!  

In conclusion  

Laser engraving and cutting software is an important tool for any business that wants to create custom products. In this article, we’ve highlighted five of the best laser software programmes on the market. If you’re looking for a comprehensive solution that can handle all your engraving needs, one of these programs should do the trick.  

However, if you’re not sure which programme is right for you, MaxLaser is always happy to offer expert advice and guidance. Contact us today to learn more about our laser engraving services and how we can help your business grow!