Top 10 Best Laser Engraver Software of 2026

LightBurn is a powerful, user-friendly software suite for controlling laser cutters and engravers, supporting a vast array of hardware including CO2, diode, and fiber lasers with controllers like Ruida, Trocen, GCode, and more. It provides advanced design tools such as vector editing, image processing, auto-tracing, welding, and boolean operations, alongside features like camera alignment, material libraries, and job simulation. Ideal for hobbyists to professionals, it optimizes workflows with nesting, cut planning, and direct hardware integration without subscriptions.

LaserGRBL is a free, open-source Windows application designed specifically for controlling GRBL-based laser engravers, particularly popular among hobbyists with diode lasers. It excels at converting raster images (like JPG, PNG, BMP) into G-code for engraving through advanced dithering algorithms such as Jarvis, Stucki, and Floyd-Steinberg, enabling high-quality direct engraving without vector conversion. The software provides real-time control, preview simulations, and job queuing, making it a lightweight yet powerful tool for DIY laser projects.

RDWorks is a dedicated control software for laser engravers and cutters using Ruida DSP controllers, enabling users to import vector and raster files, design layouts, and configure job parameters. It supports precise layer-based settings for power, speed, passes, and modes like engraving or cutting, with preview and simulation capabilities. Popular among hobbyists and small businesses for its compatibility with affordable Chinese laser machines.

LaserWeb is a free, open-source, web-based software platform designed for controlling laser engravers and cutters, supporting popular controllers like GRBL, Smoothieware, and TinyG. It offers built-in tools for image processing, vectorization, nesting, and G-code generation, allowing users to prepare and send jobs directly from a browser. Ideal for hobbyists, it provides a complete workflow from design import to machine control without needing desktop installation.

Inkscape is a free, open-source vector graphics editor used for creating scalable designs like logos, patterns, and intricate artwork suitable for laser engraving and cutting. It excels in path manipulation, boolean operations, and SVG editing, allowing users to prepare files that import seamlessly into laser software. With extensions such as Gcodetools, it supports G-code generation for direct use with compatible engravers, though it lacks native machine control.

CorelDRAW is a professional vector graphics editor that excels in creating and editing designs suitable for laser engraving and cutting workflows. It supports precise vector paths, contouring, and export to formats like SVG, DXF, and PDF commonly used by laser engravers. While not a dedicated laser control software, it serves as a robust pre-processing tool for preparing intricate artwork before sending to engraver RIP software.

Adobe Illustrator is a professional-grade vector graphics editor renowned for creating precise, scalable designs ideal for laser engraving preparation. It excels in crafting intricate paths, shapes, and artwork that can be exported in formats like SVG, DXF, and PDF, which are widely compatible with laser engraver software such as LightBurn or RDWorks. While lacking direct laser control features like power/speed settings, it serves as an upstream design powerhouse in laser workflows.

Fusion 360 is a powerful cloud-based CAD/CAM/CAE platform from Autodesk that excels in 3D modeling, simulation, and manufacturing workflows, including support for laser cutting and engraving via its CAM module. Users can import or create designs, apply 2D/3D toolpaths like contours and pocketing adapted for lasers, and export G-code compatible with many laser engravers. While versatile for professional manufacturing, it requires setup tweaks for optimal laser use and is not a dedicated engraver solution.

GIMP is a free, open-source raster graphics editor primarily designed for photo manipulation and image creation, which can be repurposed for preparing raster images for laser engraving workflows. It excels in editing pixels, applying filters, and optimizing designs before export to dedicated laser software, but lacks any direct hardware integration or CAM features for controlling engravers. While versatile for pre-processing, it's not a true laser engraver solution and requires additional tools for actual machine operation.

Luban is the official free software developed by Snapmaker for their 3-in-1 machines, providing slicing and control specifically for laser engraving modules. It supports importing raster images, vector files, and text, with tools for adjusting power, speed, and engraving modes like fill, line, or stamp. The software generates optimized G-code with preview functionality, making it suitable for hobbyists using Snapmaker hardware.