Right tool for the job
What free software can you use with a laser engraver?
Free software to run a hobby laser and draw its files, and when a paid program fits better.
Safety first: read the safety notes before you use one.
Short answer
It depends on your laser and your computer. If you have a GRBL-based diode laser and a Windows PC, LaserGRBL is free and open source, according to its maker. CNCSourced's reviewer ranks it first among free laser programs, though other reviewers found it plain or a little clumsy, with few design tools. It doesn't run on a Mac. Pair it with a free design program such as Inkscape (free and open source for Windows, macOS and Linux, says its maker) to draw and edit SVG files. Many lasers also come with their maker's own app. For layered projects like our laser build ideas, two of the reviewers we read moved on to LightBurn, which is paid; its maker offers a 30-day trial.
What laser software does
Laser software does two jobs: drawing the design, and running the laser. Some programs do only one. LaserGRBL runs the laser: its maker’s feature list covers loading files, previewing the job, moving the head and sending the job to GRBL-based engravers. It has no text tool, so LineFonts draws designs in a vector program and imports them as SVG files. Paid programs such as LightBurn do both in one window, according to LightBurn’s own comparison page.
Check your laser first
Before you download anything, check what your laser’s manual says to use. LaserGRBL only works with lasers on GRBL controllers, as CNCSourced and the Diode Laser Wiki both point out, and LaserGRBL’s maker notes that xTool lasers use their own software instead.
On a Mac?
LaserGRBL is a Windows program (CNCSourced; MakeUseOf, in a 2021 review). Free Inkscape runs on macOS for design, and both reviews say LightBurn runs on a Mac. Check your laser maker’s own app too.
For our laser build ideas
For our laser build ideas, look for software that imports SVG files and keeps color layers, plus a kerf offset for tab-and-slot pieces like the Christmas village. LaserGRBL’s maker pages don’t mention color layers, so check that before you rely on it for a layered piece. LightBurn’s comparison page lists kerf offset, and its maker offers a 30-day trial, so you can test it on scrap before you pay.
Your options
Free laser control software
A program that connects to the laser over USB, turns an image or a G-code file into a job, previews it and sends it to the machine, with buttons to move the head, pause and stop.
Good for: GRBL-based diode lasers run from a Windows PC: engraving photos and logos, and simple cuts from files drawn elsewhere.
- Free: LaserGRBL's maker says it is free and open source (checked Oct 15, 2026).
- Few or no design tools. LineFonts found LaserGRBL has no text tool, so you draw in another program and import an SVG; MakeUseOf and CNCSourced also found it short on design features.
- LaserGRBL works only with GRBL controllers and only on Windows (CNCSourced; Diode Laser Wiki; MakeUseOf).
Budget: Free, per LaserGRBL's own download page (checked Oct 15, 2026).
Our pick: LaserGRBL
A free vector design program
A general drawing program for vector (SVG) files, used to draw, add text and edit designs before you send them to the laser software. It doesn't run the laser itself.
Good for: Adding text and shapes that control-only software can't make, and editing downloaded SVG files on any computer, including a Mac.
- Inkscape's maker describes it as a free and open source vector editor for Linux, Windows and macOS that uses SVG as its main format (checked Oct 15, 2026).
- LineFonts suggests designing text in Inkscape or Illustrator, saving an SVG and opening it in LaserGRBL. It also found that some SVG files don't import well into LaserGRBL.
- CNCSourced lists Inkscape as its free design pick for laser work, and notes it isn't specialist laser software.
Budget: Inkscape: free, per its maker's page (checked Oct 15, 2026).
Your laser maker's own app
Software from the company that made your laser, written for its own machines.
Good for: Lasers whose maker uses its own software. LaserGRBL's maker notes that xTool lasers use proprietary software rather than LaserGRBL.
- Check what your laser's manual says to use first: not every laser works with LaserGRBL (CNCSourced; LaserGRBL).
- We didn't find enough independent reviews of any one maker's app to compare them.
Budget: We don't quote one: check your laser maker's own page for what it costs, if anything.
Paid all-in-one software (LightBurn)
One program that both designs (text, shapes, layout) and runs the laser, for many kinds of controller.
Good for: Designing and running jobs in one program, kerf offset, Macs, and lasers that aren't GRBL-based.
- Hobby Laser Cutters tried LaserGRBL and chose LightBurn as much more capable and easier to use; MakeUseOf found LightBurn easier to set up than LaserGRBL, with a more refined interface.
- Runs on Windows and Mac (MakeUseOf; CNCSourced), and works with more controllers than LaserGRBL (CNCSourced).
- LightBurn's own comparison page lists kerf offset in both editions; Core covers G-code lasers such as GRBL, and Pro adds DSP and galvo controllers (checked Oct 15, 2026).
- Not free. LightBurn's maker says its licenses are perpetual and include a year of updates; after that you can keep using your version or pay to renew updates (checked Oct 15, 2026).
Budget: LightBurn's own store listed LightBurn Core at $99.00, and its download page offered a 30-day trial with no restrictions (both checked Oct 15, 2026).
What we'd start with
Whatever your laser's manual names, and LaserGRBL if it's a GRBL laser on a Windows PC. LaserGRBL is free (its maker's page) and the reviewers we read found it a workable free start for engraving and tests (CNCSourced; Hobby Laser Cutters). It only runs GRBL lasers, so check your manual first (Diode Laser Wiki).
See Free laser control software and our pick, LaserGRBL
Add a free design program such as Inkscape for text and SVG files. LaserGRBL has no text tool, so LineFonts designs in a vector program, saves an SVG and imports it. Inkscape also runs on a Mac (its maker's page).
Try LightBurn's free trial before you buy. Layered laser projects need software that keeps color layers and has a kerf offset; LightBurn's maker lists kerf offset, and its maker offers a 30-day trial. Two of the reviewers we read moved to it from LaserGRBL (Hobby Laser Cutters; MakeUseOf).
Our pick
LaserGRBL
Model 7.14.1 (latest release on the maker's GitHub page, checked Oct 15, 2026)
Why we picked it
- A free, open source Windows program, per its maker, that turns photos, logos and G-code files into jobs for GRBL-based diode lasers and sends them over USB.
- CNCSourced's reviewer has used it on laser projects and ranks it first among free laser programs, praising the simple interface for beginners.
- Hobby Laser Cutters found it works for tests, though a little clumsy, and the Diode Laser Wiki names it and LightBurn as especially popular programs for diode lasers.
- LineFonts tested version 7.14.0 on a PC and walks through importing an SVG design.
Specs (from the maker)
- Free and open source; source code under the GPLv3 license (maker's download page, checked Oct 15, 2026)
- Windows program for engravers based on Grbl v0.9 and v1.1
- Loads G-code with a job preview; engraves images with grayscale conversion, dithering and vectorization
- Jogging, homing, feed hold, resume and reset buttons, and user-defined buttons
- Power and speed overrides (the maker lists these for Grbl above v1.1)
- Screen color schemes for use with different safety glasses
Keep in mind
- Windows only: it doesn't run on a Mac (CNCSourced; MakeUseOf).
- In MakeUseOf's 2021 review, one of the custom buttons supplied for the laser turned it on at full power. Find out what each button does before you press it.
Where to get it
- LaserGRBL download page (external site, opens in a new tab) (the maker's own download page)
Software: a free download from its maker's own site, which asks for optional donations (checked Oct 15, 2026). Windows only. It isn't sold in stores.
More on our pick
More on LaserGRBL
Keep in mind
- GRBL controllers only, so not lasers with Ruida or other DSP controllers (CNCSourced; Diode Laser Wiki).
- No text tool and few design features: you draw in another program and import the file (LineFonts; CNCSourced; MakeUseOf). LineFonts found some SVG files don't import well.
- Its maker's feature pages don't mention keeping color layers, which layered laser projects rely on, so check that before you use it for those.
- LaserGRBL can send anonymous usage statistics to its maker (per its source code); check its settings if that matters to you.
What the sources found
- CNCSourced: Laser engraving and cutter software (free and paid) (external site, opens in a new tab) (independent review, May 4, 2023; updated March 9, 2024; checked ): A roundup by a reviewer who has used LaserGRBL on laser projects; ranks it first among free programs for its beginner-friendly interface, jogging and overrides during a job. Notes it runs only on Windows, only with GRBL controllers and lacks design features, and names Inkscape as a free design program. The site has an affiliate disclaimer, and this page carries an xTool referral link.
- LineFonts: How to use LaserGRBL (external site, opens in a new tab) (independent review, December 11, 2024; checked ): Tested LaserGRBL 7.14.0 on a PC. Found it has no text tool, so designs are made in a vector program such as Inkscape or Illustrator and imported as SVG files, and some SVG files import poorly. The site sells fonts; we found no affiliate links on this page.
- Hobby Laser Cutters: Sculpfun S10 review (external site, opens in a new tab) (independent review, June 7, 2022; updated March 4, 2024; checked ): Hands-on laser review that ran the machine with free LaserGRBL, found it works but is a little clumsy and good for tests, then chose paid LightBurn as more capable and intuitive. The site uses Amazon and AliExpress affiliate links, including to the laser it reviews, and laser makers' referral links (xTool, Commarker, Gweike).
- MakeUseOf: Twotrees Totem S laser engraver review (external site, opens in a new tab) (independent review, September 10, 2021; checked ): A 2021 hands-on laser review that ran the machine with LaserGRBL: free and open source for Windows, but the reviewer didn't find it very user-friendly, it lacks drawing tools and doesn't run on a Mac, and one supplied custom button fired the laser at full power. Found LightBurn easier to set up. The page uses Amazon affiliate links, including to the laser it reviews.
- Diode Laser Wiki: Setting up the software (external site, opens in a new tab) (independent guide, January 25, 2022; updated September 6, 2026; checked ): Setup guide naming LaserGRBL and LightBurn as especially popular programs for diode lasers. LaserGRBL supports only GRBL lasers, so setup is choosing the COM port and connecting. We found no affiliate links on this page.
- LaserGRBL: Free laser engraving (maker's site) (external site, opens in a new tab) (maker spec page, no date shown; checked ): The maker's feature list: Grbl v0.9 and v1.1 support, G-code loading with job preview, image engraving with grayscale, dithering and vectorization, jogging, overrides, user buttons and color schemes for safety glasses. Notes xTool lasers use proprietary software. The site also carries AliExpress affiliate links and laser makers' referral links (xTool, AlgoLaser, Comgrow, FoxAlien, YoraHome), and asks for donations.
- LaserGRBL: Download (maker's site) (external site, opens in a new tab) (maker spec page, no date shown; checked ): Says LaserGRBL is free and open source and its source code is available under the GPLv3 license, and links to all versions on GitHub.
- LaserGRBL releases on GitHub (maker's page) (external site, opens in a new tab) (maker spec page, latest release March 1, 2025; checked ): The maker's release list; the latest release when we checked was 7.14.1.
- LaserGRBL source code: UsageStats.cs (maker's GitHub) (external site, opens in a new tab) (maker spec page, no date shown; checked ): The maker's source file that collects anonymous usage statistics (such as the program and Grbl versions, locale, firmware type and usage time) and sends them to the maker's statistics address.
Sources
- CNCSourced: Laser engraving and cutter software (free and paid) (external site, opens in a new tab) (independent review, May 4, 2023; updated March 9, 2024; checked October 15, 2026): Compares control software (LaserGRBL, LightBurn and others) and design software (Inkscape and others). Says LaserGRBL runs only on Windows and GRBL controllers, LightBurn runs on Windows, macOS and Linux with more controllers, and Inkscape is a free design program, though not specialist laser software. The site has an affiliate disclaimer, and this page carries an xTool referral link.
- LineFonts: How to use LaserGRBL (external site, opens in a new tab) (independent review, December 11, 2024; checked October 15, 2026): Tested LaserGRBL 7.14.0 and found it has no text tool; suggests designing in Inkscape or Illustrator and importing an SVG, and found some SVG files import poorly. The site sells fonts; we found no affiliate links on this page.
- Hobby Laser Cutters: Sculpfun S10 review (external site, opens in a new tab) (independent review, June 7, 2022; updated March 4, 2024; checked October 15, 2026): Found free LaserGRBL workable but a little clumsy and chose LightBurn as more capable and easier to use. The site uses Amazon and AliExpress affiliate links, including to the laser it reviews, and laser makers' referral links (xTool, Commarker, Gweike).
- MakeUseOf: Twotrees Totem S laser engraver review (external site, opens in a new tab) (independent review, September 10, 2021; checked October 15, 2026): A 2021 review: the laser needed a connected computer; LaserGRBL wasn't very user-friendly and lacked drawing tools and Mac support, while LightBurn ran on Windows and Mac and was easier to set up. The page uses Amazon affiliate links, including to the laser it reviews.
- Diode Laser Wiki: Setting up the software (external site, opens in a new tab) (independent guide, January 25, 2022; updated September 6, 2026; checked October 15, 2026): Names LaserGRBL and LightBurn as especially popular programs for diode lasers and notes LaserGRBL supports only GRBL lasers. We found no affiliate links on this page.
- LightBurn: Which version is right for you? (maker's page) (external site, opens in a new tab) (maker spec page, no date shown; checked October 15, 2026): Compares LightBurn Core (G-code lasers such as GRBL) and Pro (adds DSP and galvo controllers); both list text tools, SVG import and kerf offset. Says both licenses are perpetual and include a year of updates.
- LightBurn: Download and free trial (maker's page) (external site, opens in a new tab) (maker spec page, no date shown; checked October 15, 2026): Offers a 30-day trial with no restrictions.
- LightBurn: Core license (maker's store) (external site, opens in a new tab) (maker spec page, no date shown; checked October 15, 2026): The maker's store page for a LightBurn Core license: $99.00 when we checked, for G-code controllers such as GRBL, usable on up to three computers (PC or Mac).
- Inkscape: About (maker's page) (external site, opens in a new tab) (maker spec page, no date shown; checked October 15, 2026): Describes Inkscape as a free and open source vector graphics editor for Linux, Windows and macOS that uses SVG as its main format.
- xTool: Laser safety tips (external site, opens in a new tab) (maker spec page, no date shown; checked October 15, 2026): A laser maker's safety page: unprotected exposure to laser light can damage eyes and skin, wrong settings can make materials ignite during a job, and the laser should never run unattended.
- MIT EHS: Laser cutter safety (external site, opens in a new tab) (safety authority, no date shown; checked October 15, 2026): University safety guidance: the beam can damage eyes and skin, some materials such as PVC give off extremely dangerous gas, and a laser cutter should never be left running unattended.
How we picked
We didn't hands-on test these. We read independent reviews (CNCSourced, LineFonts, Hobby Laser Cutters, MakeUseOf) and an independent guide (the Diode Laser Wiki), plus the software makers' own pages (LaserGRBL, LightBurn, Inkscape) and laser-safety guidance (xTool, MIT EHS). Every claim on this page comes from a source linked under Sources or in the pick. We only name a product when it has at least three independent sources from at least two different outlets, each naming that exact product, including at least one independent test or review, plus the maker's own page. LaserGRBL met that bar with five independent sources from five outlets; no other program did, so the other sections describe kinds of software. We say nothing about a program's cost or license beyond what its maker's own page said when we checked it. The page's own claims rest on at least three independent sources from at least two outlets. Prices, review counts and links were last checked on ; prices and stock change, so check the store before you buy.
No paid links. Every link on this page is a plain link: no affiliate codes or tracking, and no company paid or asked to be listed (disclosure). Links open in a new tab.
Some outlets we cite get review samples from tool makers; we don't use pieces a maker paid for or sponsored.
We pick tools from independent tests and reviews, not our own testing.