No, LightBurn is a one-time, paid software program for laser engraving/cutting machines.
Lightburn software for laser engraving is between £119.99-£179.99, depending on your laser machine.
Lightburn software is compatible with CO2 laser engravers 40W and above and fiber laser engravers.
Lightburn needs macOS 10.11 or later, Windows 7.0 or later, and specific 64-bit Linux versions to operate.
LightBurn is a powerful and user-friendly software designed specifically for laser engraving and cutting machines, including CO2 laser engravers. It allows users to create, edit, and manage vector and raster files within a single platform, eliminating the need for separate design and control programs. Compatible with most major controllers like Ruida, Trocen, and GCode-based systems, LightBurn supports features such as multi-layer settings, real-time laser control, image tracing, camera alignment, and precise adjustment of speed, power, and passes for each layer. It works seamlessly with many OMTech CO₂ laser machines and is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it a popular choice for both beginners and professionals looking for streamlined workflow and precise laser control.
The best file format for laser engraving depends on the type of project, but overall, SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) is widely considered the most versatile and reliable option. It supports clean, scalable vector paths that are ideal for both precise cutting and detailed engraving, without losing quality. For photo-style or shaded engravings, high-resolution PNG or BMP files are commonly used, as they preserve image detail and contrast. While DXF files are excellent for technical and CAD-based designs due to their precision, formats like AI (Adobe Illustrator) and PDF also work well for more complex vector graphics. Choosing the right format ensures clean cuts, accurate engraving, and compatibility with software like LightBurn or RDWorks.