What We’ll Cover

• Quick Overview
• LaserGRBL vs LightBurn at a Glance
• LaserGRBL Overview (Free Software)
• LightBurn Overview (Paid Software)
• Feature-by-Feature Comparison
• Which Laser Software Should You Choose?

Quick Overview

Both LaserGRBL and LightBurn are popular choices for desktop diode lasers, especially GRBL-based machines like many TwoTrees models. The biggest differences come down to:

• Price: LaserGRBL is completely free; LightBurn is paid software.
• Platform: LaserGRBL is Windows-only; LightBurn runs on Windows, macOS and Linux.
• Features: LaserGRBL is focused on sending jobs and engraving images; LightBurn adds full design tools, camera support, rotary tools and production features.
• Who they’re for: LaserGRBL suits beginners and budget users; LightBurn suits serious hobbyists and small businesses.

LaserGRBL vs LightBurn at a Glance

Here’s a simple side-by-side comparison. On mobile, scroll the table horizontally to see all columns.

LaserGRBL Overview (Free Software)

LaserGRBL is a lightweight, open, and completely free G-code sender for GRBL-based laser engravers. It’s focused on getting images and simple vector designs onto your machine with minimal friction.

Key Strengths

• 100% Free: There’s no license cost, which makes it very attractive as a first laser software.
• Easy Installation: Small download, quick setup on Windows.
• Image Engraving: Good tools for converting photos, logos and bitmaps into engravable patterns (dithering, grayscale, etc.).
• GRBL Compatibility: Works with most budget diode lasers that use GRBL firmware.
• Low System Requirements: Runs well on older or modest PCs.

Limitations

• Windows-Only: No native macOS or Linux version.
• Limited Design Tools: You’ll usually design in external programs (Inkscape, Illustrator, etc.) and import the result.
• No Camera Integration: You can’t use a camera to align artwork to workpieces inside the software.
• Less Structured for Production: Fewer features for organizing large batches or complex multi-layer jobs.

Best for: New users who just want to try laser engraving without spending money on software, and makers who mostly engrave images or simple vector designs and are comfortable using separate design tools.

LightBurn Overview (Paid Software)

LightBurn is an all-in-one laser design, layout, and control application. It’s widely regarded as the “gold standard” for desktop laser software because it combines powerful tools with a workflow that still feels approachable.

Key Strengths

• Full Design Environment: Draw shapes, text, and logos directly in LightBurn. Import and edit SVG, DXF, AI, PDF, and more.
• Cross-Platform: Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, which is ideal for mixed-OS shops.
• Advanced Image & Photo Tools: Multiple image modes, contrast/brightness controls, and fine-tuning options for photo engraving.
• Layer-Based Workflow: Assign different speeds, powers, passes, and modes to separate layers for clean multi-step jobs (score, engrave, cut).
• Camera Support: With a compatible camera, you can capture your work area, drag artwork into position visually, and align to existing pieces.
• Rotary & Advanced Features: Dedicated rotary setup tools, kerf compensation, offsetting, node editing, and optimization tools.
• Broad Controller Support: Works with many GRBL-based diode lasers, as well as CO₂ and some galvo/fiber systems (depending on license type).

Limitations

• Not Free: You’ll pay a one-time license fee per device category (e.g., G-code, DSP, Galvo).
• More Features to Learn: It’s still user-friendly, but there’s more to take in than a simple G-code sender.

Best for: Serious hobbyists, prosumers, and small businesses that want design, CAM, and machine control in one place, plus camera and rotary support for more advanced workflows.

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

Ease of Use

• LaserGRBL: Very simple interface, focused mostly on loading files, tweaking a few settings, and starting a job.
• LightBurn: Slightly more to learn, but the layout is logical and designed around real-world laser workflows.

Design & Layout Tools

• LaserGRBL: Minimal drawing ability; you’ll typically use separate design software and import G-code or images.
• LightBurn: Full vector editing, including shapes, text, boolean operations, node editing, alignment tools, and multi-page project management.

Image & Photo Engraving

• LaserGRBL: Very capable photo engraving for a free tool, especially if you’re willing to experiment with settings.
• LightBurn: More modes, deeper control, and streamlined tools for dialing in photo engravings for different materials.

Cutting & Layer Control

• LaserGRBL: You can set basic speed and power, but multi-layer jobs require more manual setup.
• LightBurn: Layers let you define different operations (score, engrave, cut) with their own speeds, powers, passes, and order.

Camera & Positioning

• LaserGRBL: No integrated camera features.
• LightBurn: Camera integration lets you visually place artwork, align to pre-cut items, and check framing directly on-screen.

Rotary Support

• LaserGRBL: Can be used with rotary setups, but configuration is mostly manual.
• LightBurn: Dedicated rotary setup dialogs make it much easier to configure and adjust rotary engraving jobs.

Performance & Workflow

• LaserGRBL: Lightweight and fast for straightforward jobs; ideal for simple, occasional use.
• LightBurn: Optimized G-code and job optimization tools help reduce travel moves and carve times, especially on complex projects.

Which Laser Software Should You Choose?

Choose LaserGRBL if:

• You’re brand new to lasers and don’t want to spend money on software yet.
• You use Windows and just need a reliable way to send engravings to your GRBL laser.
• You are comfortable designing in other programs and importing images or G-code.
• Your projects are simple logos, text, and basic image engravings.

Choose LightBurn if:

• You want design, layout, and laser control in a single piece of software.
• You run your laser regularly for a side business or production work.
• You want camera alignment, rotary tools, and advanced layer control.
• You use macOS or Linux, or you switch machines often.
• You value your time and want a smoother, faster workflow – even if it means paying for the software.

A common path is to start with LaserGRBL while you learn the basics, then upgrade to LightBurn once you’re ready for more control, faster workflow, and advanced features like cameras and rotary engraving.