The Best Laser Engraver Software Programs for Your Laser Machine

Introduction to Laser Engraver Software

Laser engraver software continues to evolve at a fast pace. While many people might think that engraving beautiful designs is out of their technical reach, the truth is that laser engraving is an accessible skill. In fact, countless DIY engravers across the country have honed their skills in their own homes.

Today, most laser engraver machines are compatible with specially-designed laser software. Essentially, you can think of it as a computer-based laser program that helps you finalize designs before sending them to the laser machine.

What are the best laser machine software programs?

Today, there are several laser engraver software that serve various functions from creating artistic designs to controlling your laser machine. OMTech’s laser specialists have analyzed various laser programs throughout the industry, and narrowed down a list of the best laser machine software:

  • LightBurn
  • CorelDRAW
  • EzCad
  • RDWorks

Let’s take a look at the most compatible, popular, and intuitive laser engraver software programs that are fundamental to your machine:

Lightburn Software

As far as the popularity of the laser engraver software goes, Lightburn is at the top. LightBurn laser software packs a solid combination of features. In fact, you can use the software for arranging, editing, and image tracing. You can also use Lightburn to communicate with your laser machine.

Lightburn is an easy-to-use laser machine software for raster and vector work. Although it depends on your requirements, you may not have to use the full version of the program. One of the software’s hallmark qualities is its compatibility with all three major operating systems such as macOS, Linux, and Windows. Plus, you can download a free trial version to make sure you love it before you buy.

LightBurn PROS

  • Affordable
  • User-friendly
  • Comes with a variety of image tracing features
  • One month free trial available

LightBurn CONS

  • Comes with limited export options in the trial version
  • Compatible with controllers such as Ruida and Trocen

CorelDRAW

CorelDRAW is one of the most robust vector-based laser engraver software. It is arguably the most powerful laser programs on the market right now. However, it comes with a higher price point than other laser engraver software.

You don’t necessarily have to get the expensive version of CorelDRAW. There are multiple formats that offer different subscriptions and packages. In any case, this laser machine software has a long list of features, flawless layout structure, and a customizable interface.

CorelDRAW PROS

  • A close competitor of Adobe Illustrator
  • Offers an extensive list of design features
  • Comes with image tracing
  • Offers tutorials and guides on its official site
  • Comes with a free trial version for 15 days

CorelDRAW CONS

  • CorelDraw does not provide the same performance on macOS as it does on Windows
  • There are monthly and annual charges for the software

EzCad

EzCAD is the go-to laser engraver software when it comes to fiber laser markers, which are perfect for laser engraving beautiful designs on hard plastic and metals.

EzCad is one of the most flexible and intuitive laser engraver software you can use. It has robust processing and compatibility functions that meet the requirements of most users. This laser machine software supports popular fonts such as JSF (single-line fonts), DMF (array fonts), and TTF (true-type fonts). In addition, the software allows users variable text processing, which means you can alter the text in real-time. Plus, you can get EzCad for free on the OMTech Download Center.

EzCad PROS

  • Compatible with most image formats
  • Compatible with the major vector graphics
  • Supports more than 256 layers that allow users to set numerous processing parameters
  • Comes with great features like graphical curve welding, node editing, intersection and cropping calculations
  • Comes with free flow graphic and design patterns
  • Offers a wide array of control objects to communicate with external devices
  • Supports multiple languages

EzCad CONS

  • Users often experience a delay in each segment during laser engraving
  • Difficult to adjust or change the red light pointer

RDWorks

RDWorks is what you would call the dark horse of laser machine software. It is a powerful tool that enables users to undertake creative laser engraving projects. RDWorks offers support for polyline, drawing points, vertical lines, horizontal lines, rectangular, squares, text, curves, etc.

It is an excellent program to create and edit designs or patterns for laser engraving machines. The laser engraver software has a dedicated environment that allows users complete access to draw specific points. Plus, you can get RDWorks for free on the OMTech Download Center.

RDWorks PROS

  • Offers support for CAD files.
  • Relatively not as info-heavy as other laser engraver programs
  • Supports (almost) all drawing lines and points

RDWorks CONS

  • Previous versions of the software don’t perform as good as the current version
  • Users often experience lagging issues on the Windows OS

Which Software is Best for YOUR Laser Machine?

Laser engraving software has become synonymous with accuracy. With high resolution and detailed graphics, you can practically engrave the smallest surface material with utmost precision.

When you choose laser engraver software, consider that laser source is one of the components of the program. For instance, the design of EzCAD specifically caters to fiber laser markers. On the other hand, pairing software to your OMTech laser engraver depends on the model. For example, our desktop models are only compatible with laser programs such as K40Whisperer and Inkscape. LightBurn is considered the go-to program for its wide compatibility with macOS and Windows and its ability to control laser settings from within the software.

Ultimately, look for laser engraver software that comes with features that are key to your main applications and offer a straightforward laser engraving process. It is also vital to remember that each laser engraver tool has a unique output and design capabilities.

The same rules apply to the laser program’s limitations. In hindsight, before you decide on software, take into account all your output and design requirements for laser engraver processing. Besides, it makes sense to figure out how you intend to use the program beforehand. In comparison, LightBurn fairs well and offers comprehensive features and compatible controllers.

Find Your Favorite Laser Machine Software 

More individuals and business entities have started to understand the long-term value and benefits of laser programs. You can utilize laser engraver software for your machine with endless possibilities. The fact of the matter is that any material that requires engraving would be a perfect candidate. In retrospect, laser engraving tools are highly unique and can render high-quality designs affordably and instantly.

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