Laser engraving software
Lightburn（Recommended）
•This is a comprehensive software for the most widely used laser engraving machine, mainly used for controlling the laser machine, but also for designing files. The software obtains input in the form of design files, converts them into machine-readable formats such as G-code, SVG, or DXF, and then provides them to the laser cutting or engraving machine.
•It can import vector graphics and bitmap images. The most commonly used formats are JPEG, JPG, PNG, DXF, and SVG.
•You have the opportunity to use the software for one month, after which you can choose a one-time or annual license to continue using it.
LaserGRBL is a free G-code generator designed for laser cutting and engraving on Windows. It is fully compatible with GRBL, an open-source motion control firmware used in CNC and laser machines. It provides support for grating and vector images. The significant advantage of LaserGRBL is its extremely low hardware requirements.
Design software and websites
Inkscape （Recommended）
Inkscape is a free and open-source software mainly used for creating vector graphics. It provides tools for creating and editing vector graphics that are very suitable for laser engraving. You can directly export SVG format files and import them into Lightburn for use. In addition, it also supports JPG, GIF, PDF, and PNG. It is suitable for simple designs, and for more complex designs, you can choose CorelDRAW and Adobe Illustrator.
CorelDRAW is a software that focuses on editing vector graphics. It is commonly used for file format conversion, converting CDR format to DXF format, and can be used for drawing, editing, and manipulating vector graphics. Export files to DXF format for use.
You can try the software for 15 days before deciding whether to purchase and use it.
Adobe Illustrator is a vector graphics editing software that can create illustrations, logos, and design complex patterns. The main tools used in laser engraving applications include: lines, pens, shapes, layers, strokes, and fills. Adobe Illustrator supports various file formats, such as EPS, AI, PDF, DXF, DWG, and SVG. Export to DXF or SVG format for use.
Online file conversion website that supports over 300 different file formats. It can convert to the format you want within 1-2 minutes. For example, for laser engraving machine use, downloaded CDR format files cannot be imported into Lightburn for use, but can be converted to DXF or SVG format for use.
Font website, providing numerous free fonts for personal use. You can download and install them on your computer, find them in Lightburn's fonts, and start your personalized design.
You can watch this video about installing fonts on your computer.
File download website
Tell it's a file to engrave or cut
ImagR （Free）
Professional website for downloading and processing laser engraving images. In order to achieve better engraving effects, it is usually necessary to preprocess the images. You can complete all the steps of image preprocessing on this website, including resizing, modifying DPI, adjusting algorithms, etc. At the same time, there are many free images available for engraving in the FREE IMAGES section. The website also offers a paid version.
Vectors File （Free）
We provide a large number of free vector files for laser cutting, in DXF and CDR formats.
3axis.co （Free）
Provide a large number of files for laser enthusiasts to download and use, including holiday supplies, decorative items, jewelry boxes, children's toys and other files.
Etsy（Paid）
Personalized product website. You can buy laser engraved files here and get inspiration from them. When you are proficient in laser engraving machines and design software, you can also try to become a business owner on Etsy.
Learning resources
NEJE YouTube Channel
You can find all the tutorial videos of NEJE in NEJE Studio, including the following content:
•Machine Guide： machine assembly, adjustment, maintenance, module upgrade, air assistance, nozzle selection.
•Software Tutorial: Software Settings, Offline Functions.
•Accessories tutorial: knife head, pen head, extension rod, rotation axis, lens tutorial.
LightBurn Software
Lightburn's official tutorial video channel provides step-by-step guides, creative project demonstrations, and valuable tips for optimizing laser workflows. Whether you are a novice exploring the world of laser engraving or an experienced user seeking to improve your skills, LightBurn Software is the preferred resource for comprehensive and user-friendly content.
Lightburn Docs
The documentation website for Lightburn is divided into beginner and advanced stages for easy and quick mastery. If you prefer to learn through videos, please check out the recommended YouTube channel in the next section.
The Louisiana Hobby Guy YouTube Channel
Lightburn Tutorial Channel. Rich has over 25 years of software experience, and each tutorial video is very detailed. He combines practical laser engraving cases to explain. He is always very generous in sharing the files he has created, which is very suitable for beginners.
For learning about Lightburn, watching the following three videos is enough to solve 85% of Lightburn usage problems.
Lightburn 101 Learning Hobby Laser Software
Lightburn 201 Image Manipulation & Cropping
Lightburn 301 Complex Shapes & Vectors in Seconds!
When you encounter more difficult problems to solve, you can go to the LightBurn Software and Lighburn documentation to learn about a certain function.
Doug Green
CorelDRAW Teaching Channel. Doug Green has been sharing CorelDRAW teaching on YouTube for nearly 10 years. The channel updates short video tutorials every day, which is very suitable for users who want to master design software and achieve independent design of laser engraving files.