10 Best Laser Engraving Software Programs
Laser cutting machines use lasers to etch designs into metal, plastic, wood, glass, ceramic, leather, paper, cardboard, foam, fabric and even food.
A laser machine requires a design software program and a computer running Mac OS or Windows XP or higher.
The software package creates cut lines that are read by the laser beam.
List of most popuar laser engraving machine programs
The best way to make custom designs is to use a good software that can make a variety of common vector graphic designs and other file formats.
Here are 10 programs:
- Affinity Designer
- Inkscape
- CorelDraw
- TurboCAD
- LightBurn
- Adobe Illustrator
- SolveSpace
- DraftSight
- SOLIDWORKS
- Fusion 360
Affinity Designer
What’s great about Affinity Designer is that it’s a double duty all purpose software. With it, you can make svg files and raster files for your laser engraver.
Affinity is made by Serif and it’s the most innovative graphic design software available on the market today.
It has all the powerful features you need.
The program can make vector files through boolean operations.
That may sound like something complicated but that just means that it uses a mathematical formula to plot out the lines.
This makes them exact and gives you perfectly scalable vector graphics.
I love using it to make svg files on my iPad. I usually use Inkscape to draw my own designs but that’s when I’m using a desktop computer.
With Affinity, I can kick my feet up and draw right from the couch using different materials like my finger or the Apple pencil.
Price of Software
Affinity Designer is a low cost option when compared to other programs like Adobe Illustrator. Unlike Illustrator, there’s no free trial.
But the price is so low, you don’t need it. Affinity Designer is known for its ease of use.
In fact, it’s compatible with macOS, Windows and iOS.
Affinity Designer Includes:
- Works on Mac & PC
- No monthly subscription with this (buy it once and use it forever)
- Frequent updates for latest Mac & Windows OS
- Great for creating PNG, JPG and SVG files.
Inkscape
Inkscape is powerful design program that’s open-source. I’ve been using it for years to make vector art and I love it. It’s great for small businesses like mine.
The program is perfect at making new vector shapes for laser cutting machines and engravers like Cricut, Silhouette, and xTool.
I have to admit that the user interface can be overwhelming if you’re new to the program. But it just takes a little getting used to.
Price of Software
Affinity Designer is a low costcost option when compared to other programs like Adobe Illustrator. Another benefit is that it works on macOS, Windows and iOS.
Inkscape Features:
- Works on Mac & PC
- No monthly subscription required (the best thing is it’s open source which means there’s no cost to use it -ever, but the company does accept donations for the hardworking volunteer programmers)
- Frequent updates for latest Mac & Windows OS
- Great for creating PNG, DXF, JPG and SVG files.
Facts and Common Questions
Any software that saves in vector format can be used with laser cutters.
An SVG file is the best for laser engraving.
A laser engraving business is a great side hustle to have because it can be very profitable if you make something unique that people want to buy.
Laser engravers have a native application included.
Want to save this for later? Pin it to your favorite DIY board on Pinterest!
Feel free to save this post to a board with your laser cutting machine tips on Pinterest.
Future of Laser Engraving Software
As you now know, the global marketplace for laser engraving is booming. A lot of people are getting in on it.
Now is the right time to start if you don’t want to get left behind.
Think about what kind of things you want to make and which program will work for you.
More creative craft ideas!
If you loved this list of ideas, I hope you will try my other easy DIY craft ideas! 10 best laser engraver crafts to make or easy laser cutters for stainless steel crafts.
