LightBurn for Laser Cutting: Setup, Workflow, and Official Download Guide

LightBurn is layout, editing, and control software for laser cutters and engravers. On the official site, LightBurn Software describes it as “the industry standard design & control software for your laser” — a fully-featured layout & design suite that works with CO2, fiber, and diode lasers, with a buy-once license and optional annual updates.

What you can do in LightBurn (official overview)

According to LightBurn Software, with LightBurn you can:

• Import artwork in common vector and image formats
• Arrange, edit, and create new vector shapes in the editor
• Apply settings like power, speed, passes, cut order, brightness/contrast, dithering, and more
• Talk directly to your laser — no extra streamer required for supported controllers

Main window tour (from LightBurn docs)

The official User Interface Tour breaks the main window into the areas you use most:

• Workspace — lay out graphics on a grid that matches your machine work area
• Creation / Modifier / Arrange toolbars — draw, combine, and position shapes
• Color Palette — colors assign operations (cut vs fill), not print color
• Cuts / Layers — speed, power, and layer modes for each color
• Laser Window — device selection, framing, and starting jobs

Supported controllers

LightBurn states support for most Ruida, Trocen, TopWisdom, and GCode-based controllers, plus EZCad-based galvo fiber/CO2/UV lasers using EZCad2 or EZCad2-Lite boards. Always confirm your board on their site before buying.

Import Cut Stock DXF / SVG safely

1. Download your design from the Cut Stock catalog
2. In LightBurn: File → Import (or drag the SVG/DXF onto the workspace)
3. Check scale units (mm) and that closed shapes are intact
4. Assign layer colors: typically line = cut, fill = engrave
5. Set material speed/power, Frame the job, then Start

Official links