Vectors can be scaled up and down without losing quality so they’re used for cutting materials and engraving thin lines, whereas raster graphics are made up of small pixels and are used for cutting and engraving larger areas. Raster images are a different type of graphics to the vectors used in most online laser engraving software. With this, you can load any kind of image, including photos, clip art, pencil drawings, and icons into LaserGRBL and turn it into g-code without any additional software. We’ve included both free and paid solutions to suit different budgets, and we’ve reviewed the key aspects of each software so that you can easily pick the one that best suits your needs.Īnother notable feature is the raster image import function. In this guide, we reveal the best laser engraving software and the best laser cutter software for 2023.

You’ll also need software to create and edit your designs prior to the engraving process, but how do you know which laser cutting and engraving software is right for you? Laser engraving isn’t controlled manually - it relies on laser cutting software that instructs the laser where to move using a CNC (computer numerical control) programming language, such as g-code. It’s much more efficient than methods such as etching, and it can also be used to achieve more complex designs. The technique has several benefits, including unmatched accuracy and consistency, leaving little room for human error. It’s a technique that’s used across a wide range of industries, from engineering to aerospace - as well as by hobbyists at home. Laser cutters can cut, slice, and engrave materials varying from acrylic and wood, to steel and aluminum.

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