Software, accessories and safety

Is Your Laser's Bundled Software Enough, or Should You Switch to LightBurn or LaserGRBL?

Published · By the Laser Lineup editors

Summary

For one machine from one brand, the bundled software usually does the job. LightBurn is for running machines from several brands in the same program, and LaserGRBL is a free choice for GRBL machines on Windows. Some lasers, including xTool's recent models, work only with their maker's software.

Three kinds of software

SoftwareCostOperating systemBuilt for
Manufacturer software (e.g., xTool Studio, Falcon Design Space)Included with the machineVaries (both examples run on Windows and macOS)That maker's machines
LightBurnCore $99 / Pro $199, one-timeWindows, macOSHundreds of GCode, DSP, and galvo machines from dozens of makers
LaserGRBLFree, open sourceWindowsEngravers based on GRBL v0.9 and v1.1

Which LightBurn license you need depends on the controller, and its Hardware Compatibility Matrix lists supported models by name.

xTool's newer machines need xTool Studio

xTool now treats xTool Studio as the main software for all its machines. XCS (xTool Creative Space) stopped at version 2.7, released June 25, 2025, and new features and new machines go only into Studio. The P3, F2, F2 Ultra, F2 Ultra UV, and every machine xTool released after August 2025 run only on Studio. Installing Studio leaves XCS in place, so both can sit on one computer. xTool machines also don't work with LaserGRBL, as both xTool's support documentation and the LaserGRBL site state.

Creality's software for the Falcon T1 is Falcon Design Space, available for Windows and macOS from the model's download page. Names in older comparison articles may already be out of date.

What LaserGRBL does

LaserGRBL is a free Windows program for engravers that follow GRBL v0.9 and v1.1. It loads and previews GCode, converts images with grayscale, dithering, and vectorization, and handles jogging along with live power and speed overrides. Its website calls it a free alternative for people who need nothing more than a simple, effective tool.

Sources

  1. LightBurn — Products and licensing
  2. LaserGRBL — Official site
  3. xTool Support — Transition from XCS to xTool Studio
  4. xTool Support — Rotary Attachment 2 (RA2) User Guide
  5. Creality — Falcon T1 download center

Specs and prices are as published on these pages on the date above and can change; check the manufacturer or retailer before you buy.

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