Laser machines use data files to obtain the pattern to be cut or engraved. Major file formats – SVG, PDF, JPEG and PNG – are widely supported.

Depending on our needs, we can use a very complex design and vectorization program with a multitude of parameters and features or, on the contrary, use a simple and free tool. 

In this post, we are going to talk about the different free and paid programs to vectorize an image .

Files used in laser cutting and engraving

A laser cutter is capable of two types of work: It is capable of cutting a piece of material to a certain shape or makes precise holes in it, and it can also perform engraving work by creating an image on the material.

The two types of work will therefore need different types of files. Laser cutting requires a vector file, while engraving requires an image file. 

  • The vector files needed for laser cutting are responsible for defining the lines, points, curves, and shapes for the cutter to follow.

The SVG format (Scalable Vector Graphics) format is the most common for this type of work. Thanks to this format we can create complex patterns in a very small file.

On the other hand, for engraving you need to use an image file . This file consists of a succession of pixels that form an image.

  • JPEG or PNG formats are the most common for recording images.  

As a recommendation, whenever possible work with a black and white or grayscale image, the results will be much more impressive.

Some models of laser cutters accept PDF files for engraving or cutting. However, it is not possible to use the same file to perform both functions.

PDF files are very versatile , since the same file can be used for vectors, images or both. 

  • If you create a PDF with vector software, it will be suitable for cutting. 
  • If it comes from image editing software, you can use it for image recording.

It is possible to make the cut and the engraving at the same time, for this we will only need two separate files: one for the cut part and another for the engraving.

If both files are exported from the same workspace, the cutting software will be able to merge the files simultaneously.

Best Free Cutting Machine Programs

Whether it’s because we don’t have money, we’re just starting out, or we’re not interested in a complex program with a multitude of functions, we can find different free programs for laser cutting with a free license (open source) and we won’t have to spend anything on them. Simply download and install.

The best laser cutting and engraving programs to download for free are:

Laser Web

The LaserWeb program is a free and open source laser cutting tool. On its GitHub page it is described as an application to generate code from compatible files for laser machines and CNC milling machines.

LaserWeb is capable of transmitting a vector file to our laser or CNC cutter.

The LaserWeb software is capable of controlling the laser based on our design file. Its latest updates allow us to import multiple files at the same time , including those using different formats, in a single project.

Another advantage of using free software is its community . The LaserWeb community is full of users who add value to the program, be it through modifications, tips and additions to the open source, and best of all… always ready to help.

  • Program Name : LaserWeb
  • Language : English
  • Operating System : Windows

GIMP

The GIMP program is well known for being a free graphics editor that, according to many Internet users, can be compared to other paid programs such as Adobe Photoshop.

This software offers us a set of editing tools for images (transformation tools, selection, masks and layers, filters, etc…).

For these reasons we can assure you that GIMP is the best free graphic editor that we can find today to create image files for raster engraving.

  • Program Name : GIMP
  • Language : English
  • Operating System : Windows / MAC / Linux

FreeCAD

The FreeCAD program is the best free CAD software. Its developers have created a great project with a modular structure, which allows us to add additional plugins to the main application.

Thanks to this ingenious novelty we can use FreeCAD free software for different types of projects such as engineering, architecture, robotics or computer-aided manufacturing (CAM).

  • Program Name : FreeCAD
  • Language : English
  • Operating System : Windows / MAC / Linux

inkscape

The free and open source alternative to Adobe Illustrator is called Inkscape. This free computer software is capable of offering us the same options as other more expensive programs. 

Whether we want to create a new design from scratch, or if we want to modify an existing one, InkScape offers us all the necessary tools to make our graphic design task much easier and simpler.

As with other computer graphic design programs, it will take a little learning time before you can get the most out of this design software.

  • Program Name : InkScape
  • Language : Spanish / English
  • Operating System : Windows / MAC / Linux

SketchUp PRO

The SketchUp program is one of the easiest tools to use, as it is a very intuitive tool. In addition, thanks to plugins, it is possible to expand its functionalities, which makes SketchUp one of the most interesting free design programs.

Thanks to the plugins for SketchUP you will be able to export SVG files . The only drawback of this program is that it is currently not able to work with spheres and circles, so it will transform them into polygons.

  • Program Name : SketchUP PRO
  • Language : Spanish / English
  • Operating System : Windows / MAC

OnShape

This free software program is an alternative to other paid programs such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD. OnShape is able to provide us with the same tools as other CAD design programs.

One of its main advantages that this design software offers us is being able to work on our tablet or mobile phone , since we can download its mobile application.

The only negative point is that we will need an internet connection to use it and download the created design.

  • Program Name : OnShape
  • Language : English
  • Operating System : Windows / MAC / Tablets / Mobiles

SolveSpace

This free and open source software at first glance often looks very attractive due to its minimalist design .

Its learning curve is fast and when we have become familiar with the software is when we really understand the number of functions that it can offer us.

In addition to being free, it allows us to export our designs directly to SVG .

  • Program Name : SolveSpace
  • Language : English
  • Operating System : Windows

Best Programs for cutting machines Payment … (or almost free)

Next we are going to talk about what in our point of view are the best design programs that we can currently find on the market, as well as where to buy them at best price.

LightBurn

LightBurn is editing and control software in one software. It is capable of importing almost all common file formats whether they are vector graphics or bitmap images.

The software allows us to edit, organize and create new projects. Once we have finished editing the images, we can adjust various laser cutting parameters, such as power, cutting speed, number of passes, etc. Another of its advantages is its compatibility with most laser cutters available on the market.

  • Program Name : LightBurn
  • Language : English
  • Operating System : Windows / MAC / Linux

adobe illustrator

The Adobe Illustrator program is one of the most versatile tools that we can find. This Adobe software allows us to work with vector graphics. As such, it is able to easily create SVG files suitable for laser cutting. 

Although it is true that its interface can be somewhat complex at first, once we learn to use it and manage its tools, the artistic possibilities that this program offers us are practically endless.

In general, it is one of the best software to work with laser cutting. 

  • Program Name: Adobe Illustrator
  • Language : Spanish / English
  • Operating System : Windows / MAC

photoshop

It is not surprising that we add this fantastic and well-known image editing program. Photoshop is the solution for creating raster images.

Its variety of features make it a popular tool for design beginners and professionals.

Thanks to its versions for mobile phones and tablets, Photoshop has made it possible to edit and retouch photos anywhere without having to use a powerful computer.

  • Program Name: Photoshop
  • Language : Spanish / English
  • Operating System : Windows / MAC

SolidWorks

Another of the great 3D modeling programs. SolidWorks software is primarily based on the use of sketches to create models.

Therefore, going from a 3D model to a 2D design with it is a very simple task.

Remember that it is not possible to export any file to SVG through the SolidWorks program.

To get an SVG file with SolidWorks, we must first create our design and then export it as an .IA format.

Once we have the file in this format, we will proceed to open it in Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape (both programs mentioned above), to finally convert them into SVG .

  • Program Name: SolidWorks
  • Language : Spanish / English
  • Operating System : Windows / MAC

AutoCAD

If we have talked about SketchUp and SolidWorks, we must not forget the AutoCAD program.

This fantastic software is capable of providing us with an infinity of tools for drawings and mechanical parts.

Once we have learned how to use it, it is very easy to create spectacular designs ready to be brought to reality.

As a drawback of the program, we will not be able to export the SVG file directly , what we will have to do is export the file to the DXF format and then pass it through the Illustrator or Inkscape program to export an SVG file.

  • Program Name: AutoCAD
  • Language : Spanish / English
  • Operating System : Windows / MAC

DraftSight – CAD

DraftSight is one of the best 2D design and retouching software. In its latest version we will be able to convert a BMP, JPEG or PNG image into vector lines , curves and angles, thus facilitating the cutting of our laser.

  • Program Name: DraftSight 
  • Language : Spanish / English
  • Operating System : Windows / MAC