When it comes to the most efficient and precise laser cutting, you’ll definitely want a powerful laser cutting machine, but that laser cutter also needs advanced software for control, ease of use, and versatility.
Whether you want the best free software for your DIY engraving projects, more advanced features for a small business, or elite programs for your industrial manufacturing & laser cutting operation, Accurl is here to help with the best laser cutting software options on the market in 2025 and beyond.
What’s the Best Software for Laser Cutting Machines?
If you’re wondering, “What’s the best software for laser cutting machines?” then the answer is simply: it depends.
Some software options are best for designing engravings using your PC or at-home computer, while others offer the most cutting-edge features available to elevate industrial processes & drive higher profitability.
Here at Accurl where we develop the most advanced laser cutting machines, we value top-of-the-line options above all others. That’s what our clientele has expected for over 30 years.
Because of that, our top options are state-of-the-art software designed for manufacturing & industrial uses.
However, if you’re a small business owner or hobbyist, we’ve included some of our favorite free & budget-friendly options on our list as well. Simply scroll a little farther to find the software for laser cutting that you need.
5 Best Laser Cutting Software Options
1. FSCUT8000 EtherCAT System
This software system is designed for ultra-high-power fiber laser cutting machines, providing unmatched precision, efficiency, and ease of use. As a full software solution, it can empower your operation with complete customization, automation, and informatization.
Not only that, but it’s incredibly easy to install with nesting CAD/CAM software on board. Using the CNC controls, you can quickly customize cuts that match your ideal outcome with unparalleled precision.
To put it simply, this top software option can streamline your laser cutting process, significantly reducing cutting times, boosting efficiency, enhancing performance, and raising your bottom line.
That’s why Accurl uses the FSCUT8000 EtherCAT System for our MasterLINE Sheet Laser Cutting Series and High Power ML Plus Series. It’s the software that meets our standards for the best laser-cutting machines on the market.
2. SolidWorks CAD/CAM
SolidWorks CAD with the add-on SolidWorks CAM is near the top of our list for a reason. It offers a seamless design & manufacturing process. With quick and easy programming within an easy-to-use interface, this option is great for swift & effective cutting of a wide variety of materials.
Our favorite aspect of this software solution is the designing features, where you can easily adjust, design, and manually create options, while simultaneously saving them for an efficient cutting process.
3. Inventor CAM
Another great option for industrial manufacturing that comes at a reasonable cost is Autodesk Inventor CAM. This software is designed for simplicity by combining all the tools you need, without other features you don’t.
While it’s a budget-friendly and exceptionally powerful option, many users report crashes more often than with other software. That’s why it lands at number three on our list despite being an incredibly efficient and customizable option.
4. Inkscape
Inkscape is a free graphics editor that’s compatible with Mac, Linux, and Windows, making it a great choice for hobbyists and small businesses that use laser cutters & engravers.
While it lacks the advanced design capabilities & streamlined approach of the best laser cutting software options, it offers a ton of features that make laser cutting easy even for beginners.
Since it is completely free to use, it’s definitely worth a shot if you are looking for your first software for laser cutting.
5. LightBurn
For projects that need advanced features outside of industrial manufacturing settings, LightBurn offers a perfect balance. It offers multiple passes, vector scaling, and other key features of laser cutting machines while also offering an easy user interface perfect for small to medium-sized businesses.
You can even control speed and power with compatibility for most laser cutting and engraving machines. It only costs $60 for G-Code controllers or $120 for DSP controllers, making it an exceptional budget-friendly option.
Laser Cutter Software Features Comparison Table
| FSCUT8000 EtherCAT | SolidWorks CAD/CAM | Inventor CAM | Inkscape | Lightburn | |
| Uses | Industrial Manufacturing & Metalworking | Industrial Manufacturing & Metalworking | Industrial Manufacturing & Metalworking | Hobbies, Personal Projects, Small Businesses | Small to Medium Sized Businesses |
| Cost | $6,400+ (comes with Accurl Laser Cutting Machines for Free) | $2,820 – $4,716 per year | $410 per month or $3,265 per year | Free | $60-$120 |
| Features | – Control Accuracy of ±0.01 mm – Safety features – 300m/min speed – Automation – Customization | – Integrated design & manufacturing – Smart Modeling – Motion Analysis | -Roughing Strategy to Reduce Tool Wear – Seamless Workflow – Maximum Load Cycle | -Drawing Tools -Layers -Symbol Libraries -Measurement Tool -Many File Formats | -Material Library -Camera Integration – Vector Shapes – Power, Speed, Brightness, and More |
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Laser Cutting Software
When choosing a laser cutting software solution, you should consider your features, cost, and compatibility.
Features
Not everyone needs the most powerful laser-cutting software with all the bells and whistles.
Make sure you start with your purpose and go from there. For example, if your manufacturing company needs a laser cutting machine with the best software for precision and efficiency, then you’ll want to start with the top-of-the-line machines, but if you are a hobbyist, then you might want to try the free solutions first.
Cost
Cost is always an important consideration, of course, but we believe you shouldn’t cut corners because you’ll end up paying for it in the long run. This is especially true of businesses needing fast and reliable laser-cutting processes.
Still, you’ll want to consider cost after narrowing down some options based on features.
Compatibility
Finally, you need to make sure a machine will be compatible with your file types, laser-cutting machines, and end-to-end processes. While most software solutions are quite versatile, you’ll want to double-check before purchasing just to make sure.
Conclusion
Now that you know some of the best laser cutting software options available as well as a laser cutter software comparison, you can make the best choice for your needs.
Remember, no two companies or use cases are the same, and each one will require a different laser-cutting machine and software solution. When deciding on what to use, make sure you consider all options and weigh the features you need, what you need it for, cost, and other factors before making a decision.
If you need the absolute best laser cutting software complete with a state-of-the-art laser cutting machine, Accurl has been a trusted provider for over 30 years. Click here to learn about our laser-cutting machines, or contact us today for more information!
