LightBurn in 2025: A Glimpse into the Future of Laser Control Software

LightBurn, the ubiquitous software for controlling laser cutters, has long been celebrated for its intuitive interface, powerful features, and broad compatibility across a myriad of laser machines, from entry-level diode lasers to industrial-grade CO2 systems.1 As we navigate through 2025, LightBurn continues its relentless evolution, driven by user feedback, technological advancements in laser hardware, and a clear vision for an even more integrated and efficient fabrication experience. The year 2025 marks a significant chapter for LightBurn, highlighted by foundational shifts and exciting new functionalities.

The Foundation for Future Innovation: LightBurn 2.0

One of the most impactful changes in 2025 is the impending, if not already released, LightBurn 2.0.2 This isn't just another incremental update; it represents a fundamental rewrite on a new development framework (Qt6).3 This monumental undertaking, as communicated by the LightBurn development team, lays the groundwork for a more modern, stable, and future-proof application. While the transition itself has involved significant behind-the-scenes work to ensure stability and squish bugs, the payoff in terms of new features and capabilities for years to come is substantial.4

The move to Qt6 also brings important changes to system compatibility, with LightBurn 2.0 now supporting Windows 10 (and higher) and macOS 11 (and higher), signifying a move towards more modern operating system environments.5 While this means saying goodbye to older OS versions and Linux support, it allows the developers to leverage newer APIs and frameworks for enhanced performance and richer features.

Expanding Horizons: Beyond Just Lasers

Perhaps one of the most exciting developments concurrent with LightBurn 2.0 is the work on MillMage, LightBurn's upcoming software for CNC router and spindle users.6 This expansion into supporting new digital fabrication tools indicates a broader strategic vision for the LightBurn team. While MillMage is a separate product, the development of its robust CNC support has necessitated the rewriting of many internal systems shared with LightBurn.7 This shared architectural foundation promises potential for future integration or seamless transitions between laser and CNC workflows for users who operate both types of machines. The developers have indicated a desire to add plasma cutter support, which will likely manifest first in MillMage, but demonstrates the expanding capabilities in the LightBurn ecosystem.

Key Feature Enhancements and User Experience Improvements

LightBurn 2.0 and subsequent 2025 updates aren't just about under-the-hood changes; they bring tangible improvements to the user's daily workflow:

1. Revamped Camera System: The camera integration in LightBurn has always been a standout feature, allowing for precise placement of designs on materials.8 In 2025, LightBurn 2.0 introduces a completely rewritten camera system. This includes new tabs and options within the Camera Control Window, offering more granular control over exposure, brightness, contrast, and white balance for Windows users.9 Crucially, an experimental Camera Calibration wizard with an improved, easier flow uses live tracking of an AprilTags pattern for more accurate lens calibration, simplifying setup and boosting precision, especially for complex layouts.10

2. Enhanced Shape Creation and Editing: The interface for creating and manipulating shapes has received a significant overhaul.11 Users can now access a wider range of new built-in shapes (Triangles, Pentagons, Octagons, Stars, Dual Stars) from a stacked menu.12 More importantly, shapes can now be immediately edited and selected after creation using handles for moving, sizing, rotating, or shearing, all while the draw tool remains active.13 This streamlines the design process, reducing the need to constantly switch between drawing and selection tools. The Edit Nodes toolbar has also been expanded with clear buttons for each node editing option, making complex path manipulation more intuitive.14

3. Streamlined Boolean Operations: Boolean operations (combining, subtracting, intersecting shapes) are fundamental to vector design.15 In 2025, LightBurn consolidates all Boolean operations into a single stacked button. The Boolean Assistant is now the default, but a simple click or hold reveals a submenu with individual operations. This change aims to simplify the UI while retaining powerful functionality.

4. Improved Cuts/Layers Window: The critical Cuts/Layers Window, where users manage laser parameters, has received updated icons for better clarity and new context menus. Users can now right-click any layer to quickly disable, hide, flash, or select objects on that layer. Right-clicking column headers provides options for enabling, showing, and sorting layers, enhancing layer management and organization.16

5. Performance and Stability: The underlying shift to Qt6, while challenging, promises significant long-term benefits in terms of performance and stability. Users can expect a smoother, more responsive experience, especially with complex designs or during prolonged use. The ongoing bug squashing in release candidates further solidifies this commitment to a reliable user experience.

Looking Ahead: Community-Driven Development

LightBurn's development remains deeply rooted in its active user community. The forum and official feature suggestion platform (Fider) continue to be vital channels for gathering feedback and prioritizing future developments. Discussions in 2025 reveal ongoing desires for:

• Improved image integration: Users are requesting the ability to attach images directly within project notes or material library presets for better visual reference and documentation.17

• More advanced material management: While software assistance for material settings is improving, ongoing discussions about compensating for specific laser characteristics (like the non-square "dots" of some high-power diode lasers) indicate a desire for even more granular control and optimization for diverse hardware.

• Greater automation hooks: While LightBurn prioritizes safety and doesn't offer extensive built-in automation to prevent unsupervised operation, community discussions highlight a demand for features that could facilitate external automation setups, suggesting potential future considerations for controlled automation interfaces.

The Impact on Users in 2025

For laser cutter owners, the changes in LightBurn in 2025 mean a more refined, efficient, and powerful software experience. The foundational upgrade to LightBurn 2.0, coupled with the ongoing commitment to user-centric feature development, solidifies its position as the industry-leading laser control software. Whether you're cutting intricate designs for a small business, prototyping components in an educational setting, or simply enjoying a creative hobby, LightBurn in 2025 empowers users to achieve more with their laser systems, pushing the boundaries of what's possible with light.