LASERGRBL
Version tested: 7.14.0
Operating system tested: PC
Tested: 11 December 2024 / Missy Meyer
Cost: Free
Where to get it: https://lasergrbl.com/download/
Font file types to use: None
Image file types to use: SVG
Bad News: LaserGRBL does NOT have a text tool.
Sadly, this means that you cannot type out text to create a design inside of LaserGRBL; instead, you’ll need to create your design in a vector design program such as Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape, save the design as an SVG file, and then open that SVG design in LaserGRBL to send to your machine.
How to Import a Design File
Open up the LaserGRBL program; it will start you off in a blank workspace.
On the top bar menu, click on File, then on Open File.
This will open up an explorer window. Navigate to where you’ve saved your file, single-click on it to highlight it, then click on the Open button at the bottom right.
Now you’ll get a panel with some options to choose from. If you aren’t sure what these are, I suggest visiting the LaserGRBL support page, where you can find links to several sources of help, including a robust Github discussion forum.
Your image will now be placed into the workspace, where you can adjust its size and location, and send it to your engraving machine.
Design Software Compatibility
Some SVG files will import beautifully, while a few will … not. I cannot guarantee that an SVG design created in your chosen vector design program will load cleanly and smoothly into LaserGRBL.
Here are some examples I’ve created, from the vector programs I currently have on hand.
Above is a design created from a double stroke font in Adobe Illustrator. Text: SAMPLE DOUBLE AI.
Above is a design created from a double stroke font in Inkscape. Text: SAMPLE DOUBLE INKSCAPE.
Above is a design created from a double stroke font in Affinity Designer. Clearly there’s something about the way Affinity saves that doesn’t agree with LaserGRBL. Text: SAMPLE DOUBLE AFFINITY.
Above is a design created from a single stroke SVG alphabet in Inkscape. Text: SAMPLE FROM SVG INKSCAPE.
Above is a design created from a single stroke OPF font in Sure Cuts a Lot. Text: SAMPLE SINGLE SCAL OPF.
It looks like Affinity Designer is my big problem program here, and the others all do relatively well. But again, I cannot guarantee that these programs will work the same for you, and I cannot guarantee that other programs will import with smooth curves like most of these. Be sure to play around with the freebie sample fonts offered through this site in various vector design programs to find the one that works best for your imports into LaserGRBL.
If this program has been updated since this test and this guide no longer works, please drop me a line at the contact form so I can update this page!