Universal Gcode Sender vs LightBurn

Struggling to choose between Universal Gcode Sender and LightBurn? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

Universal Gcode Sender is a Development solution with tags like gcode, cnc, 3d-printing.

It boasts features such as G-code visualization, G-code file sending and management, Status monitoring and override controls, Macro support, Plugin support and pros including Open source and free, Cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux), Supports many CNC machines and 3D printers, Intuitive UI with visual preview, Active development community.

On the other hand, LightBurn is a Development product tagged with laser-cutting, engraving, design, image-conversion.

Its standout features include Supports many different laser cutter models and brands, Allows importing SVG, DXF, PLT, JPEG, PNG, GCode and other file formats, Includes tools for editing images and designs within the software, Has camera functions for aligning and positioning artwork, Includes laser simulation for previewing jobs, Allows creating and saving custom materials settings, Has customizable user interface and programmable macros, and it shines with pros like Works with many different laser cutters, Intuitive and easy to use, Powerful design and editing tools, Helps align and position jobs accurately, Allows previewing jobs before running, Saves time creating materials settings, Customizable for different workflows.

Feature	Universal Gcode Sender	LightBurn
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Development	Development

Product Overview

Universal Gcode Sender

Description: Universal Gcode Sender is an open-source software used to send G-code to CNC machines like 3D printers, laser cutters, and milling machines. It allows users to visually preview gcode files, manage queued commands, and monitor the CNC machine status.

LightBurn

Description: LightBurn is software designed specifically for laser cutters and engravers. It allows you to easily convert images and designs into signals a laser can interpret in order to etch, cut or mark materials. LightBurn works with most major laser cutter brands and models.

Key Features Comparison

Universal Gcode Sender Features

• G-code visualization
• G-code file sending and management
• Status monitoring and override controls
• Macro support
• Plugin support

LightBurn Features

• Supports many different laser cutter models and brands
• Allows importing SVG, DXF, PLT, JPEG, PNG, GCode and other file formats
• Includes tools for editing images and designs within the software
• Has camera functions for aligning and positioning artwork
• Includes laser simulation for previewing jobs
• Allows creating and saving custom materials settings
• Has customizable user interface and programmable macros

Pros & Cons Analysis

Universal Gcode Sender

Pros

• Open source and free
• Cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux)
• Supports many CNC machines and 3D printers
• Intuitive UI with visual preview
• Active development community

Cons

• Lacks some advanced features of paid alternatives
• Documentation could be more extensive
• UI is functional but basic
• Limited support options

LightBurn

Pros

• Works with many different laser cutters
• Intuitive and easy to use
• Powerful design and editing tools
• Helps align and position jobs accurately
• Allows previewing jobs before running
• Saves time creating materials settings
• Customizable for different workflows

Cons

• Only works with supported laser cutters
• Requires learning curve for full capabilities
• Advanced features may be overly complex for basic use
• Must purchase license for each laser cutter
• Lacks some specialized features of brand-specific software

Pricing Comparison

Universal Gcode Sender

• Open Source
• Free

LightBurn

• One-time Purchase