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.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

Universal Gcode Sender

Universal Gcode Sender

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.

Categories:
Development Cnc Software
gcode cnc 3d-printing

Universal Gcode Sender Features

  1. G-code visualization
  2. G-code file sending and management
  3. Status monitoring and override controls
  4. Macro support
  5. Plugin support

Pricing

  • Open Source
  • Free

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

LightBurn

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.

Categories:
Development Laser Cutter Software
laser-cutting engraving design image-conversion

LightBurn Features

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

Pricing

  • One-time Purchase

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