Free: RDwork V8, EzCAD, AutoLaser, GRBL
Most laser engraver software can directly process simple graphics and text. The standard Chinese laser cutting machine software is RDwork V8, EzCAD, and AutoLaser. This software is free. RDwork is the most commonly used software for Ritar control cards. Most people like to use it. But now there is software that is easier to use, Lightburn. Lightburn is the best laser cutter software out there. Ortur Laser Master 3 and other laser engraving machines use LightBrun software, which is very user-friendly.
Responsible for: AutoCAD, CorelDRAW, Ai
For complex engineering graphics, it is recommended to use professional graphics processing software: AutoCAD, CorelDRAW, and Ai. However, you need to pay to use this software. Free software includes: Inkscape, Sketchup, Solvesspace
Adobe Photoshop and Painter
Bitmap processing software mainly includes Adobe Photoshop and Painter.
What is a raster? what is a vector?
Most laser cutting beginners need to understand the difference between bitmap and vector graphics more accurately, which is different when applying a laser cutting machine. Laser cutting and engraving mainly use vector graphics, while photos are only used for engraving, not cutting. If you want to know more professional knowledge, please contact HTPOW customer service staff.
1. Vector drawing concept
Vector drawing is based on geometric features to draw graphics. Vectors can be points or lines. Vector drawings can only be generated by the software and have a small file footprint since such image files contain individual independent images that can be recombined freely and without limitation. Its characteristic is that no matter what the resolution is, the image will not be distorted after being enlarged.
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2. Bitmap concept
Bitmap images, also known as bitmap images or painted images, are made up of individual points called pixels (picture elements). The dots can be arranged and colored differently to form patterns. When you zoom in on a bitmap, you can see the countless individual squares that make up the entire image.
What is the difference between bitmap and vector graphics?
1. Intuitive difference
Bitmaps appear realistic, but they look better when zoomed in. That's what bitmaps can do. Vector effects consist of lines and blocks, just like hand-drawn effects. Its patterns can be wonderful, the strokes are lovely, and every corner can be outstanding. But it's an unreal effect, more of an artistic one.
2. The essential difference is that the bitmap is composed of pixels, which will be deformed after being enlarged. At the same time, vector graphics are not based on pixels. Vector graphics are made of lines and have no effect after being grown.
File format Different bitmap formats: JPG, BMP, PNG
Vector format: DXF, SVG, CDR, AI, EPS, PDF
| Software name | Free or not | Application direction | Applicable file format | Set up the machining process | Difficult to operate |
| AutoCAD | No | Civil construction, decoration, industrial drawing, engineering drawing, electronic industry, garment processing and other fields | DWG, DXF, DWS, DWT, JPG, PNG, etc | Implemented through plug-ins | Difficult |
| CorelDRAW | No | Vector graphics drawing, bitmap editing, text editing, vector animation design, web design | CDR, AI, DXF, TIF, JPG, PSD, EPS, BMP, WMF, DWG, etc. | Implemented through plug-ins | General |
| Inkscape | Yes | Vector graphics drawing, bitmap editing, text editing, vector animation design, web design | SVG, CDR, PLT, AI, JPG, PNG, PDF, etc. | None | General |
| LaserMaker | Yes | Maker education activities include laser cutting design, vector graphics drawing and text editing. | SVG、DXF、PLT、AI、JPG, BMP, PNG etc. | Software embedded | Easy |
