Rayforge is a modern, cross-platform G-code sender and control software for GRBL-based laser cutters and engravers.
Built with Gtk4 and Libadwaita, it provides a clean, native interface for Linux and Windows, offering a full suite of tools for both hobbyists and professionals.
This is free and open source software.
Key Features
- Modern UI – Polished and modern UI built with Gtk4 and Libadwaita. Supports system, light, and dark themes.
- Multi-Layer Operations – Assign different operations (e.g., engrave then cut) to layers in your design.
- Versatile Operations – Supports Contour, Raster Engraving (with cross-hatch fill), Shrink Wrap, and Depth Engraving.
- Overscan & Kerf Comp. – Improve engraving quality with overscan and ensure dimensional accuracy with kerf compensation.
- 2.5D Cutting – Perform multi-pass cuts with a configurable step-down between each pass for thick materials.
- 3D G-code Preview – Visualize G-code toolpaths in 3D to verify the job before sending it to the machine.
- Multi-Machine Profiles – Configure and instantly switch between multiple machine profiles.
- GRBL Firmware Settings – Read and write firmware parameters ($$) directly from the UI.
- Comprehensive 2D Canvas – Full suite of tools: alignment, transformation, measurement, zoom, pan, and more.
- Advanced Path Generation – High-quality image tracing, travel time optimization, path smoothing, and spot size interpolation.
- Holding Tabs – Add tabs to contour cuts to hold pieces in place. Supports manual and automatic placement.
- G-code Macros & Hooks – Run custom G-code snippets before/after jobs. Supports variable substitution.
- Broad File Support – Import from SVG, DXF, PDF, JPEG, PNG, BMP, and even Ruida files (.rd).
- Multi-Laser Operations – Choose different lasers for each operation in a job
- Camera Integration – Use a USB camera for workpiece alignment, positioning, and background tracing.
- Cross-platform support – Native builds for Linux and Windows.
- Extensible – Open development model makes it easy to add support for new devices.
- Multi-Language – English, Portuguese, Spanish, and German are supported.
- G-code Dialects – Supports GRBL, Smoothieware, and other GRBL-compatible firmwares.
Website: github.com/barebaric/rayforge
Support:
Developer: Samuel Abels
License: MIT License
Rayforge is written in Python. Learn Python with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
Related Software
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| Luban | 3-in-1 software tailor-made for Snapmaker machines |
| Inkcut | Control 2D plotters, cutters, engravers and CNC machines |
| Rayforge | Laser cutters and engravers tool |
| MeerK40t | Laser cutting software |
| CAMotics | 3-axis CNC GCode simulator |
| Machinekit | Platform for machine control applications |
Read our verdict in the software roundup.
 Explore our comprehensive directory of recommended free and open source software. Our carefully curated collection spans every major software category.This directory is part of our ongoing series of informative articles for Linux enthusiasts. It features hundreds of detailed reviews, along with open source alternatives to proprietary solutions from major corporations such as Google, Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, IBM, Cisco, Oracle, and Autodesk. You’ll also find interesting projects to try, hardware coverage, free programming books and tutorials, and much more. Discovered a useful open source Linux program that we haven’t covered yet? Let us know by completing this form. |