

In most cases, there will be versions for PCs that run Windows, Mac OS, or Linux operating systems – and often there will be mobile apps available too, so you can be creating and editing designs while you are on the go.ĭespite the popularity of open source software, many people are still wary of it, fearing that the software won’t be as good as paid versions, or worrying that there will be a virus in the code. The advantage of open source software is the flexibility that they offer. You can see a list of open source software here.


Open source software is pretty much always free to download, install and use, and for most types of software, there are open source versions – including alternatives to Microsoft Office, Photoshop, security software, and even finance packages. When a software is open source, it means that the code can be accessed and modified by anyone, and it is available for anyone to distribute. Throughout this post, we’ll talk about open source software. Luckily, there are plenty of options for both laser cutting and 3D printing – and some can be used for both – and there are some great packages that cost absolutely nothing to download and to start using.

Luckily, as both laser cutters and 3D printers are now commonplace, both in industry and in home studios and workshops, so the software that goes with them is becoming ever more sophisticated too.Ĭhoosing the right software for your machine Although your new machine might have software created by the manufacturer supplied with it, it might not be the best for the type of work you want, or need to do. When you buy a laser cutter, or a 3D printer, you need the right design software, so that you can really make the most of your new equipment.
