Laser Cutter Recommended Software

The following software may be useful for creation or troubleshooting of laser cutting designs:

inkscape.org
Inkscape is a free and open source vector graphics editor but can also be used to export DXF files suitable for laser cutting from your design.

For best compatibility with LaserCut 5.3 a few settings should be changed in Inkspace's preferences: Geometric Bounding Box should be selected under Tools (Edit → Inkscape Preferences → Tools), and Grid units should be set to mm under Grids (Edit → Inkscape Preferences → Interface → Grids → Rectangular grid). You should also ensure that your document is using mm for it's default units, this can be set during file creation or changed in the Document Properties (File → Document Properties → Page).

When exporting if you have the option between DXF versions R12 or R14, choose the R14 version.

autodesk.com
Fusion360 is a full featured industry standard 2D/3D CAD package. Not ideal for beginners, however it is some of the best software for advanced CAD design work.

While Fusion360 is expensive paid software Autodesk provide a free licence for hobbyists and makers that many Hackspace users will qualify for - see here for details. Autodesk have a range of video tutorials available, however they do assume some existing CAD knowledge.

librecad.org
LibreCAD is a free and open source CAD application and a fork of the popular, now closed source, QCAD.

While LibreCAD is a full 2D CAD package in its own right, one of its most useful features is its ability to save modern DXF files in older formats. Open a DXF file and then File → Save As, choose DXF R14 for best results with LaserCut 5.3.

openscad.org Although this open source application is primarily used for 3D work, 2D work is also supported by 2D primatives and projection() from 3D objects. OpenSCAD is a programming language rather then a GUI and is great for parametric and computed designs. The DXF output is compatible with LaserCut 5.3.

One useful tip for work which has an outline to be cut and areas to be engraved : use the pattern difference() { outlines; engraved;} to get both sets of paths into the DXF.

Installation Files
While you will still need to use the laser PC for actual use, LaserCut 5.3 can be installed on your own computer (Windows only). The installer is /Just Add Sharks Software/Laser Cutter Software/SetUp.exe within the linked ZIP file.

The main program will not work without a licence, however Lasercut53_Demo.exe in the installation directory will work and import DXF files. File → Save is disabled in this demo however if you exit the program the save dialogue has not been removed, therefore this can be used to check your DXF files and configure your cutting parameters at home. See LaserCut 5.3 File Preparation.

Lightburn is a popular, more functional laser controller application, but sadly only the proprietory LaserCut software will work with the MPC6515 controller in our laser cutter.

Deepnest.io is an open source nesting application, great for laser cutters, plasma cutters, and other CNC machines.

Deepnest packs your parts into a compact area to save material and time. It automatically merges common lines so the laser doesn't cut the same path twice. This not only saves time but improves part quality by avoiding heat warping from multiple laser passes.

DXF for Laser is a Fusion 360 adding for generating DXFs for laser cutting, including a kerf.

By adjusting your geometry for the width of the laser cut you have full control over how tightly your parts fit together. This add-in also supports the creation of multi-layered DXF files, splitting your perimeter and cutouts into their own layers.