We’ve discussed doing something like this in the future, but supporting only the Pi, for example. Right now, the architecture isn’t conducive to making a change like that. I will say, it’s not just “graphical” or “control” or “packaging” issues. We’ve got all of them and then some. For example, cameras would have to attach to the ‘server’ side and camera support is one of our many issue on Linux.
Half kidding, half serious: Maybe Jason can talk to The Qt Company( really their name? ) and get funding for improving their camera libraries. Seems a shame to have LightBurn do all that work outside of Qt when the whole Qt ecosystem could benefit.
With AI being ‘the next big thing’ and image processing being a big part of many AI projects it would seem they, The Qt Company, would love having Qt improved and hopefully fund it.
You know, because funding things is one of the parts of the ‘dropping Linux development’ issues.
I want to say: LightBurn is fantastic, and really a lovely welcome change for the maker/creator community to have an independent, small business create a great application full of useful features and innovations. The Linux support was really the icing, further promoting the feeling of ‘here’s a great tool that’s part of a community’.
(I’m assuming small business, I didn’t check… I mean, not just more Adobe. I liked Bibble for photography too, for similar reasons; until they got bought by Coral and then the writing’s on the wall…)
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Now after reading all this, and other forums where this topic has come up, you just have to think of it this way…
Imagine you’re new with computers, and you want to get into the laser game. You find Lightburn and you think it’s the software for you. Let’s consider just the installation process, nevermind getting the OS setup.
Linux-
Is the flavor I’m using supported?
I’ve downloaded the software, how do I install it? Package manager? Command Line? Do I need to compile it from source? What’s a dependency, where do I get those? Etc., Etc., Etc. Then MAYBE it will work.
Windows-
Double click downloaded file.
Click next a few times.
Done.
Mac
Move downloaded file to folder.
Done.
Also consider that as I write this global market share of personal computer operating systems is
Windows 72% MacOS 15% and Linux 4.5%.
As much as I hate the direction Windows is going lately, If I were starting a business that relied on this software even before the announcement, I’d still use Windows or MacOS. If Linux was more popular, and more user friendly, I would think it would be different.
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I was a Microsoft professional as this provided the bread and butter to survive life, but I love using Linux. As much as I hate the direction Windows is going lately I can see the reasoning behind the decision to stop Linux support for Lightburn. Being a pensioner now, it does unfortunately not include a nice income to buy new Windows hardware and/or software.
I have used the Linux versions without problems and have faithfully upgraded my license every time. When I used the software on Windows it was point and shoot and miss with errors.
So in short I am disappointed, but do appreciate the time and effort put into the Linux version.
It goes without saying that I shall not renew my license.
Do you need to turn the computer on? Can you do it while driving or in a hot air balloon? So many questions making life confusing. Or, RTFM - Linux Installation - LightBurn Documentation
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For those looking for something open source, supported and with camera and materials support( Ruida too ), take a look at VisiCut. It’s been used in FabLabs around the world for over 10 years.
But remember, LightBurn v1.7 will continue to work on Linux even after they stop releasing builds.
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I feel like pointing this out is just proving my point.
So you have learned only one way to install software on Windows( or Mac ) and because there are, and have been many ways to install applications on UNIX based systems that’s bad and confusing?
Hence my point many messages ago that most Windows users are, let me say, narrowly focused. Now, what brings YOU to this discussion thread since Linux is too difficult because LightBurn supports 3 different installation methods?
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I was really disappointed by the news, I hate it, but I certainly understand it. Thanks for being so open about the numbers - I’m quite surprised the Linux user base is so small… It unfortunately makes little to no financial sense.
I absolutely loathe the direction Windows 11 is going with all the ads and crap it’s pushing, so I’ll probably have to stay on the last Linux version indefinitely. However, despite that I might still renew my license, just to support you. I really like how you do things! 
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My issue is about my capital investments in equipment that each successive windows “upgrade” makes obsolete, consequently it forces me to (at present) to maintain older computers running older software (AutoCAD, and other now-subscription based) just to keep the equipment useful. Windows has been a disaster to maintain in my little one man shop with so many security holes, bloatware and snooping.added to each “new” version. Hence my desire to switch os. Plotters, CNC, printers, 3D printers and other shop peripherals
.
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I’m sorry you’re making this decision.
I read that you have a hard time maintaining libraries and other objections. And although I’m not a programmer, I know that flatpak packages could solve this since they keep all their libraries independent of each other without updates affecting the program’s operation.
Flatpak is a software packaging and distribution technology for Linux that allows you to create, distribute, install, and run applications independently of the Linux distribution or version on which they run. This technology focuses on making it easier to install and update user-facing applications, such as video editors, chat programs, and more, without affecting or interfering with other programs installed on the system.
Key features
Packaging: Flatpak packages applications along with all their dependencies into a single container, ensuring that the application works consistently on any Linux distribution that supports Flatpak.
In short, there are possibilities but they don’t want to do it.
I am a programmer and we did look at Flatpak and even tried it out. It doesn’t solve all of our problems, I promise. 
And for what it’s worth, I don’t think we’ve ever said that we “can’t” do any of this. Just that it’s delaying other things and not worthwhile given the extremely small comparative Linux base.
I keep reading these posts… I’m sad as I will always mostly use Linux in some form as it doesn’t have anything hidden.
I have a Mac, that I don’t use, so I’ll drag it out and ensure it all works if I need something in an update…
I wish to thank Lightburn for us Linux users that have added costs to Lightburn. I know we’ve basically getting welfare out of Lightburns’ other users pockets (Windows/Mac)
All good things must end, such is life
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At the beginning when Oz started building LB, there were many Linux people who were the first to help with ideas and suggestions, later they helped to help other new users… I don’t think it’s right to say that “linuxers” has always been a bad business, certainly not.
It is in the future, the money lies elsewhere, and there is no more space and use for Linux users.
But, I am also a pragmatist and will update my LB license like all the other years on my Mac and use the 1.7 version for the laser itself with the Linux version.
LB is still the best program for laser machine use, but now more money needs to be made, there is nothing wrong with that.
(Linux) People just have to remember, don’t get too emotionally attached to a commercial product just because you’ve been “a little involved” for a few years…
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That wasn’t the meaning or intent.
There is Windows/Mac/Linux support/development … we each take up 1/3 the development time, but Linux user base is about 1% of it’s base.. It sure doesn’t pay for itself.. meaning Windows/Mac users are paying for the 99% remaining support.
There was never an intent to the negative about Linux, just that the people who comparably paid for the other 99% of the total costs… we got welfare from them..
I do agree that getting fixated on a commercial product for Linux is questionable…
Glad I was along for the ride, it was and still is great…
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Between the end of April and the beginning of May, we were hit by floods that destroyed 70% of the state where I live in Brazil. After that, we experienced three months of light rains and intense humidity, causing our homes to be overtaken by mold. Now that I’ve managed to rebuild my workshop and am ready to get back to work, I downloaded the latest version of LightBurn only to discover that my license expired 9 days ago and that Linux support will be discontinued. I apologize for venting, but I feel overwhelmed by life. It would be a kind gesture to waive the license renewal for the 1% of us who suffer from unrequited love before everything ends. I truly cannot see myself migrating to Windows after 20 years of using Linux, nor can I afford to buy a machine just for that, as I am a retired hobbyist of 60 years who makes toys for my 6-year-old son.
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Lucas, I would like to pay for your license renewal.
Can someone at LightBurn PM me about doing this for him?
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@DougL & @Mauricio We’ve actually already decided to push the validity date of any license that’s ever used Linux out through to the end of the year to ensure that those who do use Linux can use the last v1.7 release. We’re going to automate that process, we just haven’t done it yet, mainly because 1.7 isn’t actually out yet. But please be assured that everyone who has ever used LightBurn on Linux will be able to use that final release at no extra renewal cost.
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Thanks Adam, a little sunshine Lucas can use right about now. 
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