Hello, I’ve been a subscriber for about 4 years and I’m used to the fact that the software is constantly updated in exchange for the subscription fee. This hasn’t happened in the past, 1.7 is the last sensible release, but even that still has bugs. Since I see that the development has taken a new direction, lightburn has become secondary to the new software, so I don’t see the point in paying for unreleased updates. Nothing has happened since I extended the license. In such a case, is there a way to cancel the subscription and get a refund?
your using linux then. which is no l;onger being developed.
Although I don’t like that LightBurn has stopped supporting the Linux version of LB, it has been a very long announced process with a well-documented explanation.
1.7.8 is the current (for all versions) and last version for Linux - and it is bug-fixed and still gets system-critical updates. If you have adhered to LightBurn’s requirements for supported OS, which are described very clearly on their homepage, you have a fully functioning LB version, just like I have on my (Linux-Ubuntu) work computer in the workshop and my MacBooks for design with.
“Our” Linux-LB version just doesn’t get an upgrade to LightBurn ver. 2, it’s annoying and you can be upset about it… but that’s the reality. If you have just renewed your LightBurn license, and have not registered that the Linux version stops from ver.1.7.XX, then I think you can possibly get your last deposit back, write an email with your explanation to LightBurn directly and ask nicely. ;-), but stick to the truth regarding errors and shortcomings.
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Email us support@lightburnsoftware.com
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No, I’m using Windows.
I appreciate the transparency in the recent announcement regarding the delay in releasing version 2.0 and the development of MillMage.
However, as a paying subscriber, I would like to express some concern. In previous years, LightBurn users received regular major updates (e.g. 3 in 2024), along with numerous patches. In 2025, so far, we’ve only seen 4 patch updates — which feels like a significant slowdown.
While I fully understand the long-term benefits of moving to Qt6 and sharing code between products, from a customer perspective, this year’s subscription brings far less tangible value than in previous years. It feels like existing subscribers are partially funding the development of a new product (MillMage) that is not included in our subscription.
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It’s fair enough that you feel you don’t get enough for your money. Have you tried contacting Jeramy and canceling your subscription? After that, you can still use LightBurn as long as you want, (with the limitations/bugs you think are in LB.)
…just for my own personal interest, what problems/bugs and shortcomings are you struggling with in LightBurn?
No, before I wrote an email, I thought I’d ask here on the forum first.
There are a few minor issues that I personally don’t mind as long as active development is happening. For example, I’ve encountered:
- Polygon scaling quirks
- Inconsistent localization (commas vs. periods for decimal points)
- PDF import issues
None of these prevent effective work, and I understand that perfection takes time.
My concern is not with the bugs themselves, but rather the development pace and subscription value over time. Here’s a comparison:
- 2022: 2 major releases 5 patches
- 2023: 2 major releases, 2 patches
- 2024: 3 major releases, 14 patches
- 2025 (so far): 0 major releases, 4 patches
This year, for the same subscription cost, we’ve received just a few minor bug fixes, compared to full-featured major updates in previous years.
The issue is not that work isn’t being done — clearly it is — but rather that the benefits for subscribers vary significantly depending on when they happen to renew. Those who subscribed at an “unlucky” time are now at a clear disadvantage.
I appreciate the work being done on LightBurn 2.0 and MillMage, but I hope they will consider a way to make things fairer for subscribers during this transitional period.
Since there’s no real commitment, you can’t get involved in this, but there’s a point when you look at it and say that it’s no longer worth paying for every year, even if I consider LightBurn to be the best software in this segment.
It would be best if there was some kind of accountable commitment behind the subscription, for example a minimum of 1 patches per quarter and 1 major update per year. In this case, it would not depend on the customer’s feelings whether it is worth it, the past would not matter, but it would be clear and transparent what they are paying for. Currently, there is no such thing, so if the intensity decreases, the above questions will appear.
LightBurn licensing is like no other software I’ve dealt with. If you decide not to update you can continue using your current version indefinitely. I know you know this. But, if you decide not to update now and say 2 years from now they allow you to renew at the current rate without needing to “catch up” on the missed time. At least that’s how I have seen it explained. That’s unheard of!
I’m not a programmer and don’t pretend to know what’s involved in keeping a software product up to date, but in my mind, switching the core platform the software is built on is a MAJOR task and they are very close to releasing 2.0. They aren’t sitting on their hands doing nothing.
$30 for a year of updates is incredibly reasonable in my mind. I pay $60 a month for the Adobe Suite and if I stop paying I can no longer use the software.
I’m sorry they aren’t working at a pace that pleases you. Perhaps you should join the development team.
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That’s an interesting point you have. I’ve been somewhat involved in LightBurn’s “growth” as a beta tester and forum supporter on a voluntary basis since 18 or 19, and see the increase or decrease in the number and fixing of bugs, not as a quality or activity barometer. There have been quite a few new tools in the last versions and the number of fixes/improvements has never been higher than in the last upgrades and RC to ver.2.
Of course there is always room for improvement, but honestly, what function, relevant for a serious laser production, are we missing? I’m very excited to see how the development goes with LightBurn.
Tim also has a strong argument in terms of value for money. There is no comparable laser software in this price range that can compete with LightBurn.
But more important to me is that I and everyone who wants to, can actively participate in the development of the program, make suggestions and wishes and the service itself, the way and the speed LightBurn helps people find solutions to problems, is unprecedented.
If you feel that you are not getting enough for your money, wait a few years before updating and then see if you are missing some of the new tools and improvements.
I have heard of people who are still on version 1.2 and are satisfied… so it is possible 
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I only update if I find an added feature that makes it worth it to me,
I don’t just update because a new version came out.
That’s like buying a new Iphone just because.
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The non Chinese laser brands all provide proprietary software that runs their respective lasers. They all work off of a print driver and you design in mostly CorelDraw or Illustrator. My laser is non-Chinese, but I still use LB for DXF to SVG file converter. LB drives a lot of different controllers, so I kind of see the OP point. It is a lot of work to write new and update existing drivers. This doesn’t affect the design portion of the software. The OP can keep using an older version of LB without spending more money.
Polygon scaling quirks Have you posted these quirks so they can be verified. Myself included, “quirks” are sometimes due to not fully understanding the software.
Inconsistent localization (commas vs. periods for decimal points) Do you have a specific language or Lightburn input box in mind? Have you reported it?
PDF import issues This one I love. Do you know how many different versions there are for the “PDF standard” out there? I have never had a single PDF import issue. If you have a rogue PDF file, please share it so we can test it.
I am a programmer (retired) and know no software is is ever really bug free. It is impossible to guess all the different ways someone will use it. It is Bug Reports that help it move towards perfection. Complain or Contribute, pick one.
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LB does not import text in PDF or AI files. Text entities need to be outlined in a program like Adobe Illustrator. Text entities import in DXF and SVG, although some DXF text entities can be a problem.
It would be nice if LB implemented the ODA DXF and DWG routines. Most CAD companies use it, but it would be another cost, and not sure about the bang for the buck.
You are absolutely correct. I had always imported images from PDF files. Any text I did was created within Lightburn or copy/pasted from another document.
Not so correct. I just copy/pasted text from a PDF file I created in Word, then printed to PDF (the same file that would not import). So there was no need for an intermediate step.
But Lightburn is not a CAD program. A lot of people make this assumption.
I admit you have me at a disadvantage. I do not use Adobe Illustrator, AutoCAD, or any other programs like these, although I used them years ago (remember AutoCAD 12?). I do everything within Lightburn, only importing images, SVG’s and DXF’s as needed.
I am unsure what you are doing, but if you are highlighting text in a PDF file, and pasting it into LB, LB does paste SVG code from other programs. It does not import text from my PDF files that are created in Adobe Illustrator CS3, which is 17 years old.
I know there are people that say LB isn’t a CAD program. It is definitely a CAM program with some CAD functionality. I guess I see it as a 2D CAD program, because I can key in x,y coordinates. Just not as easy as a dedicated CAD program
We seem to be agreeing on the same thing. I know how you feel. Adapting to Lightburn was a challenge for me too. I came from the GCode world of different software, but found Lightburn to be a treat to use. Somebody said in another posting that if we had started with Lightburn, all those other softwares would be doing it wrong.
The Lightburn interface is so welcomed by many that they were begging for a version for their CNC milling machines. Fortunately the staff listened and MillMage in in the Release Candidate stage. Of course people are asking for features they are familiar with. Sound like anybody we know? I know I was one of them. 
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Still wish CNC would have been a plug-in for Lightburn. 
I am pretty sure they considered that concept!
MillMage will fill that role:
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Ya, but I like to needle people.
It’s just in my genetic make-up.
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