Frequently Asked Questions

openlaser is a free, web-based application for controlling laser engravers and cutters. It allows you to design, preview, and run jobs directly in your browser without any software installation. You can import various file formats, create designs with layers, and send commands to your laser machine over USB using Web Serial technology.

openlaser is designed for anyone who wants to control a laser engraver or cutter:

• Hobbyists and makers: Perfect for home workshops and small projects
• Small businesses: Create custom products, prototypes, and personalized items
• Educators: Teach laser cutting without software installation requirements
• Producers: Rapid prototyping and creative projects with advanced features

openlaser runs entirely in your browser, requiring no installation or account creation. It's free to use and works offline. The app includes advanced features like image tracing, photo engraving with multiple dithering algorithms, and a built-in virtual machine for practice. It supports a wide range of file formats and has an intuitive interface that's perfect for both beginners and advanced users.

Getting started is simple:

1. Open openlaser.app in Chrome or Edge browser
2. Plug in your GRBL-compatible laser engraver/cutter via USB
3. The app will automatically detect your machine and connect via Web Serial
4. You can also use the built-in virtual machine to practice without hardware
5. Import your designs or create new ones using the tools
6. Preview your toolpath and run your job

Machine control requires Web Serial API, which is available in:

• Google Chrome (desktop)
• Microsoft Edge (desktop)
• Opera (desktop)
• Brave (desktop)

Design, preview, and G-code export features work in other browsers too, but you won't be able to connect to actual hardware.

If your laser doesn't appear in the port list, try these steps:

• Ensure your laser is powered on and properly connected via USB
• Install the appropriate USB driver for your controller:
  • For CH340-based boards: Install CH340 driver
  • For CP210x-based boards: Install CP210x driver
• On Linux, add yourself to the dialout group and log in again
• Try a different USB cable or port
• Check if your laser is compatible with GRBL, grblHAL, or FluidNC

openlaser supports a wide range of file formats:

• Vector formats: SVG, DXF (imported at real size)
• Image formats: PNG, JPEG, WebP, AVIF, BMP, GIF
• Font formats: TTF, OTF, WOFF (for custom text)
• Project files: .olaser (saves your work with images embedded)
• Machine profiles: .json (configuration for different lasers)
• G-code: Can send G-code files directly to the machine

openlaser supports machines running GRBL-based firmware:

• GRBL 1.1: The standard GRBL firmware
• grblHAL: The modular GRBL fork
• FluidNC: Next-generation CNC firmware
• 70+ machine presets: Including Ortur, Sculpfun, Atomstack, Two Trees, Creality and more
• CO₂ lasers: Tubes on GRBL boards connect over USB at constant power
• Ruida machines: Can generate .rd job files for Thunder, Aeon, OMTech and others

The app automatically detects your machine type when you connect.

Yes! openlaser includes powerful photo engraving capabilities:

• Dithering algorithms: Floyd–Steinberg, Atkinson, Jarvis, Stucki, Bayer
• Other modes: Threshold and grayscale engraving
• Live preview: See how your photo will look engraved on the bed
• Adjustable settings: Control contrast, brightness, and dither intensity

You can turn any photo into a beautiful engraving with just a few clicks.

openlaser includes comprehensive design tools:

• Layers: Work with multiple layers in line, fill, and image modes
• Text: Use Google Fonts, system fonts, or custom TTF/OTF/WOFF files
• Shapes: Stars, gears, arrows, hearts, callouts with adjustable parameters
• Basic shapes: Rectangle, ellipse, and polygon tools
• Image tracing: Convert logos and images to clean vector outlines
• Outline tool: Create cut lines around selections at any offset
• Exact placement: X, Y coordinates, width, height, and angle controls

Yes! openlaser is completely free to use. There are no hidden costs, subscription fees, or premium tiers. All features are available to everyone, forever. The app is designed to be accessible to everyone interested in laser cutting and engraving.

No account is required to use openlaser. The app works without any registration or login. Your projects are saved locally in your browser, and you can export them as .olaser files for backup or sharing.

No. openlaser has no feature limitations, usage restrictions, or watermarks. Every feature is available for free, including:

• Unlimited projects
• All design tools and features
• Machine control and job execution
• Export capabilities
• Community support

Your projects are stored locally in your browser's local storage. No data is sent to any servers. This means:

• Your designs remain private on your device
• No internet connection is needed to work on projects
• Full offline functionality
• You have complete control over your data

You can also export your projects as .olaser files to back them up or move them to another device.

Yes, openlaser is designed with security in mind:

• No backend server - all processing happens in your browser
• No collection of personal data or usage statistics
• Web Serial API provides secure, direct communication with your hardware
• Regular updates to address security vulnerabilities

The app has minimal permissions and only accesses necessary system resources for laser control.

Yes! openlaser works completely offline once loaded:

• Design and preview features work without internet
• Machine control works offline after initial connection
• Projects are saved locally and persist across sessions
• Built-in virtual machine for practice without hardware

You only need an internet connection the first time you load the app to cache the necessary files.

There are several ways to get help:

• Documentation: Check the built-in help and tooltips within the app
• Community: Join discussions with other users in the community
• Email support: Contact us at anam.ahmed.a@gmail.com
• Troubleshooting: Use the console and "Download log" feature for hardware issues

To report a bug effectively:

1. Open the developer console in your browser (F12 or Ctrl+Shift+I)
2. Reproduce the issue if possible
3. Press the "Download log" button in the app to capture the machine communication
4. Include steps to reproduce, your browser version, and machine type
5. Email the log file and details to anam.ahmed.a@gmail.com

Yes! openlaser includes several helpful resources:

• First-run tour: A guided introduction to the interface and features
• Tooltips: Helpful hints appear when hovering over controls
• Live previews: See changes in real-time as you adjust settings
• Example projects: Sample designs to help you get started

The app is designed to be intuitive, but the tour is especially helpful for new users.