https://github.com/barebaric/rayforge
A software for laser cutters and engravers
https://github.com/barebaric/rayforge
cadcam engraving gcode gcode-generation gcode-sender gcode-visualizer laser-cutting
Last synced: 4 days ago
JSON representation
A software for laser cutters and engravers
- Host: GitHub
- URL: https://github.com/barebaric/rayforge
- Owner: barebaric
- License: mit
- Created: 2025-02-04T16:20:27.000Z (over 1 year ago)
- Default Branch: main
- Last Pushed: 2026-05-16T13:57:13.000Z (6 days ago)
- Last Synced: 2026-05-16T14:25:40.642Z (6 days ago)
- Topics: cadcam, engraving, gcode, gcode-generation, gcode-sender, gcode-visualizer, laser-cutting
- Language: Python
- Homepage: https://rayforge.org
- Size: 66.3 MB
- Stars: 202
- Watchers: 7
- Forks: 31
- Open Issues: 10
-
Metadata Files:
- Readme: README.md
- Changelog: CHANGELOG.md
- License: LICENSE
- Agents: AGENTS.md
Awesome Lists containing this project
README
[](https://github.com/barebaric/rayforge/releases/)
[](https://pypi.org/project/rayforge/)
[](https://snapcraft.io/rayforge)
[](https://launchpad.net/~knipknap/+archive/ubuntu/rayforge)
[](https://opensource.org/licenses/MIT)
[](https://snapcraft.io/rayforge)
# Rayforge
Rayforge is a modern, cross-platform 2D CAD, G-code sender and control software for GRBL, Marlin, Ruida, and
Smoothieware-based laser cutters and engravers.
Built with Gtk4 and Libadwaita, it provides a clean, native interface for Linux, MacOS and Windows, offering a full suite of tools
for both hobbyists and professionals.
You can also check the [official Rayforge homepage](https://rayforge.org).
We also have a [Discord](https://discord.gg/sTHNdTtpQJ).
## Key Features
### Design & Editing
| Feature | Description |
| :--------------------------- | :-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Parametric Sketch Editor** | Create precise, constraint-based 2D designs with geometric and dimensional constraints. |
| **Comprehensive 2D Canvas** | Full suite of tools: alignment, transformation, measurement, zoom, pan, and more. |
| **Multi-Layer Operations** | Assign different operations (e.g., engrave then cut) to layers in your design. |
| **Stock Material System** | Document-level stock with geometry, thickness, and material assignment. |
| **Undo/Redo** | Full undo/redo support across all document operations. |
| **Broad File Support** | Import from SVG, DXF, PDF, JPEG, PNG, BMP, and Ruida (`.rd`). Export to SVG and DXF. |
| **Project Files (.ryp)** | Compressed project format preserving all assets, layers, and configurations. |
### Operations & Toolpaths
| Feature | Description |
| :--------------------------- | :--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Versatile Operations** | Supports Contour, Raster Engraving (with cross-hatch fill), Shrink Wrap, Depth Engraving, and Frame. |
| **2.5D Cutting** | Multi-pass cuts with configurable step-down for thick materials. |
| **True 4th Axis Support** | Full rotary axis support - as 4th axis, or axis replacement mode for hobby machines. |
| **Animated 3D Simulation** | Simulate toolpaths in 3D with animated playback, scrubber, and speed control. |
| **Holding Tabs** | Add tabs to contour cuts. Supports manual and automatic placement. |
| **Overscan & Kerf Comp.** | Improve engraving quality with overscan; ensure dimensional accuracy with kerf compensation. |
| **Dithering Algorithms** | Floyd-Steinberg and Bayer ordered dithering for high-quality raster engraving. |
| **Post-Processors** | Lead-in/lead-out, merge overlapping lines, and crop toolpaths to stock boundary. |
| **Advanced Path Generation** | Image tracing, travel time optimization, path smoothing, and spot size interpolation. |
### Machine Control
| Feature | Description |
| :------------------------------ | :--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Multi-Machine Profiles** | Configure and instantly switch between multiple machine profiles. |
| **Device Profiles** | Declarative device packages with import/export for sharing configurations. |
| **Work Coordinate Systems** | 6 WCS (G54-G59) with per-layer assignment for cutting at different offsets. |
| **No-Go Zones** | Define restricted areas with collision detection before sending G-code. |
| **Machine Hours & Maintenance** | Track operating hours with configurable maintenance counters and notification thresholds. |
| **GRBL Firmware Settings** | Read and write firmware parameters (`$$`) directly from the UI. |
| **Arc & Bezier Curves** | Native G2/G3 arc and G5 bezier curve support with automatic linearization. |
| **Multi-Laser Operations** | Choose different lasers for each operation in a job. |
| **G-code Dialects** | Supports GRBL, Smoothieware, Marlin, LinuxCNC, Mach4, and custom dialects via built-in editor. |
| **G-code Macros & Hooks** | Run custom G-code snippets before/after jobs. Supports variable substitution. |
| **Pre-flight Checks** | Validates bounds, work area, and no-go zone collisions before sending a job. |
| **G-code Console** | Interactive console with syntax highlighting and search. |
### Materials & Presets
| Feature | Description |
| :----------------------- | :---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Material Library** | 60+ built-in materials across categories with search and user-created material libraries. |
| **Recipe/Preset System** | Auto-matching presets by material, thickness, machine, and laser head with specificity scoring. |
| **Material Test Grid** | Generate power/speed test grids to find optimal laser settings for a given material. |
### Workflow & Automation
| Feature | Description |
| :-------------------------- | :-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Camera Integration** | USB camera for workpiece alignment, positioning, background tracing, and fisheye calibration. |
| **AI Workpiece Generation** | Generate SVG workpieces from text prompts using OpenAI-compatible AI providers. |
| **Print & Cut Alignment** | Align cuts to printed material using registration marks with a guided wizard. |
| **Headless/CLI Mode** | Worker-only mode without UI for batch processing and automation. |
| **Projector Mode** | Project toolpaths onto your machine bed for alignment. |
### Platform & Extensibility
| Feature | Description |
| :----------------- | :------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Modern UI** | Polished UI built with Gtk4 and Libadwaita. Supports system, light, and dark themes. |
| **Addon System** | Built-in addon manager for installing and managing community extensions. |
| **Extensible** | Open development model makes it easy to [add support for new devices](website/docs/developer/driver.md). |
| **Cross-Platform** | Native builds for Linux, Mac and Windows. |
| **Multi-Language** | Available in English, Portuguese, Spanish, German, French, Ukrainian, and Chinese. |
| **Update Checker** | Automatic background check for new versions via the GitHub Releases API. |
### Device Support
| Device Type | Connection Method | Notes |
| :--------------- | :---------------------- | :------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **GRBL** | Serial Port | Supported since version 0.13. The most common connection type. |
| **GRBL** | Telnet | Supported since version 0.16. |
| **GRBL** | Network (WiFi/Ethernet) | Connect to any GRBL device on your network. |
| **Smoothieware** | Telnet | Supported since version 0.15. |
| **Marlin** | Serial Port | Supported since version 1.7.2. |
| **Ruida** | Network (UDP) | Connect to Ruida-based controllers via UDP. |
| **OctoPrint** | Network (HTTP API) | Connect through an OctoPrint server. |
## Installation
For installation instructions [refer to our homepage](https://rayforge.org/docs/getting-started/installation).
## Development
For detailed information about developing for Rayforge, including setup instructions,
testing, and contribution guidelines, please see the
[Developer Documentation](https://rayforge.org/docs/latest/developer/getting-started/).
## License
This project is licensed under the **MIT License**. See the `LICENSE` file for details.