# Laser cutting/engraving Using MacOSX , alternate programs

**URL:** <https://forum.snapmaker.com/t/laser-cutting-engraving-using-macosx-alternate-programs/21102>\
**Category:** Snapmaker 2.0 (3-in-1)\
**Created:** [September 26, 2021, 4:35am UTC](https://forum.snapmaker.com/t/laser-cutting-engraving-using-macosx-alternate-programs/21102 "2021-09-26T04:35:53Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![gwfami](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/43a26b/32.png) [@gwfami](https://forum.snapmaker.com/u/gwfami)\
**Post date:** [September 26, 2021, 4:35am UTC](https://forum.snapmaker.com/t/laser-cutting-engraving-using-macosx-alternate-programs/21102/1 "2021-09-26T04:35:53Z")

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I’m getting ready to test out the laser cutting/engrave portion of my A250, but the Luban software leaves a lot to be desired in getting the image ready to engrave. Anyone aware of either a cura mod or another program that would allow better control over the laser g-code?

Thanks,

GWFAMI

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**Author:** ![brent113](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex022/user_avatar/forum.snapmaker.com/brent113/32/11114_2.png) [@brent113](https://forum.snapmaker.com/u/brent113)\
**Post date:** [September 26, 2021, 5:47am UTC](https://forum.snapmaker.com/t/laser-cutting-engraving-using-macosx-alternate-programs/21102/2 "2021-09-26T05:47:13Z")

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[Lightburn](https://lightburnsoftware.com/) is what I use and it works well.

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**Author:** ![sdj544](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex022/user_avatar/forum.snapmaker.com/sdj544/32/11365_2.png) [@sdj544](https://forum.snapmaker.com/u/sdj544)\
**Post date:** [September 26, 2021, 6:33pm UTC](https://forum.snapmaker.com/t/laser-cutting-engraving-using-macosx-alternate-programs/21102/3 "2021-09-26T18:33:20Z")

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If you’re just trying to convert color to b&w and adjust grayscale/contrast etc. then Gimp works really well (and it’s free).  
It has a menu choice called “color to gray” that lets you adjust a bunch of parameters easily. You still will need Luban to create the toolpath.  
It will take some practice and trial and error to get the results you want.  
-S

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**Author:** ![gwfami](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/43a26b/32.png) [@gwfami](https://forum.snapmaker.com/u/gwfami)\
**Post date:** [September 26, 2021, 9:22pm UTC](https://forum.snapmaker.com/t/laser-cutting-engraving-using-macosx-alternate-programs/21102/4 "2021-09-26T21:22:05Z")

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Thanks, I’ve used Gimp for years so that’s an idea. I’ve downloaded Lightburn and will give it a go.

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**Author:** ![sdj544](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex022/user_avatar/forum.snapmaker.com/sdj544/32/11365_2.png) [@sdj544](https://forum.snapmaker.com/u/sdj544)\
**Post date:** [September 26, 2021, 11:53pm UTC](https://forum.snapmaker.com/t/laser-cutting-engraving-using-macosx-alternate-programs/21102/5 "2021-09-26T23:53:17Z")

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Your final output won’t be any better using Lightburn. However the user interface is more friendly and has some functions that may make the path to get there easier.

I recommend taking a small sample (10-15mm square) of your art and repeating it 5-10 times with a range of settings for speed or power to help dial in. Then decide if you want to repeat with a narrower range of settings.

-S