Source: LightBurn

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Dark Mode

LightBurn Releases Version 2.0 with a New Backend Framework and Experimental Tools

by Shawn Frey
Published Jul 8, 2025

The new version introduces dark mode, experimental Labs features, a node toolbar, and more.

LightBurn, the popular laser cutter control software, released version 2.0, marking a significant update powered by a new backend framework, Qt 6. According to the developers, this modern framework “greatly expands the range of features and UI changes that our developers can implement,” which may already be appearing in this release.

One of the most notable additions is “Labs”, a new category for experimental tools. The first tool in this category is a new camera calibration process using AprilTags. It’s the only Labs tool announced for now, but it sounds like we can expect more in the future.

LightBurn’s experimental camera calibration tool uses live tracking of AprilTags (Source: LightBurn)

The update announcement referenced subtle changes to LightBurn’s UI in this version, including dark mode, which should make folks enthusiastic about the style very happy.

In terms of functional changes, shapes have received a few updates. New shapes are available, and editing shapes has been improved with a new setting to automatically switch to Select mode after drawing a shape. Perhaps most importantly, a new node toolbar should make working with shapes a little easier: a contextual toolbar will now appear after selecting Edit Nodes that displays each editing option – no need for keyboard shortcuts anymore (but they’ll still work).

There are also compatibility changes: LightBurn 2.0 is only compatible with Windows 10 and MacOS 11 or newer. The software has received a final “legacy release” for operating systems no longer supported, but the team warns there won’t be anymore.

Those are the headlines, but there are more new features including an updated camera control window, better tool organization with stacked Boolean operations, and independent design and machine units. You can find LightBurn 2.0, its legacy release, and the full changelog on LightBurn’s website.

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