License & FAQs
How the License Works¶
A LightBurn license is a digital key used to unlock the software for permanent use.
Every new license comes with a year of free updates from the date you first activate it. After a year, you'll still be able to use any version of LightBurn released before your license expired, but you'll need to renew your software update period in order to continue receiving updates for another year. If you renew before your key expires, you'll receive an additional two months on your one-year renewal.
The type of license you need depends on the controller used by your laser. LightBurn supports three device types: GCode, DSP, and Galvo.
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LightBurn Core supports GCode-based devices.
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LightBurn Pro supports both DSP and Galvo devices, in addition to GCode-based devices.
If you're not sure what type of license you need, see Identify Your Laser.
If you started with a license that supports one type of device, and now need to use LightBurn with a different type, you can add support for the new device type to your existing key. Please note that adding support for additional devices does not renew your key.
A LightBurn license automatically comes with 3 seats, meaning you can activate it on three computers at one time. You can use our License Portal to view and remove activations on your key, freeing up activations in use on old or inoperable computers so you can activate on new ones.
If you already have a key, you can purchase additional seats here. If you would like to purchase a new key with more seats than the default of 3, or are interested in a Floating license setup, see our Educational and Volume Licensing page.
If you sell your laser and wish to sell your license along with it, that is permitted. Please note that it is not permitted to sell part of your license to someone else.
Have questions? Read our FAQ or contact us at [email protected]
Additional License Information¶
Frequently Asked Questions¶
Is a LightBurn license a subscription?
No. You pay once, and the software will work forever as long as you have your license key.
After a year, you'll need to renew your software update period in order to continue receiving updates.
Which version do I need?
The type of license you need depends on the controller used by your laser. LightBurn supports three device types: GCode, DSP, and Galvo.
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LightBurn Core supports GCode-based devices.
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LightBurn Pro supports both DSP and Galvo devices, in addition to GCode-based devices.
If you're not sure what type of license you need, see Identify Your Laser.
Can I use the same license key on any operating system?
Yes, the same key can be used to activate LightBurn on Windows, macOS, or Linux.
How many computers can I use it on?
A LightBurn License automatically comes with 3 seats, meaning you can activate LightBurn on 3 computers at one time. You can use our License Portal to manage your activations.
If you'd like to activate LightBurn on more than 3 computers, you can purchase additional seats for your license here. The cost of each additional seats depends on your license type.
If you would like to purchase a new key with more seats than the default of 3, or are interested in a Floating license setup, see our Educational and Volume Licensing page.
Does the license expire?
No, but your license's update period has an expiration date — a year from when you first activated it. When the update period ends, the key is still valid, but you won't be able to use any version of LightBurn released after the end of the update period. Any version released before the key expired will continue to work.
My license expired, how do I revert to a compatible version of LightBurn?
To download and revert to a version of LightBurn compatible with your key, visit Releases.
How do renewals work?
If your key's update period has expired, a renewal will add a year of updates, starting from the date you purchase the renewal.
If you renew before your update period expires, the renewal period will be extended starting from the date your key was set to expire. You'll also receive an additional two months on your one-year renewal.
How much is it to renew?
The price to renew your license's update period and receive another year of software updates is $30.
Starting in 2025, the price to renew your license's update period will depend on when you purchased your key, and how long since you last renewed. A renewal is:
- $50, if you're buying updates again after having lapsed (with a big exception for existing customers, see below)
- $45, if you've been paying for software updates for at least a year, including the year that came with a new license purchase
- $40, if you've been paying for software updates continuously for 2+ years
If your license key dates from 2024 or earlier, we will always allow you to buy another year of updates at the lowest offered price, even if you lapse.
Renew your license here.
Do renewals cost more if I have more than 3 seats on my license?
No. The price of a renewal is the same regardless of the number of seats on your license.
Can I add support for a new type of laser to my existing key?
Yes. You can upgrade your license here.
Will I lose support for other devices when upgrading?
No. A license upgrade adds supported device types to your key, but doesn't take any away.
Does adding support for a different device type renew my key?
No. Adding support for a different device type does not renew your key, or affect your key's update period in any way.
I already have a LightBurn license. Can I try a different version before upgrading?
Yes. If you are already have a LightBurn license, but would like to try it with a device type your key does not currently support, go to Help ➝ License Management and click Deactivate License, then Extend Trial.
How do I know when my upgrade has been applied?
Our systems are fully automated, and all upgrades are processed promptly. However, LightBurn will need to contact our licensing server to register any upgrade, and it can take up to 24 hours for LightBurn to sync with the server. You can force LightBurn to check back in by deactivating and then reactivating your key in the License Management window.
How do I know if my license supports my laser?
If you've already activated your license, but aren't sure if it supports your type of laser, go to Help ➝ License Management to see a list of device types supported by your license.
If you're unsure whether your laser is one of the types listed, see Identify Your Laser.
If you're unable to connect to your laser even though it is supported by your license, see Troubleshooting: Connection Problems.
Can I transfer my key to another user?
Yes. You are free to transfer your key to another user, or sell it along with your laser. The recipient will need to contact us with the key in order for us to transfer it to their email address, granting them access to our License Portal.
Please note that selling or sharing individual seats on your license key is not permitted. Keys must be transferred in their entirety, including all seats.
For more help using LightBurn, please visit our forum to talk with LightBurn staff and users, or email support.