LightBurn vs Affinity
Side-by-side comparison for macOS
LightBurn
6.0Layout, editing, and control software for laser cutters
Affinity
8.0Image editing and design software
| Metric | LightBurn | Affinity |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Productivity | Media & Design |
| AI Score | 6.0 | 8.0 |
| 30-day Installs | 12 | 921 |
| 90-day Installs | 47 | 2.7K |
| 365-day Installs | 215 | 8.7K |
| Version | 2.0.05 | 3.2.0,4351 |
| Auto-updates | No | Yes |
| Deprecated | No | No |
| GitHub Stars | 1 | 789 |
| GitHub Forks | - | 200 |
| Open Issues | - | 19 |
| License | — | Unlicense |
| Language | — | — |
| Last GitHub Commit | 7mo ago | 1y ago |
| First Seen | Dec 29, 2023 | Oct 30, 2025 |
Reviews
LightBurn
LightBurn is a specialized software for laser cutter layout, editing, and control, catering to professionals and hobbyists who need precise laser cutting solutions.
LightBurn provides tools for designing and controlling laser cutting operations.
Pros
- + Specialized for laser cutting operations
- + Integrates well with macOS ecosystem
- + Dedicated user base in specific industries
Cons
- - No auto-update feature
- - Limited community and support
- - End of Linux support impacts some users
Affinity
Affinity is a powerful image editing and design software offering raster and vector capabilities. It's known for its professional-grade tools, intuitive interface, and cross-platform support. Ideal for designers, illustrators, and photographers seeking an affordable alternative to Adobe products.
Provides raster and vector graphic design tools for editing and creating professional-quality images.
Pros
- + Affordable with a free version available
- + Professional-grade design tools
- + Cross-platform support
Cons
- - Some open issues in the GitHub repository
- - Recent acquisition may impact future development