# LightBurn vs xTool Creative Space / xTool Studio (2026) > LightBurn vs xTool Creative Space, now xTool Studio: which lasers each supports, what LightBurn Core and Pro cost, and how the two workflows differ. - Source: https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/lightburn-vs-xtool-creative-space/ - Markdown version: https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/lightburn-vs-xtool-creative-space.md - Last updated: 2026-10-30 --- - [Home](https://laserengraversguide.com/) - [Guides](https://laserengraversguide.com/guides/) - LightBurn vs. xTool Creative Space (Now xTool Studio): Which Software Do You Need? Software # LightBurn vs. xTool Creative Space (Now xTool Studio): Which Software Do You Need? Updated October 30, 2026 By [Laser Engravers Guide Editorial Team](https://laserengraversguide.com/about/) [How we research](https://laserengraversguide.com/how-we-research/) Prices are approximate and change often, so check the current price before you buy. ## Key takeaways - xTool Creative Space (XCS) has been replaced by **xTool Studio**. XCS stopped at version 2.7 in June 2025, and the P3, F2 and F2 Ultra run only in Studio. - xTool Studio is free and built around xTool's cameras, autofocus and material presets. LightBurn is a paid, brand-neutral program with deeper control. - LightBurn costs **$99 (Core)** for GCode lasers or **$199 (Pro)** for galvo and DSP controllers. Both are perpetual licenses with a year of updates, then $40 a year if you want more. - On our data, the xTool M2, P3 and Glowforge Aura aren't LightBurn machines. The S1, P2S and F1 Ultra work with LightBurn 2.2, the F2 and F2 Ultra only preliminarily, and every Creality, Atomstack, Longer and OMTech model here is supported. - LightBurn doesn't yet support xTool's built-in cameras, so camera placement stays a Studio feature. ## Our top picks - 1![xTool S1 40W Enclosed Diode Laser](https://laserengraversguide.com/_astro/xtool-s1-40w.BYUVEG1P_uSsS4.webp)Runs both xTool Studio and LightBurn[xTool S1 40W Enclosed Diode Laser](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-s1-40w/)40 W diode · Enclosed · 498 × 319 mm8.5**$$$**$PremiumPrice tier: Premium[Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQ84BDTX?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) - 2![Creality Falcon A1 Pro 20W](https://laserengraversguide.com/_astro/creality-falcon-a1-pro-20w.uHe_1xlH_oxTpc.webp)Free Falcon Design Space, or LightBurn Core[Creality Falcon A1 Pro 20W](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/creality-falcon-a1-pro-20w/)20 W diode · Enclosed · 358 × 268 mm8.2**$$**$$Mid-rangePrice tier: Mid-range[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FDFFN85C?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) - 3![xTool M2 10W Color Craft Laser](https://laserengraversguide.com/_astro/xtool-m2-10w.qZctskiw_1HTKMd.webp)xTool Studio only, and that's fine for most beginners[xTool M2 10W Color Craft Laser](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-m2-10w/)10 W diode · Enclosed · 426 × 320 mm8.5**$**$$$BudgetPrice tier: Budget[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GSVLTBH4?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) ### On this page 7 sections - [First, the name: Creative Space is now xTool Studio](#first-the-name-creative-space-is-now-xtool-studio) - [Which machines support which](#which-machines-support-which) - [What each costs](#what-each-costs) - [How the workflows differ](#how-the-workflows-differ) - [Who should use which](#who-should-use-which) - [Bottom line](#bottom-line) - [FAQ](#faq) ## Before you choose - [How to Choose a Laser Engraver: Type, Format, Power, Size and Software](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/how-to-choose-a-laser-engraver/) - [The Best Laser Engraver for Beginners in 2026: 5 Safe, Easy Picks](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/best-laser-engraver-for-beginners/) - [The Best Laser Engraver for Small Business in 2026: Picks by Product Line](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/best-laser-engraver-for-small-business/) The software question usually comes up after people have chosen a machine, when it should come up before. A laser that only runs its maker’s app is easier to start with but harder to leave; a LightBurn-compatible machine gives you one tool that works across brands. This guide compares the two options xTool owners most often weigh, using maker documentation and our [comparison data](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/). We haven’t run a hands-on software test. ## First, the name: Creative Space is now xTool Studio xTool Creative Space (XCS) was xTool’s free design-and-control app for years. xTool has replaced it with xTool Studio. According to xTool’s support center, the final XCS version was 2.7 in June 2025, new devices and features go only into Studio, and the P3, F2 and F2 Ultra are supported only in Studio. Studio and XCS install separately, so updating doesn’t delete XCS, and xTool provides a guide for migrating material parameters. Our data lists software as “xTool Creative Space / xTool Studio” for older machines like the S1 and P2S, which ran XCS at launch. Everything below about xTool’s software applies to Studio. ## Which machines support which | Machine | Maker software (free) | LightBurn support | | --- | --- | --- | | [xTool M2 10W](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-m2-10w/) | xTool Studio | No | | [xTool F2](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-f2/) | xTool Studio | Preliminary, LightBurn 2.2+ | | [xTool F1 Ultra](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-f1-ultra/) | xTool Studio | Yes, LightBurn 2.2+ on current firmware | | [xTool P3](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-p3/) | xTool Studio | No | | [xTool S1 40W](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-s1-40w/) | Creative Space / Studio | Yes | | [xTool P2S](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-p2s/) | Studio / Creative Space | Yes, but xTool’s cameras don’t work | | [xTool F2 Ultra](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-f2-ultra/) | xTool Studio | Preliminary, LightBurn 2.2+ | | [Creality Falcon A1C](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/creality-falcon-a1c-10w/), [A1](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/creality-falcon-a1-10w/), [A1 Pro](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/creality-falcon-a1-pro-20w/) | Falcon Design Space | Yes | | [Atomstack A20 Pro V2](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/atomstack-a20-pro-v2/) | Atomstack app, LaserGRBL | Yes | | [Longer Ray5 40W](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/longer-ray5-40w/) | LaserBurn, LaserGRBL | Yes | | [OMTech K40+](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/omtech-k40-plus-45w/) | LaserGRBL (pre-installed) | Yes | | [ComMarker B4](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/commarker-b4-20w/) | EZCAD2 | Yes, with a galvo-capable license | | [LaserPecker LP5](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/laserpecker-lp5/) | LaserPecker Design Space | Yes | | [Glowforge Aura](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/glowforge-aura/) | Glowforge web app | No | How xTool’s LightBurn support stands. LightBurn 2.2 added an xTool device type. Its support table (dated October 6, 2026) lists the S1, F1, F1 Ultra and P2S as supported, and the F2, F2 Ultra, F2 Ultra Single and P2 as “functional, but needs further testing”. It lists the P3, M1, M1 Ultra and M2 as unsupported. The F1 Ultra needs current xTool firmware (40.52.016.05 or higher for the Class 4 model, 40.53.007.05 or higher for the Class 1 model). xTool’s F2 FAQ, updated October 12, 2026, answers “Yes” to LightBurn, and both companies call F2 support preliminary. LightBurn also says xTool’s built-in cameras aren’t supported yet, so camera placement stays an xTool Studio feature. Our advice: if LightBurn is a must, buy a machine with long-established support (the S1, P2S or any Creality), and treat F-series support as a bonus that’s still maturing. ## What each costs xTool Studio: free with xTool machines. Its AI design tools use paid credits, but the core design and machine-control features don’t. Other maker apps: Falcon Design Space, Atomstack’s app, LaserBurn and LaserGRBL are free. LightBurn, per its pricing page: | | LightBurn Core | LightBurn Pro | | --- | --- | --- | | Price | $99 one-time | $199 one-time | | Runs | GCode lasers (GRBL, Marlin, Smoothieware) | Everything in Core plus DSP (Ruida, TopWisdom, Trocen, Epilog) and galvo (EZCad2, EZCad3, BSL) controllers | | Updates | One year included, then $40/year (optional) | Same | | Extra | | True Nest | Both licenses are perpetual: when the update year ends, the version you have keeps working. Upgrading Core to Pro later costs $100. LightBurn offers a free trial from its download page. Which license fits our machines? The Creality Falcons, Atomstack and Longer are GCode diodes, so Core. The ComMarker B4 runs EZCAD2, a galvo controller, so Pro; our data notes its LightBurn galvo license is sold separately. The K40+ ships with LaserGRBL, which suggests a GRBL controller and Core, but confirm with OMTech. For xTool and LaserPecker machines, check LightBurn’s hardware compatibility matrix before buying a license. Glowforge is different: the Aura needs Glowforge’s cloud and Wi-Fi to run, and Reviewed put its Premium subscription, which unlocks the best of the design catalog, at $239 a year. Glowforge’s late-2025 restructuring through an Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors, after which its co-founders bought back the assets, makes a cloud-tethered workflow a bigger bet than a local app. ## How the workflows differ ### xTool Studio: built around the hardware Studio’s strength is that it knows the machine. On camera-equipped xTool lasers you see the bed, drag the design onto the blank and frame it. xTool lists batch fill for runs of personalized pieces, smart nesting, rotary and result previews, a material library with parameter presets, more than 10,000 templates and AI image tools. It runs on Windows and macOS and works with mobile devices, and xTool says one computer can control several xTool devices. Machine-specific features stay in Studio. Per xTool, LightBurn on the S1 handles focusing, framing and the RA2 Pro rotary but not curved-surface mode or material thickness measurement. On the P2S, LightBurn works without camera or autofocus support in our data. For a camera-first beginner on an [M2](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-m2-10w/), Studio is the whole point. ### LightBurn: one program, more control LightBurn’s strength is depth and portability. It’s a full design suite (vector editing, image tracing, boolean tools, offsets, variable text for serial numbers or names), plus job tools like kerf offset, 10 image-engraving modes and GCode customization. It supports controllers from many brands, so a shop with a Creality diode and a ComMarker fiber can use one program and one file library. It runs locally on your computer. The trade-offs: it costs money, it has a steeper learning curve, and on machines with cameras and autofocus from xTool, you lose some of those conveniences. ## Who should use which - **First laser, camera-guided, mostly gifts and crafts:** use the maker’s free app. xTool Studio on an M2 or Falcon Design Space on a Falcon is enough to learn on. See [best laser engraver for beginners](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/best-laser-engraver-for-beginners/). - **You already know LightBurn, or own two brands:** buy a LightBurn-compatible machine. The [S1 40W](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-s1-40w/) and [P2S](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-p2s/) give you xTool hardware with a LightBurn escape hatch; the [Falcon A1 Pro](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FDFFN85C?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20) (about $1,099) runs on a $99 Core license. - **Small business doing serial numbers and batch jobs:** both work. Studio’s batch fill suits camera-placed runs on xTool machines; LightBurn’s variable text and nesting suit mixed-brand shops. See [best laser engraver for small business](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/best-laser-engraver-for-small-business/). - **Fiber metal marking:** EZCAD is clunky, and LightBurn Pro is the common upgrade for machines like the [ComMarker B4](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/commarker-b4-20w/). - **You want a guaranteed future:** prefer local software (Studio’s desktop app, LightBurn or a maker app) over a cloud-only workflow. ## Bottom line Start with the free maker software. xTool Studio is a good app built around xTool’s cameras, and it’s the only option on the M2 and P3, and the only way to use xTool’s cameras on any machine. Pay for LightBurn when you need one program across machines, more control over cuts and text, or a workflow that isn’t tied to one brand, and in that case buy hardware with established LightBurn support. Prices for machines change often, so check today’s price, but the $99 or $199 LightBurn license is a one-time cost. ## Don't guess. Calculate. - [🎯 Laser Matcher](https://laserengraversguide.com/tools/laser-matcher/): which lasers fit your projects - [🧪 Material Checker](https://laserengraversguide.com/tools/material-checker/): what each laser can cut - [💰 Profit Calculator](https://laserengraversguide.com/tools/profit-calculator/): cost, price and payback - [📊 Compare every laser](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/): sortable spec table ## Frequently asked questions ### Is xTool Creative Space still available? It still runs, but xTool calls it legacy software: the last version was 2.7 in June 2025 and new features go only into xTool Studio. Installing Studio doesn't remove XCS, and xTool provides a guide to migrate your material settings. ### Does xTool work with LightBurn? Some models do. Per LightBurn's 2.2 support table (October 2026), the S1, P2S and F1 Ultra are supported (the F1 Ultra on current xTool firmware), and the F2, F2 Ultra and F2 Ultra Single are functional but still need testing. The M2 and P3 aren't supported. xTool's built-in cameras don't work in LightBurn on any model yet. ### Do I need LightBurn Core or Pro? Core covers GCode lasers, which includes most diode machines such as the Creality Falcons, Atomstack and Longer models. Pro adds galvo controllers (EZCad2, EZCad3, BSL) and DSP controllers (Ruida, TopWisdom, Trocen), so a ComMarker B4 on EZCAD2 needs Pro. For xTool and LaserPecker machines, check LightBurn's hardware compatibility matrix. ### Is xTool Studio free? Yes, it's free to download and use with xTool machines. The exception is its AI design tools, which use paid credits. ## Sources - [LightBurn: Which version of LightBurn is right for you?](https://lightburnsoftware.com/pages/which-version-of-lightburn-is-right-for-you) · checked 2026-10-30 — Core $99 (GCode lasers), Pro $199 (adds DSP and galvo controllers); perpetual licenses with a year of updates; renewals $40/year; Core-to-Pro upgrade $100 - [LightBurn User Guide (2.2): xTool device support](https://docs.lightburnsoftware.com/2.2/Reference/DeviceTypes/xTool/) · checked 2026-10-30 — xTool cameras not yet supported; support table as of Oct 6, 2026 lists S1, F1 Ultra, P2S as supported, F2 family as functional but needing testing, P3, M1 Ultra and M2 as unsupported - [xTool Support: Transition from XCS to xTool Studio](https://support.xtool.com/article/2909) · checked 2026-10-30 — Final XCS version is 2.7 (June 2025); P3, F2, F2 Ultra and post-August 2025 products are supported only in xTool Studio - [xTool Support: xTool F2 FAQ](https://support.xtool.com/article/2818) · checked 2026-10-30 — F2 runs xTool Studio on Windows and macOS with mobile compatibility; FAQ updated Oct 12, 2026 answers yes to LightBurn compatibility - [xTool: xTool Studio Desktop](https://www.xtool.com/pages/software) · checked 2026-10-30 — 10,000+ templates, smart nesting, batch fill, rotary and result previews, and control of multiple xTool devices from one computer ## Get new guides by e-mail One short e-mail when Laser Engravers Guide publishes a new guide. No spam, no sharing your address, and you can unsubscribe in one click. E-mail address New posts only · Unsubscribe anytime · [Privacy](https://laserengraversguide.com/privacy/) Our #1 pick Runs both xTool Studio and LightBurn ![xTool S1 40W Enclosed Diode Laser](https://laserengraversguide.com/_astro/xtool-s1-40w.BYUVEG1P_Z1OUPQ.webp) ### [xTool S1 40W Enclosed Diode Laser](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-s1-40w/) 8.5 - 40 W diode - Enclosed - 498 × 319 mm - Bare metal Small shops and serious hobbyists who want the most cutting power you can safely run in a home or office without moving to CO2. [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQ84BDTX?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20)[Read the full review](https://laserengraversguide.com/laser-engravers/xtool-s1-40w/) [🎯 Not sure which fits? Match a laser to your materials, space and budget in 30 seconds.](https://laserengraversguide.com/tools/laser-matcher/)[🧪 Can it cut that? Check any material against diode, CO2 and fiber lasers.](https://laserengraversguide.com/tools/material-checker/) ## Keep reading [Buying guide ### How to Choose a Laser Engraver: Type, Format, Power, Size and Software A step-by-step way to choose a laser engraver: pick the laser type for your materials, then the format, real optical power, work area, software and the extras. Updated Oct 30, 2026](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/how-to-choose-a-laser-engraver/)[Beginners ### The Best Laser Engraver for Beginners in 2026: 5 Safe, Easy Picks The best laser engravers for beginners: enclosed Class 1 machines with cameras and simple software, from the xTool M2 to the Falcon A1C, plus what to skip. Updated Oct 30, 2026](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/best-laser-engraver-for-beginners/)[Business ### The Best Laser Engraver for Small Business in 2026: Picks by Product Line The best laser engravers for a small business in 2026, matched to what you sell: xTool F1 Ultra, P2S, F2 Ultra, F2 and more, plus how to run the profit numbers. Updated Oct 30, 2026](https://laserengraversguide.com/posts/best-laser-engraver-for-small-business/) Runs both xTool Studio and LightBurn xTool S1 40W $$$$ Premium Price tier: Premium [Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQ84BDTX?tag=laserengraversguide.com-20)