Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

MatterControl VS LaserGRBL

Compare MatterControl VS LaserGRBL and see what are their differences

MatterControl logo MatterControl

MatterControl is a free, open source app that lets you organize and manage your 3D prints.

LaserGRBL logo LaserGRBL

LaserGRBL for Microsoft Windows is an all-in-one, open-source GCode streamer for DIY Laser Engraver developed using pure C# code.
  • MatterControl Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-13
  • LaserGRBL Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-19

MatterControl features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    MatterControl offers a clean and intuitive interface that makes it easier for beginners to navigate 3D printing settings and options.
  • Comprehensive Features
    MatterControl includes a wide range of features, such as 3D model design, slicing, and printer management, providing a robust solution for 3D printing enthusiasts.
  • Multi-Platform Support
    MatterControl is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, allowing users to access it from different operating systems.
  • Customizable Print Settings
    Users have extensive control over print settings, enabling fine-tuning of parameters for optimized print quality and performance.
  • Integrated Design Tools
    The software integrates well with design tools, allowing users to create and modify designs directly within the application.

Possible disadvantages of MatterControl

  • Resource-Intensive
    MatterControl can be demanding on system resources, leading to slower performance on older or less powerful computers.
  • Learning Curve
    Although the interface is user-friendly, the extensive features and options may require a learning curve for users new to 3D printing.
  • Limited Printer Compatibility
    Some users might encounter compatibility issues if their specific 3D printer model is not supported by MatterControl's default settings.
  • Potential Software Bugs
    Users have reported occasional software bugs, which can impact the reliability and stability of the application during use.
  • Lack of Advanced Features for Professionals
    While MatterControl is great for hobbyists, it might lack some advanced features required by professionals in the 3D printing industry.

LaserGRBL features and specs

  • Cost
    LaserGRBL is a free software, making it cost-effective for hobbyists and small businesses who may not have the budget for expensive software solutions.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    LaserGRBL provides a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate, making it accessible for beginners in laser engraving.
  • Compatibility
    It is compatible with the popular GRBL open-source firmware, allowing it to work with a wide range of laser engravers and CNC machines.
  • Image Conversion
    LaserGRBL includes a built-in feature for converting images (such as JPEG, PNG, BMP) into G-code, simplifying the process of engraving images.
  • Community Support
    It has an active community and extensive online resources, providing users with tutorials, forums, and support for troubleshooting.

Possible disadvantages of LaserGRBL

  • Limited Features
    Compared to some commercial software, LaserGRBL may lack advanced features and functionalities required for more complex projects.
  • PC-only Software
    LaserGRBL is designed to run only on Windows PC, limiting its accessibility for users of other operating systems like macOS or Linux.
  • Learning Curve
    While user-friendly, there can still be a learning curve for individuals unfamiliar with G-code or CNC machines.
  • Reliance on GRBL
    As it relies on the GRBL firmware, its functionality is limited to what GRBL supports, which may not cover all machine types and models.
  • Lack of Advanced Design Tools
    LaserGRBL does not have built-in advanced design tools, so users might need additional software for creating complex designs before using LaserGRBL to engrave them.

MatterControl videos

MatterControl 3D Printing Software Tutorial // Beginner

LaserGRBL videos

Atomstack A5 Laser Engraver Review & LaserGRBL Tutorial | Banggood Woodworking Tools

More videos:

  • Tutorial - LaserGRBL Tutorials - Features and Functions

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to MatterControl and LaserGRBL)
3D
65 65%
35% 35
Photos & Graphics
50 50%
50% 50
Architecture
100 100%
0% 0
Tool
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

Share your experience with using MatterControl and LaserGRBL. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, LaserGRBL seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 3 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

MatterControl mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of MatterControl yet. Tracking of MatterControl recommendations started around Mar 2021.

LaserGRBL mentions (3)

  • Any experts out there willing to help out a struggling newbie?
    LaserGRBLโ€™s website seems pretty good. If you havenโ€™t already, itโ€™s worth clicking on the โ€˜Usageโ€™ tab and having a read of that stuff. Here is a link https://lasergrbl.com. Source: over 3 years ago
  • 3018 Pro keeps rocking back and forth
    If you're on Windows, give a try to LaserGRBL, LB may be bugging something. Source: about 4 years ago
  • Laser Engraving?
    Https://lasergrbl.com/ is a way to stream G-code to an arduino using windows so we are a step closer here but there are a lot of in-between steps that we are missing like how we are going to power the laser (can our boards handle this/have the right connections or do we need to slap some auxiliary electronic board on and then figure out how to yell commands at it). Source: almost 5 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing MatterControl and LaserGRBL, you can also consider the following products

Slic3r - STL-to-GCODE translator for RepRap printers Here comes Slic3r! Its features are: - speed

DraftSight Premium - DraftSight Premium is cost-effective software that includes 3D capabilities and powerful features to enable businesses to fulfill laser cutting, drafting, manufacturing, and modeling requirements.

Blender - Blender is the open source, cross platform suite of tools for 3D creation.

LaserWeb - LaserWeb is a browser-based application that empowers users to connect and control their CNC and Laser machines.

PrusaSlicer - PrusaSlicer (formerly known as Slic3r PE) is our own in-house developed slicer software based on the open-source project Slic3r.

TurboCAD - TurboCAD is a CAD software suite, with several different feature levels.