Laserengraver - Inkscape Extension for G-code Export

This project is a custom Inkscape extension for generating G-code from SVG paths, primarily intended for laser engraving and CNC workflows.

It is based on the original Laserengraver / Gcodetools concept, but modernized and extended to work reliably with Inkscape 1.4+, LinuxCNC, and similar controllers.

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Features

• Export SVG paths directly to G-code (mm or inch)
• Correct Y-axis handling (SVG top-left → CNC bottom-left)
• Supports orientation points (compatible with Gcodetools logic)
• Two curve modes:
  • Polyline mode (G1 only) – smooth preview & robust execution
  • Biarc mode (G02/G03) – smaller G-code where supported
• Handles subpaths correctly (including fill / hatch lines)
• Optional preview output inside Inkscape
• Designed for LinuxCNC, but controller-agnostic

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Installation

1. Copy all files into your Inkscape extensions directory
   (e.g. ~/.config/inkscape/extensions/)

2. Files included:

   • laserengraver.py
   • laserengraver.inx
   • laserengraver_geometry.py
   • laserengraver_orientation.py
   • laserengraver_gcode.py
   • Readme.md

3. Restart Inkscape

The extension will appear under:

Extensions -> Laserengraver

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Workflow Overview

1. Create or import SVG geometry in Inkscape
2. Transform your Text or Graphic into a path
3. (Optional) Use Gcodetools to create areafills
4. Select paths you wich to transform to gcode (or leave unselected to process all)
5. Run Laserengraver
6. Load the generated .nc, .ngc or .gcode file into your CNC / laser controller

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Settings

• Curve mode
  • polyline (recommended): all curves converted to G1 segments
  • biarc: uses G02/G03 arcs where possible
• Polyline resolution: segments per Bezier curve
• Units: mm (G21) or inch (G20)
• Laser speed: feed rate during engraving

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Notes

• This extension focuses on geometry correctness and predictability
• It intentionally avoids machine-specific G-code
• Z-axis handling is omitted by design (laser use-case)

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About the Code

This project was developed by a non-programmer with a strong practical CNC background.
Large parts of the code were written with the assistance of AI tools, refined and tested in real-world engraving workflows.

The goal is usability and clarity, not academic perfection.

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License

This project is licensed under the GNU General Public License v2.0 or later (GPL-2.0-or-later). See the LICENSE file for details.

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Motivation

This project grew out of practical needs in a small woodworking and manufacturing workshop that values open-source software, transparency, and long-term maintainability.

If it helps others: even better.

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Credits & Acknowledgements

This project builds upon ideas and code originally developed in the Inkscape Gcodetools / Laserengraver ecosystem.

Original contributors include:

• Nick Drobchenko (2009) – Laserengraver / Gcodetools foundation
• hugomatic (2007) – gcode.py concepts
• Aaron Spike (2005–2007) – cubicsuperpath and Bezier utilities

The current version was heavily rewritten, modularized and adapted for modern Inkscape versions (1.4+), LinuxCNC, and predictable CNC workflows.