Which engraving software for marking and engraving machines?
Discover how engraving software drives your machines, and which solution fits your application
A machine only reaches its full potential when it runs on the right software, one designed for the specific application. The hardware sets the physical limits, but the software determines what you can actually produce and how efficiently.
Engraving software falls into two families. The first is bundled with the machine and is not sold separately. The second is standalone software, either dedicated engraving programs such as TYPE EDIT or pure CAD tools such as 3Design and TYPE3-CAA.
Your choice depends on two factors: your type of application and your working environment. A retail counter, a signage workshop, or an industrial production line, each place different demands on the software. The right solution is the one built for your use, whether retail, personalization, industrial traceability, jewelry creation, or signage.
How engraving software controls marking machines?
CAD vs. CAM
Why the best engraving software does both
The digital manufacturing process runs in two distinct phases, and the best engraving software handles both:
- CAD (Computer-Aided Design) is the creative phase. The software allows you to draw, model, and arrange text, shapes, or 3D designs on your computer screen.
- CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) is the technical phase. The software acts as a translator, converting your visual design into the mechanical instructions the machine follows to execute the job.
Software communication
Driver logic vs. Memory/PLC logic
Engraving software communicates with the machine through one of two control logics.
The first is driver logic, similar to how a printer operates:
- The software goes through a driver that translates the data into mechanical instructions and sends them to the machine.
The data is not stored in the machine. - Licensing works through a software license or, in some cases, a physical dongle.
The second is memory/PLC logic, based on direct dialogue with the machine's programmable logic controllers (PLCs):
- All data sent by the software is stored directly in the machine's memory. An integrable laser, for example, can then run autonomously.
- This type of software uses no dongle system.
|
Good engraving software comes down to three qualities.
|
Gravotech's offer: which software for which application?
Gravostyle™
Gravostyle™ is a versatile CAD/CAM software used across signage, personalization, decorative engraving, industrial marking, and 1D and 2D codes. It drives mechanical machines as well as laser stations and tables.
Designed for seamless workflow, Gravostyle™ integrates with third-party design tools like CorelDRAW and Adobe Illustrator, handles variable data for industrial identification, and connects to e-commerce platforms for online personalization.
Engineered for high performance, it processes files up to 10 GB to speed up complex tasks. For specialized applications, the software offers indexed or combined modes for cylindrical engraving, backed by a comprehensive library of material and machine-specific presets. Supported by regular updates from in-house R&D, Gravostyle™ is available in multiple tiers to match specific production requirements.
Lasertrace
Dedicated to industrial identification and traceability, Lasertrace is a CAD/CAM software that controls Gravotech's galvo lasers, both stations and integrable units. It is built for serial production, variable data management, and integration with production systems through PLCs.
The software covers on-demand marking, mass production, and code management, including text, serial numbers, 2D codes (Code 128, QR Code, GS1, UID, and others), QR codes, or Data Matrix codes. Logos cannot be drawn directly within it, but they can be imported. Configuration and setup remain straightforward for all types of codes, even for operators who are not specialists, and the software adapts to specific requirements.
Gravotouch
Tailored for key accounts and major retail brands, Gravotouch is an enterprise solution designed to deploy in-store personalization across multiple boutiques using a dedicated product catalog. It drives Gravotech's retail machines, including the M20 X, the WeLase™, and some LS laser tables.
The interface is touchscreen-based and intuitive enough to be used without training. Each version is unique, built for one specific client, with its own product catalog and brand guidelines. Handwritten signatures and designs can also be integrated easily.
T08
T08 is software built exclusively for Gravotech's dot peen and scribing machines, for use in industrial identification.
Embedded in the XCOM control unit with its large touchscreen, it allows direct on-machine programming, with an optional remote PC screen to prepare data in advance. It also handles variable data management.
Going further: complementary design & engraving software
TYPE EDIT
TYPE EDIT is a standalone, open CAD/CAM software for laser machines as well as CNC machining and milling. It enables engraving and cutting in 2D, 2.5D, and 3D on any material.
Unlike the rest of Gravotech's portfolio, TYPE EDIT is fully open and compatible with non-Gravotech machines, which means it can drive virtually any machine on the market within any production setup. It also includes variable data management. Its range of applications is broad, covering die manufacturing, mold engraving, signage, jewelry, tooling, and woodworking.
TYPE3-CAA
TYPE3-CAA is a pure CAD add-in for industry and prototyping. It does not drive any machine. Instead, it is used to draw and add text on complex volumes or prototypes.
Developed through a partnership with Dassault Systèmes, it lets users create text and logos directly within their CAD environment. It is also available as T3CAA within the same CAD ecosystem.
3Design/3Shaper
3Design and 3Shaper are 3D CAD software developed exclusively for jewelry and watchmaking. Neither drives a machine. They complement Gravotech's engraving machines and software, forming a complete solution for jewelers from design to finished piece.
Which software for which machine?
From automated traceability (Lasertrace) and retail customization (Gravotouch) to advanced 3D milling (Gravostyle™, TYPE EDIT), here is the compatibility and application overview at a glance.
| Software | Machines | Applications |
| Lasertrace |
| Industrial traceability |
| Gravostyle™ |
| Signage and creative design, industrial traceability, in-store personalization |
| Gravotouch |
| In-store personalization |
| T08 |
| Dot peen and scribing, industrial traceability |
| TYPE EDIT |
| Driving third-party machines |
At Gravotech, software and machines are designed together, as a single system built for the demands of a specific environment, whether an industrial production line, a signage workshop, or a retail counter, and for a specific type of marking. From personalization with Gravotouch and Gravostyle™ to industrial traceability with Lasertrace and T08, each need corresponds to a dedicated solution.
Need help choosing your engraving solution? Contact Gravotech’s experts to speak about your needs.