A DIY maker usually has a clear idea of what they need — a mounting plate, a protective enclosure, a frame. But then comes the obstacle: how do you get that idea into a format a laser cutting service actually understands? The answer is typically a DXF file and some CAD software. This article walks through the most popular options — and explains why LeikePaja built its own tool.
DXF (Drawing Exchange Format) is a file format developed by Autodesk that has become the standard for laser cutting. It contains precise 2D coordinates — lines, arcs and points — that tell the laser exactly where to move across the sheet.
Almost every CAD application can export DXF. The problem is that the learning curve is steep and the settings need to be correct for the file to work in production.
A DXF file must contain closed, continuous geometry — no open lines or overlapping shapes. A faulty file causes cutting errors or a rejected order.
Autodesk's Fusion 360 is the industry standard for 3D design. It is extremely powerful — but that's also the problem for a hobbyist. Fusion 360 is built for professional product development, and getting a simple laser-cut part out of it requires several steps: 3D model, sketch projection, DXF export with correct settings.
FreeCAD is a free, open-source alternative that has improved significantly over recent years. It still suffers from usability issues — the interface feels dated and features are spread across unintuitive menus. DXF export works but requires a plugin.
Inkscape is a vector graphics editor that many makers use for laser cutting — especially for engraving. It feels more intuitive than traditional CAD because it resembles a drawing application. Inkscape exports SVG and DXF, but accuracy can be problematic for technical parts — units and scale must be set carefully.
LibreCAD is an open-source 2D CAD that resembles old AutoCAD. It is lightweight, fast and produces reliable DXF exports. If you know AutoCAD commands, LibreCAD feels familiar. For most hobbyists though, the command-line driven interface can feel outdated.
DraftSight by Dassault Systèmes is designed as a direct AutoCAD replacement. It uses the same DWG and DXF file structure and the same keyboard shortcuts — the transition from AutoCAD is nearly seamless. DraftSight is subscription-based, but for professional 2D drafting it is one of the best alternatives available. A free trial is available.
| Software | Price | Ease of use | DXF quality | Installation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fusion 360 | Free* | Difficult | Excellent | Required |
| FreeCAD | Free | Difficult | Good | Required |
| Inkscape | Free | Medium | Fair | Required |
| LibreCAD | Free | Medium | Good | Required |
| DraftSight | ~€100–150/yr | Medium | Excellent | Required |
| CadOnline | Free | Easy | Excellent | No install |
CadOnline is built from the ground up for one purpose: drawing 2D parts for laser cutting as easily as possible. It does not try to be Fusion 360 — and it doesn't need to. It does one thing well.
The tool runs entirely in your browser. No installation, no registration, no licence keys. Open the page and start drawing.
All the basic tools you need for a laser-cut part are included — lines, arcs, circles, rectangles and freeform shapes. Dimensions are entered as numbers directly — no guessing pixel positions. All coordinates are in millimetres.
This is where CadOnline is unlike anything else: the price updates in real time as you draw. Select your material and thickness, and the tool calculates the cost automatically based on cutting length and material. You see the total before making any decisions.
This is entirely unique — no other Finnish laser cutting service offers anything like it. Traditionally the price only comes after a quote, which can take days.
If you have already drawn your part in another program, you can import the DXF file directly into CadOnline. The tool checks the file structure automatically and warns you about common problems — open lines or holes that are too small — before you place the order.
Why this matters: In the traditional process, a faulty DXF only comes to light when the workshop contacts you — or worse, in the finished part. CadOnline catches common issues immediately.
CadOnline works best when you need a simple to moderately complex 2D part quickly and without unnecessary setup. Typical use cases include:
If you are designing complex 3D machined parts or need parametric modelling, Fusion 360 is the right tool. But for most DIY projects, a browser-based CAD is enough — and saves hours of learning time.
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Simple part, quick order | CadOnline |
| DXF file already ready | Import DXF to CadOnline |
| Complex 3D machined part | Fusion 360 |
| Want to learn parametric modelling | FreeCAD |
| Organic shapes, laser engraving | Inkscape |
| AutoCAD background | DraftSight or LibreCAD |
The best way to find out if CadOnline suits your needs is to try it — it's free and requires no sign-up. Draw a part, see the price and order only if it works for you.
No installation, no registration. Draw a part, see the price instantly and order directly.
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