Laser cutting is easy. The software I use (lightburn) accepts .dxf and .svg files so I can use LibreCAD or Inkscape to make the patterns. All it requires is that you use a unique color for each setting you want the laser to use. So strength/speed to cut through might be red, and strength/speed to just mark the surface might be green.
Do this by using a layer for each color and putting the relevant lines on the relevant layers.
I believe that text support in LibreCAD is not strong, so if organic forms and text are more important than strict geometry then Inkscape may be better for you. It can also export to .dxf (it uses .svg).
IRC: duncan-nz
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