You can connect to your CNC machine via a USB cable and Easel works best with GRBL controllers. Learning the hardware operation of a CNC can be challenging, and a difficult-to-learn CNC software program can make things even more challenging. This is one key reason why Easel software is ideal for beginners. Using Easel software does not require you to have any expertise in CAD/CAM software and is easy to use with a good user interface. However, this also means you need an active internet connection at all times to run Easel.Įasel software has a monthly subscription fee of around $20 per month and a yearly subscription for around $13 per month. You can create designs, convert them into G-Code and run your CNC machine with Easel.Įasel CNC software also has a pro version that lets you work on 4x8 workpieces, has more tool and design libraries, and has the V-carve option.Įasel is web-based software and doesn’t require you to install any software and therefore, it can run on Windows and MacOS. The Easel software from Inventables is a truly all-in-one software that lets you do everything from CAD, CAM, and Control within a single software. List of CNC software and their categories There are dedicated software programs for each of these functions, but there are all-in-one software bundles that do everything as well.Īfter carefully considering the ease of use, learning curve, reliability, compatibility, and community support, I have put together a list of some of the best software for your CNC application.

However, many software programs can do more than one function among the four.

Simulation software: reads the G-code and predicts errors that may arise while machining.

Control Software: reads the G-code and creates signals to control the stepper motor drives.

Computer-Aided Machining (CAM) software: Converts the designs to G-code, a language understood by machines.

Computer-Aided Designing (CAD) software: Creates 2D, 2.5D, or 3D designs.

In a CNC machining process, there are four kinds of software involved.

Here I walk you through all the best software choices for CNC routers and explain the advantages and disadvantages of each. I wanted to figure out how these software programs worked and which software was best for a particular purpose (like hobby CNC and Production CNC work). When I first stepped into the world of CNCs, I was overwhelmed by the many software programs used in the process.

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