In this guide, I’ll step you through my hands-on experience with the most popular free solutions so you can decide which is right for you.
The key is to strike a balance between the features you need and your experience level – you want something that can handle your project without feeling overwhelming.
CNCSourced Recommends
Free CAD Software for CNC
Free CNC CAM Software
Free CNC Controller Firmware
Free CNC Controller Software
You can either read through our full recommendations list, or skip to the section you need.
Free CAD Software for CNC
1. Easel (CAD-CAM-Simulation-Control)
- Where to get it: Easel
- Operating Systems: Windows 10 or newer / MacOS 10.12 or newer / Linux 64 bit
- Open-source? No
Pros
User-friendly and easy to learn.
Great features for many applications.
Easel handles the feed rate automatically.
works in your web browser and its servers will do the simulations.
Cons
Only good for simple 2D designs.
It can handle 2D and 2.5D machining, but other useful features are limited to the paid version of the software.
Expensive.
Easel is developed by Inventables, makers of the popular X Carve CNC routers, and is a free all-in-one CNC software. There is also a paid version (Easel Pro) that has some extra features.
If Easel suits your purposes, you will have CAD software, CAM software, simulator software, and control software all in one place – ideal for beginners or hobbyists who want a simple, stress-free CNC workflow.
Final Verdict on Easel
Easel is a great choice for beginners and woodworkers who do simple 2D or 2.5D designs. Especially if they are using CNC routers from Inventables or other CNC machines that have GRBL controllers.
2. Carbide Create (CAD-CAM)
- Where to get it: Carbide Create
- Operating Systems: Windows and MacOS
- Open-source? No
Pros
Free
Great for beginners and simple woodworking operations.
Cons
3D designs can only be done if you buy the Pro version.
Carbide Create software is from Carbide 3D, makers of the Shapeoko CNC router range. Carbide Create is free for all, but other software from Carbide 3D is only free for Shapeoko users.
Final Verdict on Carbide Create
Carbide Create is great offline software for beginners and simple woodworking operations. For Shapeoko users, it can be integrated with other Carbide 3D software for free to become an all-in-one CNC software.
3. Inkscape (CAD)
- Where to get it: Inkscape
- Operating Systems: Windows / MacOS / Linux
- Open-source? Yes
Pros
Many use it for laser engraving and creating vector graphic designs.
Inkscape has many features and editing tools.
There are extensions for ready laser cuttings. It even has CAM extensions that can create tool paths.
Has a decent improvement speed so you can expect new extensions and features.
Cons
Only CAD software.
For those who use dedicated software, it is not as powerful as some of the items on this list like FreeCAD.
Slow.
Inkscape is a completely free and open-source vector graphics software that you can use as your CAD software. It’s mostly considered a 2D SVG editor and creator, but has other powerful applications, too.
Final Verdict on Inkscape
Inkscape is a good option for CAD learners who may want to do vector graphics as well. It’s crucial to laser engraving, and you can use it as a free alternative to the pro versions of Carbide Create and Easel Pro by editing your 2D SVG files within Inkscape, and importing it back in. It’s also a free alternative to Adobe Illustrator.
4. Autodesk Fusion 360 (CAD-CAM)
- Where to get it: Fusion 360
- Operating Systems: Windows / MacOS
- Open-source? No
Pros
Fusion 360 has genuine 3D abilities. So, you can use it for 3D CAD designs. (Its CAM can also generate tool paths for 5-axis CNC machining, but you can’t fully access its CAM with the free version.)
Cloud-based.
Video tutorials are plentiful for Fusion 360.
Fusion 360 has a clear user interface.
Cons
Limited free version.
Starting with Fusion 360 from Autodesk, this is software that has more advanced features.
Fusion 360 is free only for personal use or non-commercial use that makes you less than $1000 annually. Otherwise, you have to get the paid version for $60 per month or $460 per year.
Final Verdict on Autodesk Fusion 360
Fusion 360 is the best choice for those who want to learn or do basic 3D modeling and machining.
5. Solidworks (CAD-CAM)
- Where to get it: Solidworks
- Operating Systems: Windows 10 and 11
- Open-source? No
Pros
Solidworks is very powerful and full of features. You can use it for complicated 3D CAD designs and 5-axis CAM.
Solidworks has assembly features for integrating 3D parts.
Solidworks has online training through your account.
Cons
Only eligible startup businesses and students can get Solidworks for free.
Steep learning curve.
Solidworks is the most popular design software among mechanical engineering students. Solidworks is definitely not a free CNC software by default, but you can get it for free if you are a student or an eligible entrepreneur.
This is a good marketing strategy to let potential future customers learn Solidworks early on.
Final Verdict on Solidworks
Solidworks is a great choice for engineering students and startups that look to manufacture 3D parts.
6. FreeCAD
- Where to get it: FreeCAD
- Operating Systems: Windows / MacOS / Linux
- Open-source? Yes
Pros
Free.
Powerful.
Great for a variety of CAD purposes.
Has good import and export capabilities.
Cons
FreeCAD has a steep learning curve.
There are some reported bad installations of FreeCAD.
You don’t get integrated CAM software with FreeCAD.
FreeCAD is open-source 3D CAD software – so it is completely free forever. FreeCAD is tremendously strong, but its focus is not on manufacturing or CNC.
Final Verdict on FreeCAD
FreeCAD is a great choice if you want advanced and completely free dedicated CAD software.
Free CNC CAM Software
7. Openbuilds CAM Software
- Where to get it: Openbuilds
- Operating Systems: Windows 10 and 11 / MacOS / Linux
- Open-source? Yes
Pros
Free.
Can import 2D designs like SVG or DXF.
Web-based and simple.
Cons
Can’t import 3D STL files.
Openbuilds is also trying to offer free software solutions to go with their CNC routers. So, they have Openbuilds CAM Software and Openbuilds Control. Openbuilds CAM is web-based and simple.
Openbuilds CAM Software is suitable for 2D and 2.5D toolpath. You can import 2D designs like SVG or DXF files (but not 3D STL files) or use some of its ready parts libraries to generate G code.
Then, you can move on to Openbuilds Control for your controlling needs as well. We introduce Openbuild control further down.
8. FreeMILL CAM Software
- Where to get it: FreeMILL
- Operating Systems: Windows / MacOS
- Open-source? Yes
Pros
Free.
Gives you a taste of their advanced paid software.
Can import 3D models in several formats.
Cons
Can’t define 5-axis machines or get useful toolpath strategies like V-carving.
FreeMILL from Mecsoft is free CAM software. It gives you a basic taste of their more advanced paid software. This way, you get to decide whether to buy their other CAM software.
The advantage FreeMILL has over Openbuilds is that you can import 3D models in several formats such as STL files.
But don’t expect to do much with them except the ordinary toolpath strategies for 3-axis CNC machines. So, you can’t define 5-axis machines or even get useful toolpath strategies like V-carving.
You don’t get many features in FreeMILL. But it can do your basic CAM toolpath.
9. EstlCAM (CAM-Control)
- Where to get it: EstlCAM
- Operating Systems: Windows
- Open-source? No
Pros
Offers you automatic toolpath strategies and sequences which you can choose manually as well.
Can control GRBL-based controllers.
Cons
You may want to buy its $60 license since the trial version reportedly gets slower the longer you use it.
EstleCAM has a free trial period that you can use forever. But if you stick with this CAM software, you may want to buy its $60 license since the trial version reportedly gets slower the longer you use it.
EstlCAM is not advanced but it offers a lot more for hobbyist-level users compared to other free CAM programs. You can import both 2D and 3D models into Estlcam.
One of my favorite features of EstlCAM is the Vcarving toolpath.
Remember that in Easel and Carbide Create, you only had this option in the paid versions. EstlCAM also offers you automatic toolpath strategies and sequences which you can choose manually as well.
EstlCAM can also control GRBL-based controllers. It can jog the machine controller and adjust the spindle speed. EstlCAM also supports automatic tool changing.
Free CNC Controller Firmware
When it comes to your CNC controller, you have three options: industrial controllers, parallel port interfacing or its alternatives, and microcontroller boards flashed with free and open-source firmware.
In the old days, the only option was to buy an industrial controller. They come with their own control software (G code sender).
When computers became widespread, hobbyists came up with a solution that used their computers as the CNC controller.
With this method, you can do one of two things:
- You use your computer’s parallel port directly for the electronic motor signals – which is unwise. Not to mention that most modern laptops do not even have a parallel port.
- You can use a board like Ethernet Smooth Stepper to insulate your computer’s motherboard and get extended pins. Many of these boards can work with USB.
LinuxCNC and Mach 3 are software that could turn your computer into your CNC machine’s controller.
Although Mach 3 and LinuxCNC are still popular software, this method is becoming outdated since we have a third option these days.
Microcontrollers have recently become cheap and widespread. Since Arduino and similar chips came around and took care of basic electronic circuitry and user-friendly IDEs, programming them has never been easier.
At last, the open-source software community came up with controller firmware that you could flash into microcontroller boards and get a real stepper motor controller – just at the cost of buying the raw electronic board.
Here, we will introduce free CNC controller firmware.
10. GRBL Free CNC Firmware
- Where to get it: GRBL
- Operating Systems: Windows
- Open-source? Yes
Pros
There are a number of free control software that can run GRBL free of bugs.
Free.
Cons
GRBL performs open-loop control.
You can get GRBL for free and flash it into an Arduino Uno (or Mega 2560, or Esp 32, or Rambo) and get a 3-axis CNC or laser controller.
The only limitation is that GRBL performs open-loop control. So, it is best to use it with stepper motors.
There are rare attempts to use GRBL with servo systems that close the loop at the driver. But at the moment, industrial controllers are best for closed-loop systems.
You could also buy a ready one from a variety of ready controller shields and boards that are based on GRBL. In fact, a lot of hobby CNCs like the X Carve, Shapeoko, or Longmill run on GRBL.
One huge advantage of GRBL is the number of free control software that can run it free of bugs. Openbuilds Control, CNCjs, UGS, Easel, Carbide Create, and many more can easily control GRBL.
11. TinyG (and G2Core) Free CNC Firmware (vs GRBL)
- Where to get it: TinyG
Pros
Can do up to 6-axis control.
It has more complex math that generates better motion for stepper motors.
Cons
Not as popular so there is less of a community than GRBL.
Instead of GRBL, you can also flash TinyG into an Arduino Uno and get a CNC controller. Like GRBL, TinyG is only meant for stepper motors (open-loop control).
Here are the main advantages of TinyG over GRBL.
TinyG can do up to 6-axis control (XYZ plus ABC). Plus, TinyG has more complex math that generates better (smoother) motion for stepper motors (constant jerk motion). It has a buffer wipe that allows you to stop a motion in progress while jogging.
The TinyG project has advanced to the second version with G2Core. It has the smoothest control motion for stepper motors (with 5th order equations that bring in jerk control). You need Arduino due to flash G2Core.
But TinyG is not nearly as popular as GRBL which has led to several disadvantages for TinyG.
Although there is a Gshield that you can buy (for 4-axis control of small motors), there are simply more ready controllers based on GRBL.
When it comes to free CNC control software, there are more software options and better support for GRBL. Even some software that works with both GRBL and TinyG is not perfectly functional with TinyG.
For example, UGS can interact with TinyG too. But my experience (with the older version) was that it didn’t work as trouble-free with TinyG as it did with GRBL.
I have used CoolTerm with G2Core, and it can’t handle the amount of data G2Core pushes back even at the 115200 baud rate. Also, it couldn’t perform the buffer wipe if you had sent a lot of G code lines to the buffer before wiping.
The functionality of various control software is the reason behind GRBL’s huge success. So, unless we see enough fully functional control software for TinyG, GRBL remains easier to use.
Chilipeppr and cncjs are your best options with TinyG although you can also use UGS and Coolterm. Chilipeppr is completely bug-free with TinyG.
Lastly, all GRBL controllers that run on the Arduino Uno board can be flashed with TinyG as well. To clarify, they have the same hardware (Arduino Uno), only the firmware is different.
So, it is possible that Inventables, Shapeoko, Openbuilds, or other CNC brands make control software for TinyG in the future and you will be able to update your GRBL CNC machine controller to TinyG.
Free CNC Control Software
12. Openbuilds Control Software (GRBL)
- Where to get it: Openbuilds Control
- Operating Systems: Windows / MacOS / Linux
- Open-source? Yes
Pros
Compatible with GRBL controllers.
Allows you to use your mobile phone to jog your CNC machine.
Cons
No major drawbacks.
Openbuilds Control software is compatible with GRBL controllers. Openbuilds also has a BlackBox motion controller which is basically a GRBL controller with a motor driver shield. They encourage their users to use Openbuilds Control.
Openbuilds Control is actually a decent GRBL controller. What I liked about it is that it allows you to use your mobile phone to jog your CNC machine. That is a cool feature since I leave my laptop far from the CNC machine and I need jogging when I’m inspecting my stock.
Openbuilds Control has automatic probing and guides you on how to calibrate your GRBL.
If you are using GRBL, Openbuilds Control will not let you down.
13. UGS Free CNC Control Software
- Where to get it: UGS
- Operating Systems: Windows, OSX, Linux, and Raspberry Pi
- Open-source? Yes
Pros
Popular and free.
Straightforward interface.
Cons
Not universally compatible with all controllers.
Universal G code sender is a very popular free CNC software. It is not universally compatible with all controllers, but it works with GRBL, TinyG, and Smoothieware.
UGS has a straightforward user interface with a visualizer that shows your model and toolpath. It can jog your controller, show data push back, and set up your motor settings.
UGS shines in that it controls all open-source controllers well.
14. ChiliPeppr Free CNC Software (G Code Sender)
- Where to get it: ChiliPeppr
- Operating Systems: Web-based
Pros
Free and works well with TinyG and G2Core.
Very well favored by many TinyG and G2Core users.
Cons
No major drawbacks.
ChiliPeppr is free CNC software that works well with TinyG and G2Core. It can also control GRBL. ChiliPeppr is cloud-based and works from your browser.
Some users have an aversion to control software that require cloud storage, but rest assured that after ChiliPeppr loads in your browser, it sends G Codes locally. So, you need not worry about reliability issues.
ChiliPeppr has a lot of widgets and can enjoyably jog Tiny G controllers with its buffer wipe.
ChiliPeppr is a favorite control software with the TinyG (and G2Core) users.
15. LinuxCNC Free CNC Software
- Where to get it: LinuxCNC
- Operating Systems: Linux
- Open-source? Yes
Pros
Completely free.
Sophisticated and reliable.
Cons
Not on Mac or Windows.
Do you want to turn your computer into a CNC controller? If you have gone down that road, your choice of the control software is limited to LinuxCNC and Mach 3 (or 4).
We don’t mention Mach on our list since it is not free software. Mach 3 has a free demo version that allows you to test the software with very few lines of G code. So, we will focus on LinuxCNC.
LinuxCNC is completely free CNC software. But, LinuxCNC – as the name suggests – online runs on Linux, which is a huge disadvantage. Most of us prefer to work with Windows or macOS, making LinuxCNC impossible, and with most CAD or CAM software not on Linux, it’s a lot to sacrifice to move over.
If this has not deterred you, LinuxCNC is sophisticated and reliable.
It offers you a lot of settings to set up your machine. Plus, you don’t get that rough feel that a lot of people get from Mach 3’s user interface. (Even though some users have developed skins for Mach 3, its original appearance is a screen jam-packed with rectangular tabs and numbers.)
In short, you can make a robust and feature-rich controller out of your computer with LinuxCNC.
FAQs
What is the easiest CNC program?
Our pick for the easiest CNC software is Easel.
It is not that advanced, but for 2D and 2.5D designs, it takes care of everything from CAD to control with a straightforward GUI. It also works from your browser on any computer.
Is Easel still free?
Yes, Easel is still free. You can buy Easel Pro to get more CAM abilities like V-carving and rastering. It also has more fonts and designs in its CAD.
What is the best free CAD-CAM software?
Fusion 360 free version is our pick for the best free CAD-CAM software. The only limitation is that you can’t use it commercially. But it gives you the highest amount of features and capacity among free CAD-CAM software.
Other articles you may be interested in:
- The best CAD CAM software
- The best CNC software
- The best laser cutter and engraver software
- The best vinyl cutter software
- Best Cabinet Design Software
- The best Laptops for CAD/CAM and AutoCAD
- The best CNC routers
- The best CNC simulators
- How to make money with your CNC router
- Profitable CNC projects that sell
Other free software guides:
