Overview of the best CAD/CAM software, control programs and tools for hobby CNC routers
The right software is crucial for successful CNC projects. Here you'll find an overview of the best tools for hobby CNC millers – from CAD/CAM software to machine control and vector graphics programs.
CAM Software – G-Code Generation
CAM software (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) converts your designs into machine-readable G-code.
The most popular CAM software for hobby users in German-speaking countries
Estlcam is an intuitive and powerful CAM software specifically developed for CNC hobby millers. The software stands out for its ease of use and German user interface. Estlcam imports DXF files and creates optimal toolpaths with automatic toolpath calculation.
Highlights: 2.5D and 3D milling, pocket milling, engraving, drilling, integrated machine control
Price: Free to use with limitations, full version 49€ (one-time payment)
Platform: Windows
Website: www.estlcam.de
Versatile CAM software with integrated CAD module
CamBam combines CAD and CAM functions in one program. It is particularly suitable for 2.5D milling work and offers extensive options for creating toolpaths. The software supports various import formats and has an integrated editor for simple drawings.
Highlights: Integrated CAD, pocket operations, drilling cycles, script support
Price: Free trial version (40 starts), license 108€
Platform: Windows, Linux (with Mono)
Website: www.cambam.info
Free and user-friendly complete CAD/CAM solution
Carbide Create is a free software from Carbide 3D, characterized by its modern and clear user interface. Perfect for beginners, as it combines CAD design and CAM programming in one user-friendly tool. The software is particularly suitable for 2D and 2.5D projects.
Highlights: Easy operation, boolean operations, text engraving, vector graphics import (SVG, DXF)
Price: Free (Pro version with 3D functions approx. 360€/year)
Platform: Windows, macOS
Website: carbide3d.com/carbidecreate
Professional CAM software with excellent usability
Vectric offers professional CAM solutions with VCarve and Cut2D that are very user-friendly despite their scope of functions. VCarve is ideal for more complex projects with 3D reliefs, while Cut2D focuses on 2D projects. Both programs offer excellent toolpath optimization and extensive material libraries.
Highlights: V-carving, 3D reliefs (VCarve), clipart library, inlay functions
Price: Cut2D from 160,65€, VCarve from 392,70€ (one-time payment)
Platform: Windows, macOS
Website: www.vectric.com
Open source CAM software for 3D milling work
PyCAM is a free open source software particularly suitable for 3D milling work. The software imports STL files and generates toolpaths from them. PyCAM offers various milling strategies and is completely free to use.
Highlights: 3D milling, various milling strategies, STL import, open source
Price: Free (open source)
Platform: Windows, Linux, macOS
Website: pycam.sourceforge.net
CAD Software – 3D Design
With CAD software (Computer-Aided Design) you create precise 3D models for your CNC projects.
Professional complete CAD/CAM solution from Autodesk
Fusion 360 is a cloud-based CAD/CAM platform that combines 3D modeling, simulation, and CAM in one tool. The software offers professional functions and is free to use for hobbyists. Fusion 360 has an integrated CAM module that directly generates G-code for CNC machines.
Highlights: Parametric design, integrated CAM, simulation, cloud storage, version control
Price: Free for hobbyists and startups, otherwise from 545€/year
Platform: Windows, macOS (cloud-based)
Website: www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360
Powerful open source CAD softwareFreeCAD is a free and open source parametric 3D CAD software. It is excellently suited for mechanical designs and offers a modular structure with various workbenches for different tasks. The Path Workbench enables G-code generation directly from 3D models.
Highlights: Parametric modeling, Path Workbench (CAM), Python scripting, open source
Price: Free (open source)
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
Website: www.freecad.org
Professional 3D modeling software for organic shapes
Although Blender was primarily developed for animation and rendering, it is also interesting for CNC projects – especially for organic shapes and artistic designs. The software offers powerful sculpting tools and can export STL files, which are then further processed in CAM software.
Highlights: Sculpting, organic modeling, STL export, modifiers, add-ons
Price: Free (open source)
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
Website: www.blender.org
Control Software – Machine Control
This software sends G-code to your CNC machine and enables control during the milling process.
Modern web-based CNC control
CNCjs is a modern, web-based CNC control software operated through the browser. It runs on a Raspberry Pi or PC and can be controlled from any device on the network. CNCjs supports GRBL, Smoothieware, TinyG, and Marlin.
Highlights: Browser-based, Raspberry Pi capable, multiple controllers, webcam support
Price: Free (open source)
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux, Raspberry Pi
Website: cnc.js.org
Proven Java-based GRBL control
Universal Gcode Sender is one of the most popular control software for GRBL-based CNC machines. The software is Java-based and therefore runs on all common operating systems. UGS offers both a classic and a modern "Platform" version with extended functionality.
Highlights: GRBL-optimized, 3D visualization, macros, auto-leveling
Price: Free (open source)
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
Website: winder.github.io/ugs_website
Lightweight Python-based GRBL control
bCNC is a control software for GRBL controllers written in Python. It stands out for its speed and low resource consumption. bCNC offers useful features such as CAM functions, tool database, and various plugins for extension.
Highlights: Lightweight, CAM functions, tool database, plugin system
Price: Free (open source)
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
Website: github.com/vlachoudis/bCNC
Vector Graphics Software – 2D Design
Vector graphics programs create precise 2D drawings that can be exported as DXF or SVG for CAM software.
Professional open source vector graphics software
Inkscape is the leading free alternative to Adobe Illustrator. The software is excellently suited for creating 2D designs for CNC milling work. Inkscape can create and edit SVG and DXF files and offers extensive tools for path editing, text, and shapes.
Highlights: Path tools, text-to-path, DXF/SVG export, extensions, open source
Price: Free (open source)
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
Website: inkscape.org
Free 2D CAD software for technical drawings
LibreCAD is an open source alternative to AutoCAD for 2D drawings. The software is specifically designed for technical construction drawings and offers precise drawing tools. LibreCAD works natively with DXF files and is ideal for mechanical designs.
Highlights: Technical drawing, native DXF, dimensioning tools, layer system
Price: Free (open source)
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
Website: librecad.org
Special Tools
G-code simulator for previewing milling work
OpenSCAM is a free G-code simulator that visualizes your toolpaths before you begin actual milling. This helps identify errors in the G-code and avoid collisions. The software simulates the complete milling process including tool dimensions.
Highlights: G-code simulation, 3D preview, collision detection, tool library
Price: Free (open source)
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
Website: github.com
Open source software for circuit board design and PCB milling
KiCad is a professional EDA software (Electronic Design Automation) for designing circuit boards. For CNC millers, KiCad is interesting because it can export board layouts, which can then be implemented with a CNC mill as isolation routing. A cost-effective alternative to chemical etching.
Highlights: Schematic editor, PCB layout, Gerber export, 3D viewer
Price: Free (open source)
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
Website: www.kicad.org