Carbide Create won't save G-code for your machine? Try this.
Carbide Create Core is free, but saving standard G-code for a machine that isn't a Shapeoko or Nomad takes Carbide Create Pro, at $120 a year or $360. Surfacecraft is free and exports GRBL G-code for any hobby router.
Carbide Create and Surfacecraft, side by side
| Carbide Create | Surfacecraft | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Core free with Carbide 3D machines; Pro $120/year or $360 | Free; Pro $9/month or $79/year |
| G-code for any CNC machine | Pro only | Free |
| V-carving | Core and Pro | Free |
| 3D modelling and machining | Pro | Not offered |
| Platforms | Windows and Mac, runs locally | Any modern browser, needs an internet connection |
Carbide Create details from Carbide 3D's own pages, checked : Carbide Create Core vs Pro. Prices and plans change, so check before you buy.
Stay with Carbide Create if…
- On a Shapeoko or Nomad, Carbide Create Core is free and made for your machine.
- Pro adds 3D machining, rest machining, ramped entry and toolpath tiling, which Surfacecraft doesn't have.
- It runs offline.
Try Surfacecraft if…
- Standard GRBL G-code for any hobby router on the Free plan.
- Runs on Linux and Chromebook as well as Mac and Windows.
- Laser and pen plotter studios in the same account.
Switching from Carbide Create
Carbide 3D lists "Save standard G-code for any CNC machine" as a Pro feature, so Core's output is for Carbide 3D machines.
GRBL and grblHAL routers, which covers most hobby machines: Genmitsu, FoxAlien, 3018 kits, LongMill and more.
Yes. Designing, toolpaths, the 3D preview and G-code export are on the Free plan with no time limit. Pro adds sending jobs straight to the machine, more machines, AI tools and commercial use.
Set up for your machine
- Genmitsu 3018
- Genmitsu 4040
- Genmitsu PROVerXL 4030
- Genmitsu 3020
- FoxAlien Masuter
- Sienci LongMill
- Shapeoko 4
- 3018 CNC
Other comparisons
Try it on your next project.
Design and G-code are free, with no time limit. Send to your machine and sell what you make with Pro.