The Best GRBL Software for CNC Machines in 2023

GRBL is one of the most popular open-source firmware used to control CNC machines like 3D printers, CNC routers, laser cutters, and engravers. If you own a DIY or hobby CNC machine running GRBL, you’ll need a GRBL-compatible software on your computer to send commands and G-code to the machine. Choosing the right GRBL-based host software is crucial for getting the best performance out of your CNC hardware.

In this comprehensive guide, we have curated a list of the top 7 best GRBL software options in 2023 based on features, usability, compatibility, and community reviews.

What is GRBL and How Does it Work?

GRBL stands for G-code parser and Runtime Library. It is an open-source firmware that interprets G-code commands and controls the CNC machine using stepper motors or servo motors.

GRBL runs on an Arduino microcontroller with custom firmware code. It takes the G-code commands sent from the host software on your computer, interprets them, and translates them into signals for controlling the stepper motors and spindle.

The key features of GRBL include:

• Motion control with acceleration management for smoother movements.
• Support for multiple coordinate systems and work zero offsets.
• Real-time feed, speed and spindle overrides.
• Homing cycles to precisely zero axes.
• Emergency stop, hold, resume, and abort capabilities.
• Status reporting and alarm system.
• Support for jog controls and homing switches.

Overall, GRBL offers advanced control and flexibility for DIY CNC and 3D printing applications. The GRBL host software is what lets you take full advantage of these capabilities by providing an intuitive interface to create, edit, and send toolpath commands.

Factors to Consider When Choosing GRBL Software

With so many options available, here are some key factors to consider when selecting the right GRBL host software for your setup:

• Compatibility – The software should fully support the GRBL protocol and work seamlessly with GRBL firmware. It must be able to connect to GRBL devices over USB or Ethernet.
• Features – Look for software that includes essential CNC features like G-code editing, visualization, CAD file importers, toolpath generation, etc. Advanced features like simulation, auto-levelling, and custom macros offer added benefits.
• Usability – The interface should be intuitive and easy to use. Look for features like drag-and-drop workflow, interactive G-code visualizer, customizable GUI, etc.
• Platform – Software available as installable apps as well as web-based online apps provide more flexibility.
• Cost – While most GRBL software is free or low cost, some advanced commercial options have premium features and support. Consider your budget and needs.
• Community – An active user community ensures ongoing support and development. More forum activity and downloads indicates popular options.

Keeping these factors in mind will help you choose GRBL host software that perfectly matches your use-case, experience level, and setup requirements.

The 7 Best GRBL Software Options

Based on the above criteria, we have compiled a shortlist of the top 7 GRBL host software that are most recommended for hobbyist and professional use in 2023:

1. Candle
2. bCNC
3. GrblController
4. Fusion 360
5. UGS Platform
6. chilipeppr
7. Openbuilds CONTROL

Let’s look at each of these top options in more detail:

1. Candle

Candle is one of the most popular free and open-source GRBL host software for Windows, MacOS and Linux. It is highly user-friendly with a straightforward drag-and-drop workflow.

Key features of Candle:

• Intuitive graphical interface and 1-click control buttons.
• Interactive 2D and 3D toolpath viewer.
• Supports DXF, SVG, PNG, JPEG file imports.
• Customizable macros and console commands.
• Active community support and regular updates.

Overall, Candle strikes the perfect balance of being beginner-friendly yet packed with powerful advanced capabilities for experts.

2. bCNC

bCNC is an open-source GRBL control application designed for latency-sensitive CNC control applications. The PIL (Python Image Library) based OpenGL 3D viewer offers a very responsive and smooth CNC visualizer experience.

Some standout features of bCNC:

• Extremely low latency with real-time control and monitoring.
• G-code files up to 10GB in size.
• Responsive 3D toolpath viewer using hardware acceleration.
• Keyboard jogging controls and MDI mode.
• Gamepad, MIDI, and virtual keyboard support.
• Customizable user interface.

bCNC is arguably the most responsive, full-featured, and reliable GRBL host software available. The active development ensures continuous improvements as well.

3. GrblController

GrblController is a cross-platform CNC control application built specifically for optimized GRBL integration. It is written in Java and JS by Andreas Olofsson.

Notable aspects of GrblController:

• Streamlined interface with visualizer, compiler diagnostics, and file manager.
• Smooth jogging controls with settable speeds.
• Supports tools, work coordinate systems, and variable overrides.
• Standalone portable JAR release available.
• Works with Arduino, ESP32, and ESP8266 GRBL boards.

For those looking for a no-frills, optimized GRBL host app, the lightweight yet highly functional GrblController is an excellent choice.

4. Fusion 360

Fusion 360 by Autodesk is a very popular parametric CAD, CAM, and CAE software that has integrated GRBL support. With the advanced modeling capabilities, you can design parts and generate optimized toolpaths to machine them.

Why choose Fusion 360 for GRBL?

• Combines CAD, CAM, and CAE into a single software.
• Full manufacturing ecosystem for taking ideas to production.
• Feature-rich toolpath simulations prior to cutting.
• Ability to program and simulate multi-axis CNC machines.
• Cloud collaboration and free licenses for hobbyists.

For those running advanced GRBL-based CNC mills, routers, or lathes, Fusion 360 offers the most complete product development platform.

5. UGS Platform

The UGS (Universal Gcode Sender) platform is a Java-based GRBL host application focused on streamlined workflows. It is completely open-source and written by Will Winder.

Key advantages of the UGS Platform:

• Modern interface with visual backplotting of toolpaths.
• Skeleton CAD model import for simulations.
• Customizable user macros and console commands.
• Jogging control widget with keys or gamepad.
• Supports WiFi and Ethernet connectivity to GRBL.
• Plugin extensions for added features.

Overall, the UGS Platform delivers a full-featured GRBL control software with room for endless customizations and enhancements.

6. chilipeppr

chilipeppr is a web-based CNC interface for GRBL, TinyG, and other hardware. As a browser app, it offers great flexibility to run GRBL operations on any device.

Why use chilipeppr?

• 100% browser-based so works on any OS.
• Multi-axes 3D viewer with realistic physics simulations.
• Support for hardware like Joystick, Leap Motion, etc.
• Customizable workspace with drag-and-drop UI.
• Cloud-based sharing and community app store.
• Free and paid cloud workspace options.

For web-based GRBL control, chilipeppr delivers full-scale features without needing any local software installs. Great for tablets and mobile devices.

7. Openbuilds CONTROL

Openbuilds CONTROL is a dedicated CNC control software solution created by OpenBuilds, a leading open-source hardware provider. It offers deep integration for OpenBuilds CNC machines but works great for any GRBL setup.

Key features of Openbuilds CONTROL:

• Streamlined workflow for faster setup.
• Visual backplotting, live runtime graphics, and CAD import.
• Customizable coordinate system transformations.
• Macro support with variables and logic controls.
• Responsive gamepad and keyboard jogging controls.
• Supports WiFi and USB connections.

With its tuned and responsive performance combined with powerful features, Openbuilds CONTROL is a great bundled option for OpenBuilds machine owners.

Conclusion

GRBL host software is the critical link that allows you to fully utilize the capabilities of the GRBL controller. Choosing user-friendly and full-featured GRBL-compatible software can greatly improve your CNC machining efficiency, convenience, and end results.

The top GRBL softwares highlighted above like Candle, bCNC, Fusion 360, and others balance usability with extensive controls tailored to hobbyists and professionals. Several platforms like chilipeppr even offer free online access from any web browser.

For most needs, we recommend starting with user-friendly tools like Candle or bCNC that have excellent community support. As you gain experience, you can explore more advanced commercial packages with capabilities like multi-axis kinematics and toolpath simulations. Whichever option you choose, compatible GRBL host software completes the recipe for CNC success.

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