bCNC — The Complete Guide: Free GRBL CNC Control With Surface Auto-Levelling
bCNC is open-source software (GPL-2.0) for controlling desktop CNC machines with GRBL and grblHAL controllers. You jog the machine, send G-code files and follow the execution in a graphical display.
bCNC
Vasilis Vlachoudis and contributors
G-code sender and controller for GRBL-based CNC machines, with an editor, auto-levelling, probing and basic CAM.
Get it from the vendorWhat you get
- G-code sending — running files and following them in real time.
- G-code editor — quick fixes without leaving the program.
- Auto-levelling — mapping an uneven surface and correcting the depth to match.
- Probing — finding zero and heights with a probe.
- Basic CAM — profiles, pockets and drilling.
What to know
Auto-levelling is the reason many people choose bCNC for engraving printed circuit boards, where a difference of a few tenths of a millimetre in board height changes the result. Development is slow and volunteer-based, and distribution is now through PyPI. Compatibility problems are known on macOS in the current release.
Related tools
For a G-code sender with a modern 3D view — Universal G-code Sender. For a full PC-based controller — LinuxCNC. To check toolpaths before running them — CAMotics.
Universal G-code Sender
Will Winder and contributors
G-code sender for GRBL, FluidNC, TinyG and g2core CNC machines — 3D visualiser, jogging, probing and an editor.
Get it from the vendor
LinuxCNC
LinuxCNC Project
An open-source CNC controller — runs a mill, lathe or plasma table from an ordinary PC.
Get it from the vendor
CAMotics
CAMotics Project
Simulates the cutting path before you start the machine.
Get it from the vendor
DXF2GCODE
DXF2GCODE Project
Converts DXF drawings into G-code for milling, plasma or laser cutting.
Get it from the vendorThe bottom line
bCNC suits desktop routers and workshops — especially anyone engraving circuit boards. Completely free, including for commercial use.