CNCjs — The Complete Guide: Controlling a CNC Machine from Your Browser
CNCjs is an open-source (MIT) CNC controller with a browser interface. You install it on a computer connected to the machine — even a small one such as a Raspberry Pi — and control it from any computer, tablet or phone on the local network. That way your main computer does not have to sit next to the mill and its dust.
CNCjs
CNCjs project
A browser-based CNC controller for Grbl, Marlin and TinyG machines, with 3D toolpath preview. Also runs on a Raspberry Pi.
Get it from the vendorWhat you get
- Several controllers — Grbl, Marlin, Smoothieware and TinyG.
- 3D view — the toolpath and the tool position in real time.
- Jogging and zeroing — setting work zero, probing tool height and moving by hand.
- Modular interface — widgets you can arrange as needed, plus macros for repeated actions.
- Remote access — several users can watch the machine from the same network.
Where it fits in the workflow
CNCjs does not generate G-code — it only sends and supervises. You prepare toolpaths in CAM software, check them in simulation, then load them into CNCjs and run. It suits desktop mills, routers and laser machines in workshops and labs.
Related tools
For a desktop G-code sender written in Java — Universal Gcode Sender. For a controller with built-in surface probing tools — bCNC. For simulating the toolpath before running — 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
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 vendor
CAMotics
CAMotics Project
Simulates the cutting path before you start the machine.
Get it from the vendor
LaserGRBL
Arkypita
G-code sender and image/vector converter for laser engraving and cutting jobs on GRBL-based machines.
Get it from the vendorThe bottom line
CNCjs is a convenient, flexible way to control your machine from anywhere in the workshop. Open source and completely free, including for commercial use.