DXF2GCODE — The Complete Guide: From a DXF Drawing to G-code for Milling, Plasma and Laser
DXF2GCODE is a small, focused open-source tool (Python, GPLv3) that bridges a 2D drawing and a CNC controller. Load a drawing, choose which contours to cut and in what order, set the cutting side, depth and feed — and the program writes G-code.
DXF2GCODE
DXF2GCODE Project
Converts DXF drawings into G-code for milling, plasma or laser cutting.
Get it from the vendorWhat you get
- Input — DXF, plus PDF and PostScript.
- Tool radius compensation — cutting inside, outside or on the line.
- Optimised cut order — shorter non-cutting moves.
- Tabs and drag knife — to hold parts in place and to cut soft materials.
- An adjustable post-processor — matching your controller, LinuxCNC included.
Who it suits
A workshop that cuts flat parts — plates, brackets, signs — and wants a simple route from drawing to machine without a full CAM system. For 3D machining or complex pockets you need a full CAM tool, such as the Path workbench in FreeCAD.
Related tools
To arrange parts on the sheet before cutting — Deepnest. To check the file in simulation — CAMotics. To control the machine — LinuxCNC.
Deepnest — Part Nesting for Cutting
Deepnest Project
Arranges parts on a sheet with minimum waste, for laser, plasma and CNC cutting.
Get it from the vendor
CAMotics
CAMotics Project
Simulates the cutting path before you start the machine.
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
LibreCAD
LibreCAD Project
Lightweight 2D drafting with layers, blocks and dimensions, built around the DXF format.
Get it from the vendorThe bottom line
DXF2GCODE does one thing and does it well: it turns a flat drawing into machine code, free and fully transparent.