Universal G-code Sender — The Complete Guide: Free Control for Desktop CNC Machines
Universal G-code Sender (UGS) is an open-source (GPL-3.0) Java program for controlling CNC machines with GRBL, FluidNC, TinyG, g2core and Smoothieware controllers. It is very common on desktop routers and milling machines.
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 vendorWhat you get
- 3D visualiser — the toolpath and the live tool position.
- Manual jogging — moving the axes and setting the work zero.
- Probing — finding zero and height with a probe.
- On-the-fly overrides — adjusting feed and spindle speed while running.
- Designer — a simple tool that imports SVG and DXF and creates toolpaths.
Installation and use
UGS runs on Windows, macOS, Linux and Raspberry Pi, and the downloads include a bundled Java, so no separate installation is needed. Connect the machine, load a G-code file produced in your CAM program, check it in the visualiser and run it. Free for any use, including commercial work.
Related tools
For a sender with surface auto-levelling for PCB engraving — bCNC. To prepare toolpaths in the browser — Kiri:Moto. To simulate milling before running — CAMotics.
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
Kiri:Moto
Grid.Space
A browser slicer and toolpath generator — 3D printing, CNC milling, laser cutting and resin printing.
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 vendorThe bottom line
UGS is a good starting point for anyone running a desktop CNC machine: a clear interface, support for many controllers and zero cost.