Gcodai Studio Manual: learn lesson by lesson, every button of the online CNC software

Lesson 0.1 · About 3 min

What is Gcodai Studio and what can it do?

Short answer: Gcodai Studio is online CNC software that runs in your web browser, with nothing to install. Design signs, type text (including Thai) or import files, and the program picks the bit, depth and speeds for you. Check the 3D simulation, then export a G-code file for your CNC router or laser.

A CNC machine does not understand pictures. It only understands G-code: a list of commands that tells the spindle where to move, how deep to go and how fast. Software that turns a design into G-code is called CAM. Gcodai Studio is design software and CAM in one, and the interface is also available in Thai.

What a sign shop can make

• Acrylic letters, shaped signs, V-carved wooden signs, house number signs, round signs
• Neon flex grooves, ACP fold grooves, acrylic inlay in wood, finger-joint wooden boxes
• A full sheet of keychains or small parts, with price estimates and quotations
• 3D work: 3D relief from images or STL files, photos on wood, 3D slat walls
• 4-axis rotary, two-sided jobs and laser jobs

Limits to know first

• Text in PDF / AI files that has not been converted with Create Outlines, and images inside the file, are not imported
• Shop fonts you add are stored in that computer's browser and do not travel with the job file. If you open the job on another computer, add the font there too (WOFF2 is not supported yet)
• Sending jobs directly to the machine works only for GRBL machines connected by USB, using Chrome or Edge on a computer. For Mach3, NcStudio, DSP and Syntec, export a file and open it at the machine

Lesson 0.2 · About 4 min

Sign in / sign up and start the free trial

Short answer: Open gcodai.com/app in Chrome or Edge. The program asks you to sign in first. Click Sign in / Sign up with Google (if you have no account yet, one is created for you) or use email. New accounts get a free trial with every feature, and you can buy a lifetime license later with a single payment · Sign in once and stay signed in, on any computer.

1. Open gcodai.com/app. Chrome or Edge on a computer is recommended
2. On the Sign in to use Gcodai Studio screen, click Sign in / Sign up with Google (if you have no account yet, one is created for you) or enter your email and password · No email account yet? Click No account? Sign up with email
3. The first time, the Welcome to Gcodai Studio window appears. Choose your machine type, table size (3018 / 6040 / 1325 / 1530) and machine rigidity
4. Choose the Material → Sheet size → Start from (type text / draw / import a file / sample job)
5. The member badge in the top bar shows Trial and every feature is available (click the badge to see My account)
6. Buy a license on the order page. Scan the PromptPay QR (Thai payments) or pay by card. Access is unlocked automatically and the badge changes to Lifetime

Lesson 0.3 · About 6 min

Getting to know the screen: top bar, menus, left toolbar, right panel and sheet tabs

Short answer: The Gcodai Studio screen has 5 parts: the top bar (steps 1-2-3, Search, Machine control, Export G-code), the menu bar with 10 menus, the left toolbar, the right panel with 3 tabs (Objects · Machining · Export) and the sheet tabs at the bottom.

1. Top bar (left to right)

• Job name box (used as the file name when exporting)
• Steps 1 Design 2 Toolpaths 3 Simulate. You can also press 1 2 3 on the keyboard
• Member badge showing your status: Not signed in / Trial / Lifetime
• Search (Ctrl+K or /) finds any command or setting
• Undo (Ctrl+Z), Redo (Ctrl+Shift+Z), dark/light theme switch and the How to use button
• Machine control sends jobs to a GRBL machine over USB, and Export G-code (Ctrl+E)

2. Menu bar

File · Edit · View · Draw · Text · Arrange · 3D · Machining · Help. See every command in the full menu table

3. Left toolbar

Select/move (V), edit nodes (N), pan the view (H), type text (T), shapes, QR code, 3D work, line, pen, measure, dimensions, import file and trace image to vectors. See them all in the left toolbar table

4. Right panel with 3 tabs

• Object: sheet settings, edit size and position, choose what this part will do, object list and layers
• Machining: summary of steps, bits used, estimated time, cutting order and warnings
• Export: check the job, choose the machine type, download the file and the checklist before you press start at the machine

5. Bottom of the screen

• Sheet tabs: click Add sheet, or open a tab's menu to rename, duplicate or delete a sheet
• Zoom buttons, rulers (in mm) and the status bar showing X Y coordinates, the selection and the Snap box
• The Ask button at the bottom right: type a question in plain words (the assistant understands Thai), such as "where do I set the start point", then click Ask. It finds the matching menu or field, and Go there opens it for you right away (questions about .jg files or downloads that fail also get a short answer)

Lesson 1.1 · About 6 min

Step 1 Design: set the material and sheet size, then lay out your job

Short answer: First tell the program which material you are using, how wide, long and thick the sheet is, and which corner you will set zero at. Then type text, draw shapes or import a file onto the sheet, and adjust size and position in the right panel.

1. Click step 1 Design or press 1
2. Click an empty spot on the screen (not on an object). The right panel's Object tab shows the sheet settings
3. Choose the Material, such as acrylic, ACP composite (aluminum composite), PVC / foam board, MDF, plywood, solid wood, EPS / PU foam or aluminum sheet. Each material has a short tip to read
4. Choose a Sheet size from the preset buttons (30×40 cm up to a full 4×8 ft sheet) or type the Width, Height and Thickness yourself
5. Set the Machine zero point (X0 Y0). There are 9 positions: choose the same corner you will zero at on the real machine. Z0 is the material top
6. Add work to the sheet: press T and click on the sheet to type text, pick a shape from the left toolbar, or click File → Open / Import file… (Ctrl+O). You can also drag a file onto the screen
7. Click an object and edit it in the top settings bar (under the menu, like CorelDRAW / Illustrator: X, Y, width, height, proportion lock, rotation, flip, job type, font). Type a value and press Enter to apply it right away, or use Size and position in the right panel (both always match) · hide the bar under View → Top settings bar · click Arrange → Center on sheet to center it

Lesson 1.2 · About 7 min

Step 2 Tell each part what it will do, then check the toolpaths

Short answer: Click a part, then choose a button under "What will this part do?" in the right panel, such as Profile cut, V-carve or Pocket. The program picks the bit, depth and speeds from the material. Then click step 2 Toolpaths to see where the bit will travel, the job order and the estimated time.

1. Click the part you want (press Ctrl+A to select everything)
2. In the right panel, under What to do with this object?, click the job you want (see the table below). If you are not sure, click Let the system choose
3. You can leave the Depth and Bit boxes on Auto, or choose a bit T1–T12 and enter the depth yourself
4. Click step 2 Toolpaths (2). The right panel switches to the Machining tab, showing the number of steps, the bits used and the estimated time (including tool changes)
5. Check the Cut order. Click ▲ do earlier / ▼ do later to reorder, or drag a card by ⋮⋮ · Move several steps at once: click the step numbers to select them (Shift+click = range), then use the bar above (⤒ ▲ ▼ ⤓) or drag them together · cards are compact by default; click Full cards for the larger view. Between cards it tells you "Change to … then set Z0 again"
6. Watch the bit run: in the Toolpaths step, press ▶ on the bar above the drawing. The bit follows the cutting order at each job's real speed; finished cuts show as bands the width of the bit (V-bits widen with depth), with a Z depth label and the job/bit being cut · drag the time bar anywhere · ⏮ ⏭ jump one step · speed Auto (about 40 seconds) or ×1 to ×200 · press ✕ to return to all toolpaths
7. Read any Caution, then click the Next step: … button at the bottom

Lesson 1.3 · About 4 min

Step 3 Check the 3D simulation before you cut for real

Short answer: Click step 3 Simulate (or press 3). The program machines the part virtually on screen in 3D, so you see the grooves, pockets and cuts before wasting real material. Use play/pause, adjust the speed and view it from 7 angles.

1. Click 3 Simulate (3) or 3D → 3D simulation
2. Click Play/Pause to watch the bit step by step. Move the Speed slider (1–5). Click Restart to watch from the beginning
3. Change the view: Slant Up Down Front Back Left Right. The Down view shows whether every hole is cut all the way through
4. Mouse: drag = rotate, right-drag or Shift+drag = pan, mouse wheel = zoom, double-click = fit to screen
5. If you find a mistake, go back to step 1 or 2, fix it and check again

Lesson 1.4 · About 7 min

Step 4 Export G-code and set zero on the machine

Short answer: Click the Export G-code button (Ctrl+E), choose the machine type that matches your controller, then download the file and open it at the machine. Before you press start, clamp the material firmly, fit the right bit, set X Y zero at the same corner as in the program, and set zero Z on the material top.

1. Click the Export G-code button at the top right (Ctrl+E). The right panel goes to the Export tab
2. Look at Check job before export. If there are problems, fix them in one click with buttons such as Let the system choose the bit, Reduce to half thickness or Fit to sheet, until it says "Ready to export, no problems found"
3. Choose the Machine / controller that matches your machine. Not sure? See the lesson Choosing the machine type
4. If your machine wants a different file extension, choose it in the File extension box: Machine default / .nc / .tap / .txt / .gcode / .ngc / .cnc / .gc / .nct. The code inside stays the same; only the file name changes
5. Under Output files, download one file at a time or click Download all (as one ZIP)
6. At the machine, follow the Before pressing start on the machine checklist: clamp the material → fit the bit → set X Y zero → set zero Z on the material top → watch the first pass
7. A GRBL machine connected by USB can receive the job straight from the program with Send directly to machine. See the lesson Machine control

Lesson 2.1 · About 6 min

Type text, choose fonts, curved text, text on a path and number sequences

Short answer: Press T and click on the sheet to type text. There are 8 built-in Thai fonts that place Thai vowels and tone marks correctly (no floating vowels). Make text curve around a round sign with Text → Curved text (round sign), and make numbered signs with Text → Number sequence (numbered signs).

1. Press T (the Type text tool) and click on the sheet
2. Type in the Text box in the right panel. Press Enter for a new line
3. Choose the Font: Kanit Bold (recommended), Kanit Regular, Prompt SemiBold, Sarabun Bold, Mitr Medium, Chakra Petch Bold, Itim, Pridi Bold
4. Set the Letter height, Letter spacing, Align lines (left/center/right) and Line spacing

Curved text around a round sign

1. Click Text → Curved text (round sign), or select the text and set the Curved text box: Straight / Top arc / Bottom arc, and enter the radius R
2. Use Top arc for the upper text and Bottom arc for the lower text. Enter the same R and the letters sit on the same circle

Text along your own path

1. Draw a guide line with P (pen) or use a circle. Select that line (and the text, if any)
2. Click Text → Text along drawn path…, type the text, choose the position Above line / Below line and the alignment Start / Center / End of line

Numbered signs in sequence

1. Click Text → Number sequence (numbered signs)…, enter Start at, Quantity and Number height, and you get the whole sequence in one go

Lesson 2.2 · About 6 min

Draw shapes, ready-made sign shapes and QR codes

Short answer: Draw shapes from the left toolbar or the Draw menu: rectangles, circles, polygons, stars, hearts, arrows and 15 ready-made sign shapes such as shields, ribbons, hanging signs and house shapes. Make QR codes with Draw → QR code for links, WiFi, PromptPay, phone numbers and LINE.

1. Rectangle: press R and drag (hold Shift for a square). Circle/ellipse: press E
2. Other shapes: Draw → Polygon Star Heart Arrow Speech bubble. Straight line: press L. Freeform lines and curves: use the pen P (see the next section)
3. Sign shapes: Draw → Sign shapes…, choose shield, ribbon / banner, hanging sign, house shape, concave-corner frame, cloud, scalloped seal, price tag / name tag
4. Click the shape and adjust it in the right panel, such as Bull nose, Number of sides, Number of points and size

Pen: draw straight lines and curves (Bézier)

1. Press P or Draw → Pen (lines/curves)
2. Click = corner point (straight line) · click and drag = curve point, drag the handle until you get the curve you want · hold Shift while dragging = lock to every 45° · hold Alt while dragging = break the corner
3. Click the first point = close the shape · Enter, Esc or double-click = finish an open line · Backspace = remove the last point
4. Edit a selected line with the pen: click on the line = add a point · click a point = delete it · drag a point = move it · drag a handle = bend the curve (hold Alt = split the two handles) · Alt+click a point = toggle corner/curve point · click the end of an open line = keep drawing
5. Edit later: with the select tool (V), double-click the pen line to go straight into pen node and handle editing

Make a QR code

1. Click Draw → QR code (link / WiFi / PromptPay)…
2. Choose the type: link / text, WiFi, PromptPay (you can include an amount), phone number, LINE, then enter the details
3. Set the size and choose Cut dark cells or Cut background (dark modules raised)

Lesson 2.3 · About 6 min

Import SVG, DXF, EPS and AI files and use line colors to set machining jobs

Short answer: Click File → Open / Import file… (Ctrl+O) or drag a file onto the screen. SVG, DXF, EPS, AI, PDF, images and G-code are supported. The program reads the line colors in the file and sets the machining jobs automatically using the Line color → machining rules, for example black = cut, orange = V-carve, green = pocket.

1. Click File → Open / Import file… (Ctrl+O) or drag the file onto the area that says "Drop file here"
2. The import window summarizes File line colors → jobs so you can see which color becomes which job
3. Choose the Material sheet (for example fit to job + 10 mm margin) and the Size: As in file / Fit to sheet / Set width / File is in inches (×25.4)
4. Check Split into separate objects if you want to select and move each shape separately, then click Import

Set your shop's own color rules

1. Click Machining → Line color → machining…
2. Edit the job, bit and depth for each color. Depth options: Through / Leave material / Depth / Auto
3. Click Add color if your shop uses other colors, or Reset to defaults to go back. The rules sync with your account

Lesson 2.4 · About 4 min

Trace an image (PNG/JPG logo) into vectors for cutting

Short answer: Use File → Trace image to vectors…, choose a PNG, JPG, WebP or BMP logo, then adjust the threshold and line smoothing. The program converts it into vector lines you can cut or engrave right away.

1. Click File → Trace image to vectors… or the image button in the left toolbar
2. Choose an image file (PNG, JPG, WebP, BMP)
3. Adjust the Threshold until the black and white image is complete, adjust Smoothing so the edges are not jagged, and enter the Object width you want
4. If you get the reverse (the background becomes the shape), check Invert
5. Click OK, then choose a machining job as in lesson 1.2

Lesson 2.5 · About 7 min

Editing shapes: edit nodes, combine, trim, bend, slice and repeat

Short answer: Shape editing commands are in the Arrange menu: union, subtract, intersect, offset (grow/shrink), warp, slice, and repeat in a grid or around a circle. To edit a line node by node, use the edit nodes tool (press N).

Edit line nodes

1. Select the shape, press N and drag nodes to change the shape. Double-click on a line to add a node, press Delete to delete a node
2. The bar at the top has Simplify, Fillet corners, Split path, Close path, Set start point (red dot = start point), Delete node and Done

Combine, subtract and intersect (select at least 2 objects)

• Arrange → Union merges them into one shape
• Subtract (first object minus the others), for example to make a frame with the letters cut out of it
• Intersect and Offset (grow / shrink outline)… to make edges thicker or thinner

Warp, slice, break apart, join

• Warp: arch / bulge / wave / slant… with arch, bulge, pinch, wave / flag, perspective and slant styles, strength −100 to 100%
• Slice… splits a large sign into several panels with knife lines: vertical, horizontal, pie slices or concentric rings. Set the number of pieces and the gap
• Break apart and Link open paths
• Split all paths (inner paths aren't holes) (in the Arrange menu and on right-click) makes every line its own object, so inner lines no longer count as holes in the outer line. Useful for a sign where the outer line is cut through but the inner lines should be grooved

Repeat, flip, rotate, align

• Repeat in grid… (columns, rows, spacing), Repeat around circle… (count, radius), Clone along curve…
• Flip left-right, Flip top-bottom, Rotate 90°. Group Ctrl+G, ungroup Ctrl+Shift+G
• With several objects selected, the right panel has align buttons for left, center, right, top and bottom, plus Arrange → Distribute evenly (select 3 or more objects)

Lesson 2.6 · About 4 min

Backing plates around letters and stencil letters

Short answer: Make a backing plate behind letters with Text → Create backing around text…, choosing a shape that follows the letters or a rounded rectangle. For stencil letters whose centers do not fall out (O, A, D, B), use Text → Make stencil letters…: the program adds bridges to hold the centers for you.

Backing plate around an object

1. Select the text or shape, click Text → Create backing around text… (or Arrange → Create backing around object…)
2. Choose the Shape: Follow letter shape / Rounded rectangle, and enter the Margin and Bull nose
3. Choose Create on: Same sheet or New sheet (when the backing uses a different material)

Stencil letters

1. Select the text, click Text → Make stencil letters…
2. Enter the Tab width. The program sets the job to a profile cut Inside for you

Lesson 2.7 · About 4 min

Layers, lock, hide, dimension lines and measuring

Short answer: Organize objects into layers in the Objects tab. Lock objects you do not want to move with Edit → Lock selected. Add dimension lines that are never cut with the D key, and measure distance, angle and ΔX ΔY with the M key.

1. Layers: tab Object → Add layer. Open a layer's menu to Use this layer, Rename…, Change color…, Move up / Move down, Select all objects on this layer, Delete layer
2. Lock: Edit → Lock selected. Unlock with Unlock all or click the padlock in the All objects list, which also has show/hide buttons for each object
3. Dimension lines: press D and drag from one point to another. This line is never cut. You can adjust Measure direction, Line offset, Text size and Decimals
4. Automatic dimensions: Draw → Auto-dimension selection (width × height)
5. Measure: press M and drag to see the distance, angle and ΔX ΔY (hold Shift = straight)

Lesson 2.8 · About 5 min

Make a finger-joint wooden box

Short answer: Use Draw → Box maker (finger joints)…, enter the width, depth, height and material thickness. The program creates every side panel with finger joints, dogbone corner reliefs, a lid and dividers. Cut them and they fit together right away.

1. Click Draw → Box maker (finger joints)…
2. Enter the Width, Depth and Height, and choose whether these are inside or outside dimensions
3. Enter the Material thickness (measured), the Finger width and the Fit clearance
4. Choose the Groove angle: Dogbone (recommended) / T-bone / Embedded in shape / No corner relief
5. Choose the Lid: No lid / Closed lid (finger joints) / Fitted lid (lifts off). You can add dividers in both directions and choose to engrave part names to help assembly

Lesson 2.9 · About 3 min

Sign design assistant: describe the sign in words and get a design instantly

Short answer: Use Draw → Sign design assistant (describe it in words)…. Type the size, material, method and text, for example "wood sign 40x20 cm V-carve Garden Coffee", and the program suggests 3 sign designs to choose from. The assistant reads Thai descriptions. It runs in your browser and sends no data to an outside AI.

1. Click Draw → Sign design assistant (describe it in words)…
2. Type the details, or click one of the examples marked Try:. The assistant reads size, shape, material, method, text, phone number, LINE, PromptPay and icons
3. Methods you can choose: V-carve, cut-through stencil, pocketed letters, raised letters, cut-out separate letters
4. Pick 1 of the 3 designs, then keep editing it as usual

Lesson 2.10 · About 4 min

Add your own shop fonts (TTF / OTF)

Short answer: Click Text → Shop fonts… and choose a .ttf, .otf, .ttc or .woff font file (or drag the font file onto the screen). The font appears in the font box under Shop fonts, and you can type, V-carve and cut letters with it just like the 8 built-in fonts.

1. Click Text → Shop fonts… or choose + Add shop font… at the end of the font box in the right panel
2. Choose the font file (you can pick several at once), or just drag the font file onto the sheet
3. Check the preview in the Sample text box. Fonts that include Thai characters show a Has Thai badge
4. Select text on the sheet and click Apply to text, or choose the font in the font box. Shop fonts are in their own category, separate from the built-in fonts

Lesson 2.11 · About 4 min

Icon library with 281 icons + 50 sign frames and ornaments

Short answer: Click Draw → Icons & sign frames…, search for words like phone, coffee, restroom, parking or arrow, then click an icon to place it in the middle of the screen as closed lines ready to cut. The Frames & ornaments tab has frames, ribbons, dividers, Thai-style patterns (kranok, kracang, peony flowers, lotus petals, Thai arch frames, gables) and emblem elements. Set the size in millimeters before placing.

1. Click Draw → Icons & sign frames… (or type "icon" in the command search Ctrl+K)
2. Tab Icons: search or pick a category, set the Longest side (default 60 mm), then click an icon. It is placed in the middle of the screen right away
3. Tab Frames & ornaments: choose a style and adjust width, height and line thickness (mm). If you selected text first, click Surround the selection and the frame fits the text
4. Click Place (or Ctrl+Enter), then set the machining job as usual, such as V-carve or Pocket

Thai patterns and emblem elements (21 new designs)

Every pattern is a solid shape with layers separated by grooves, ready to V-carve, pocket, cut or sculpt as a relief. Some patterns have extra settings, such as Upside down (1 = inverted lotus), Flame shape (1 = yes, 0 = straight), Sweep angle, Empty inner circle, Text area, Left/right dots (1 = yes) · For a 3D relief pattern, use Add component → Thai pattern / Pattern from library… in the Relief sculpting window

Lesson 3.1 · About 8 min

Profile cut: acrylic letters and shaped signs, with tabs

Short answer: Select the part and click Profile cut. Use Outside the line for parts you will keep, Inside the line for holes or openings you will throw away, and turn on Leave tabs so parts do not fly loose when they are cut free.

1. Select the part (for example text) and click Profile cut (cut out) under What to do with this object?
2. Choose Which side of the line to cut: Outside (the part comes out at the design size) / Inside (the hole comes out at the design size) / Cut on line
3. Check Leave tabs (keep parts from flying loose). It is off by default and only appears when cutting through
4. Leave the depth on Auto and the program cuts through the full sheet thickness
5. For fine control, click Advanced settings (see the table)

Lesson 3.2 · About 5 min

V-carve: wooden signs with crisp letters

Short answer: Select the text and click Engrave letters (V-carve). The V-bit carves deeper where the stroke is wider, giving sharp corners like hand carving. For large letters or wide strokes, turn on Clear flat areas with a flat end mill to make it faster.

1. Select the text and click Letter carving (V-carve)
2. Set the Max depth (you can leave it on Auto) and the Bit, such as T5 V-bit 90° or T6 V-bit 45°
3. Check the number showing the stroke width at full depth. Strokes wider than that get a flat bottom
4. Check Clear flat areas with a flat end mill and choose a flat end mill. The program clears the floor with the flat end mill first, then the V-bit finishes the edges
5. A full sign: draw the sign border and set it to Profile cut (cut out), so you get the carving and the cut-out in one file

Lesson 3.3 · About 5 min

Pockets, clearing areas, raised letters and a small bit for corners

Short answer: Select a shape, click Pocket and enter the depth. The program clears the inside of that shape to a flat floor. Use it for insert recesses or raised letters. For large areas, turn on 2-bit pocketing: a large bit clears the floor fast, then a small bit cleans up the corners.

1. Select the shape, click Pocket and enter the Depth
2. Choose the Pocket strategy: Offset (general) / Zigzag (flat floor) / Continuous spiral (hardly any retracts, fast) / High speed (every corner rounded, no bit shock), or click a preset: Normal · Flat floor · Adaptive (constant tool load) · Fast, few retracts
3. Stepover (per pass) is a % of the bit diameter. Empty = the tool library value or 50%. Low values give a smoother floor but are slower; high values are faster but leave ridges. Below the box it shows how many millimeters apart each pass is
4. Open More pocket settings if needed: Helical ramp (plunges in a helix instead of straight, good for bits without center cutting) · Leave wall allowance for finishing · Final wall cleanup loop
5. For tight corners, check 2-bit cut: big bit clears the floor fast, small bit cleans corners, then choose the Small bit for corners

Raised letters (clear the area around the text)

1. Draw a frame around the text. Select the frame first, then add the text to the selection
2. Click Arrange → Subtract (first object minus the others) to get an area with the letters left out
3. Set that area to Pocket and the letters are raised. Or use the Sign design assistant and choose the raised letters method

Lesson 3.4 · About 5 min

Grooving along lines: neon flex grooves and ACP fold grooves

Short answer: Select a line and click Groove along the line. The bit follows the line to make a groove. Use it for neon flex grooves with the T7 neon flex grooving bit, and for ACP fold grooves with the T8 ACP composite grooving bit 90°, set to leave material so the panel folds without breaking.

Neon flex grooves

1. Draw the LED path with P or import lines from a file
2. Select the line, click Groove on the line, choose the Bit T7 neon flex grooving bit (Neon) 6 mm and enter the Depth to suit the neon flex size
3. For letters, use Midline (centerline) engraving and choose 2D constant depth. The groove runs down the middle of each letter (in files, use yellow lines)

ACP fold grooves

1. Draw a straight line along the fold. Select the line and click Groove on the line
2. Choose the Bit T8 ACP composite grooving bit 90° and set the depth to leave about 1 mm of material (in files, dark red lines get this set for you)
3. Set the outline to Profile cut (cut out). Once cut, fold along the grooves

Lesson 3.5 · About 5 min

Midline engraving and flutes (variable-depth grooves)

Short answer: Midline engraving runs a V-bit along a single line down the middle of each letter. It is faster than V-carve and suits small text. A flute is a groove that gradually gets deeper then shallower, used for column flutes or flower petals.

1. Select the text and click Midline (centerline) engraving
2. Choose the Depth along centerline (matching 2D / 3D / 3D Cone in UCanCam): 2D constant depth gives the same depth along the whole line, for example neon flex grooves / 3D depth by width makes the V-bit go deeper where the stroke is wider, but no deeper than the set depth / 3D cone follows the bit cone down until it fills the stroke width
3. 3D cone does not use the Depth box above. To limit the depth, enter Max depth, and if you use a bit that is not a V-bit, enter the Bit cone angle (default 90°)
4. Trim branches shorter than (mm) removes short midline branches that split off at letter corners (min midline length), so the job is cleaner and faster
5. Cut order: Nearest first / X first / Y first. Check Reverse final finishing pass (Reverse machining) if you want smoother grooves
6. Flutes: select the line, click Flute (variable-depth groove) and choose the Groove profile: shallow-deep-shallow / shallow → deep / deep → shallow

Lesson 3.6 · About 5 min

Drilling: bolt holes, bulb holes, holes along a line and full hole panels

Short answer: Draw a circle, line or closed shape and click Drilling. The Drill where box has 4 options: Center (drill the center of the circle), Along line (evenly spaced holes along the line), Fill area (a grid or honeycomb filling the shape) and Points only, like Drilling in UCanCam. You can set a dwell at the bottom and the drilling order. In imported files, purple circles are set to drilling automatically.

1. Draw a circle with E at the hole position (for a row of holes, draw a line or closed shape instead)
2. Click Drilling and choose the Bit, such as T11 drill bit 3 mm
3. Where to drill: Hole center of the circle or closed shape (holes larger than the bit are drilled with a helical path) / Along line drills a row along the line, such as pin holes or light holes following letters / Fill area drills a grid filling the closed shape, such as LED hole panels or grilles / Points only drills only the points or small shapes you drew
4. For Along line, enter Every (mm). The program spaces the holes evenly along the line, never farther apart than this
5. For Fill area, enter Horizontal spacing, Vertical spacing and Edge margin, and check Offset rows (honeycomb) if you want staggered rows
6. Dwell at hole bottom (seconds) holds the bit at the bottom of the hole for a moment for a clean hole and full chip clearing (dwell), and Drill order: Nearest first / Row by row / Column by column
7. To place holes at your own positions: Arrange → Repeat in grid… or Repeat around circle…

Lesson 3.7 · About 5 min

Inlay: set acrylic or contrasting wood into wood

Short answer: Select a shape or text and click Inlay. The program creates 2 files: a pocket in the main piece and an insert cut-out, already mirrored. Press the insert into the pocket and glue it for an inlay flush with the surface.

1. Select the shape or text and click Inlay
2. Set the depth and bit. The program tells you that you will get 2 files: pocket + insert cut-out (mirrored)
3. Export with Download all (ZIP) to get both files
4. Run the pocket file on the main piece and the insert file on the inlay material, then press them together and glue

Lesson 3.8 · About 4 min

Dogbone / T-bone joint corners and chamfered edges

Short answer: A round bit cannot make square inside corners, so square parts will not fit. Set Joint corners to Dogbone or T-bone and the bit cuts slightly past each corner so parts fit snugly. Chamfer uses a V-bit to bevel the top edge neatly.

1. Select a part set to Profile cut (cut out) or Pocket
2. In the Dogbone corners box choose None / Dogbone / T-bone
3. Chamfer: check Chamfer top edge with V-bit (Chamfer) and enter the Chamfer width (measured on surface)
4. The Bit tip below edge (h) box lets the bit tip go a little past the chamfer face, so no burr is left when the sheet is not flat (empty = 0.1 mm; UCanCam calls this value h)

Lesson 3.9 · About 5 min

3D bevel cut (V-bit): beveled-edge letters and holes with sloped walls

Short answer: Select a part and click 3D bevel cut (V-bit). The V-bit cuts along the edge so the part's wall slopes at the bit angle, like 3D Cutting / 3D Corner Engraving in UCanCam. Choose whether the top edge or the bottom edge matches the design size. Use it for beveled-edge letters, full-thickness beveled signs or holes with sloped walls.

1. Select text or a closed shape and click 3D bevel cut (V-bit) under What to do with this object?
2. In the Bit box choose a V-bit, such as T5 V-bit 90° or T6 V-bit 45° (with any other bit the wall comes out vertical, and the program warns you to change it)
3. Mill region: Outside = the part is inside the line, for example beveled-edge letters / Inside = the waste is inside the line, for example holes or pockets with sloped walls
4. Design size at: Top edge (Top) the top matches the design and the base flares out / Bottom edge (Bottom) the bottom matches the design and the top is smaller. Below the box it shows how many millimeters wide the sloped wall is
5. Corner: Arc the bit goes around corners on an arc / Sharp crisp sharp corners. Enter a Side allowance if you want to leave material for a later finishing pass
6. Inside the line: set Area clearance inside line to None / Raster / Offset, then enter the Overlap (default 50%). For Raster you can set the Path angle

Lesson 3.10 · About 5 min

Prism letters: letter faces with a sharp ridge, cut with a V-bit

Short answer: Select the text and click Prism letters (V-bit). The V-bit cuts the letter faces so they slope up and meet in a sharp ridge down the middle, like Prism machining in UCanCam. Popular for light box signs, acrylic and brass. The program cuts layer by layer from the top down for you.

1. Select the text, click Prism letters (V-bit) and choose a V-bit in the Bit box (the prism faces come from the bit's cone angle)
2. Check the line below the buttons: Full prism ridge depth … mm. If the depth is less than this, the wide parts get a flat top face. If it is deep enough, it says Sharp ridge everywhere
3. Enter the First pass depth and Next layer depth, each no more than the bit cone height (the program shows it on the same line)
4. Set the Bit path overlap (Overlap) (default 20%) and the Corner (Angle type): Rounded the bit goes around corners on an arc / Sharp (Cusp) sharp corners
5. You can leave Skip outer loop on first layer (Simplify first layer - faster) checked. It is on by default

Lesson 3.11 · About 5 min

Round-over / cove edge (Embossing): rounded edges and coves with a ball nose

Short answer: Select letters or a sign and click Round-over / cove edge (Embossing). The ball nose shapes the edge into a rounded profile, a cove or a slope, like Embossing machining in UCanCam. It works for both raised shapes and recessed pockets, has presets to click, and shows the edge profile as soon as you change a value.

1. Select the part, click Round-over / cove edge (Embossing) and choose a ball nose in the Bit box, such as T12 ball nose 6 mm
2. Style: Raised (Male) the edge slopes down outward, for example raised letters with rounded edges / Recessed (Female) the edge slopes down inward, and the pocket floor is cleared for you
3. Click a preset Cove, Round, Straight slope or Ogee. The edge profile above changes to match
4. The Depth box above is the height of the edge. Enter the Edge width (Width) (empty = same as height) and Offset from line (Border) if you want the edge to start away from the line
5. Shape the profile yourself with the Top angle and Bottom angle (0–89°)
6. Overlap defaults to 80%. Higher is smoother but slower. For Recessed, choose Clear pocket floor: Offset / Raster

Lesson 3.12 · About 5 min

Texture / waveboard: straight grooves, wave grooves, 3D waves, fan pattern

Short answer: Draw a closed shape the size of the area you want, then click Texture / waveboard. The program machines a pattern across the whole shape. Choose from 4 types: straight grooves, wave grooves, 3D waves and fan pattern, with ready-made pattern buttons to click, like Waveboard in UCanCam. Use it for decorative walls, headboards or textured sign backgrounds.

1. Draw a closed shape the size of the wall or sheet (such as a rectangle), click Texture / waveboard and choose a ball nose in the Bit box (a V-bit is recommended for the fan pattern)
2. Pattern: Straight grooves / Wave grooves (grooves that wiggle like a wave seen from above) / 3D waves (straight grooves that go deeper and shallower in waves, giving a rippled surface) / Fan pattern (grooves radiating from one point)
3. Or click a ready-made pattern below and fine-tune it (see the table)
4. The Depth box is the groove depth. Adjust the Groove spacing (empty = bit diameter) and the Groove angle to rotate the pattern
5. Wave grooves and 3D waves: set the Wavelength, Wave shift per groove (180° = neighboring grooves alternate) and the Wave height (wave grooves only)
6. Finishing touches: Fading groove ends makes the groove ends gradually get shallower until they disappear, Inner edge margin, and Cut back and forth (faster), which is on by default

Lesson 3.13 · About 4 min

Several jobs on one part, cutting order and cutting styles

Short answer: One part can have several jobs, for example V-carve and then cut around it. Click Add another machining job to this part in the right panel. You can reorder jobs in the Machining tab, and save settings you use often as a cutting style to reuse next time.

1. Select a part that already has a job and click Add another machining job to this object, then choose the second job
2. Tab Machining → Cut order: use ▲ ▼ to reorder, and click the eye button to hide a job temporarily
3. Click a job card to edit the feed rate, plunge rate, spindle speed, depth per pass and stepover. All objects in this job changes the depth or bit for every part at once
4. Change a job's bit: click the bit button on the job card. If the same job is on several sheets, the menu asks you to choose All sheets with this job or This sheet only before picking the bit (the program remembers your choice)
5. Save a style: set the values you like and click Save style. Next time choose from Use a saved cutting style…
6. For lines you do not want cut (guide lines), click No cut

Lesson 3.14 · About 5 min

Laser jobs: cut through, score lines and fill areas

Short answer: Choose GRBL laser (LaserGRBL / LightBurn, M4) as the machine type. The job buttons change to Cut through (laser), Score line (laser) and Fill area (laser). Enter the power as a percentage, the speed and the number of passes, then export a .nc file.

1. Tab Export → Machine / controller, choose GRBL laser (or set it in Machining → Machine settings…)
2. Select the part and click Cut through (laser), Score (laser) or Fill (laser)
3. Enter Power %, Speed and Number of passes. For fills, also enter the Line spacing and Line angle
4. Export the file, or send it over USB with the machine control window

Lesson 3.15 · About 6 min

LED layout in channel letters

Short answer: Select letters or a logo made of closed shapes and click Signs → LED layout in letters…. Choose the LED type, model and layout pattern. The program lays out the LEDs eCut-style and shows them right away (even rows run parallel to the edges, odd rows add a center line, every LED sits fully inside the letter, no letter is left dark, and small letters that cannot fit LEDs use ribbon LED instead). It counts the LEDs or the length of LED strip, total watts, power supply size (with 20% headroom) and wire size, and drills the wiring holes for you.

1. Select the letters (typed text works as is) or a logo made of closed shapes
2. Click Signs → LED layout in letters…
3. Choose the Light type and Light model, such as LED module 12V (3 LEDs), LED strip 12V / 24V, ping-pong LEDs, 5V bullet LEDs or 220V LED
4. Choose the Layout pattern: Auto (by stroke width) counts rows from your shop's stroke width table; even rows run parallel to the edges and odd rows add a center line; wider than the table = a grid based on the letter depth (single LEDs can use Auto too) · Centerline run · 1 edge row · 2 edge rows, two loops parallel to the edge, one LED apart · Fill area · Grid (parallel rows), horizontal rows spaced at the letter depth, good for light boxes and solid signs · Parts too narrow for the chosen pattern get a center line automatically
5. Enter values for the LED type: modules Gap between modules, Extra stroke-end setback · strips Strips per letter stroke (2 strips (pair) = down one side, U-turn at the end, up the other side), Gap between strips · single LEDs LED spacing · edge and fill patterns have an Edge distance box (if you enter too little, the program enforces a minimum of half an LED + the clearance so nothing spills over the edge). Then set the Clearance around lights and the Letter box depth
6. With modules or single LEDs: check Small letters use ribbon light (on by default) and choose a ribbon LED model. Letters too small or strokes too narrow for LEDs get ribbon LED instead. The summary card shows Ribbon light in small letters in meters and a separate Ribbon light power supply if the voltages differ. If the chosen LED does not fit any letter, the summary card switches the whole job to ribbon LED
7. Check the summary card, then click Place lights in design. Click Print summary if you want a job sheet or a PDF

Lesson 3.16 · About 7 min

Edge roll (letter returns): make channel letters from ACP

Short answer: Select the letters and click Signs → Edge roll (letter returns)…. Enter the return height and sheet thickness. The program unrolls the edge of each letter into a long strip with fold grooves at corners, bending grooves on curves, strip joints and fold-over flanges, then nests them on a 1220×2440 ACP composite sheet ready to cut with a V-bit.

1. Select letters or a logo made of closed shapes (for imported files with broken lines, use Arrange → Join broken lines first)
2. Click Signs → Edge roll (letter returns)…
3. Enter the Return height, Return sheet thickness, Flange width and the material sheet size
4. Choose how the strip ends join: butt joint, lap joint or jigsaw lock, and choose the fold groove bit (V-bit), the bending groove bit and the cut-through bit
5. Check the preview and strip table, then click Create cut sheets. You get the work sheet, Return sheet 1, 2… and Letter sheet 1, 2… (letter sheets are mirrored left-right to cut from the back)

Lesson 4.1 · About 6 min

Tool library T1–T12 and default speeds per bit

Short answer: Open Machining → Tool library…. There are 12 slots, T1–T12, to set up to match the bits your shop has. Edit the name, type, size and angle, and click the gauge button at the end of the row to set that bit's speeds for each material. Empty boxes use automatic values.

1. Click Machining → Tool library… (or tab Machining → Tool library T1–T12)
2. Each row has the slot, name, type, size ⌀, angle, tip/flute style, flute length and number of flutes. Edit them to match the real bits
3. To switch to a ready-made bit from the catalog, click Find a bit in the catalog or the magnifier button in the row
4. Set default speeds for a bit: click the gauge button (this bit's speeds per material) to open the Speeds for bit T# window. Enter values only for the materials you want; empty = auto
5. To go back to the original set, click Reset to defaults

Lesson 4.2 · About 3 min

CNC bit catalog: find bit specs and add them to the library

Short answer: Machining → CNC bit catalog… collects the bits sign shops use most, with specs. Search by type, such as flat end mill, compression, V-bit, ball nose, ACP grooving bit or neon flex grooving bit, then add one to a tool library slot right away.

1. Click Machining → CNC bit catalog…
2. Choose a category: flat end mill, compression, up-cut / down-cut, O-flute, V-bit, flat-tip engraving bit, ball nose / tapered ball nose, round-over bit, drill bit, ACP composite grooving bit, neon flex grooving bit (Neon), spoilboard surfacing bit
3. Choose a bit and add it to the T slot you want

Lesson 4.3 · About 3 min

My materials: add your own, such as HDPE or brass

Short answer: If your material is not one of the 8 built-in materials, add it yourself in Machining → My materials…. Enter a name, choose the closest material, the default thickness, spindle speed, chip load and depth per pass, then use it like any other material.

1. Click Machining → My materials…
2. Enter the Name and Similar to (for example HDPE is similar to acrylic). The program uses that material's values as a base
3. Enter the Default thickness, Spindle speed, Chip load and Depth per pass if you know them

Lesson 4.4 · About 6 min

CNC machine settings (do this once)

Short answer: Machining → Machine settings…: enter the controller type, work area size, max speed, max/min spindle speed, safe Z, machine rigidity, default speeds for all bits, start point and plunge method. Set it once and the values are remembered and synced with your account. The defaults are a single pass for every job, straight plunge, feed rate 3000 and plunge rate 1000 mm/min.

1. Click Machining → Machine settings…
2. Choose the Machine type / controller (see the lesson Choosing the machine type), enter the Work area width (X), Work area length (Y) and Max feed rate
3. Enter the Max spindle speed, Min spindle speed, Spindle spin-up wait before cutting and the Board max S value (some boards use S1000 instead of full RPM)
4. Enter the Safe Z: the height the bit lifts to for rapid moves. It must be higher than your clamps
5. Default feed rate (all bits) and Default plunge rate (all bits) default to 3000 and 1000 mm/min and apply to every bit and material, except bits with speeds set in the tool library or values edited on the job card · Clear them = calculate automatically from the material
6. Start point (all closed paths): Top center (default) / Bottom center / Left center / Right center / Custom point (set with the edit nodes tool N → Set start point) / Auto (least travel)
7. Choose the Machine rigidity: Desktop / Standard / Heavy steel frame. The program uses this to calculate automatic speeds
8. When the job ends → Park the head at: Job zero (X0 Y0) / Behind the sheet (easy to take the part off) / Stay put / Machine home (needs limit switches), plus Retract height (at job end)
9. Peck plunge, step (mm): the bit plunges in steps and lifts to clear chips (pecking plunge), for jobs that plunge straight down, plus Chip-clearing lift above surface (empty = 1 mm) · First box empty = plunge in one go
10. Ramp plunge is off by default = the bit plunges straight down in every job, for bits that can plunge (center cutting) · On = the bit ramps down along the line, so it stays cool and does not break
11. Single pass for all jobs is on by default (depth per pass = job depth), good for powerful machines or thin sheets such as ACP and thin acrylic · Turn it off and the program splits the job into several passes by material, which is gentler on the bit
12. For GRBL machines that run jobs with UGS or Candle and want one file per bit, check Separate file per bit (change the bit, then open the next file)

Lesson 4.5 · About 5 min

Choosing from 12 machine types: which one for your machine

Short answer: Choose the machine type in the Export tab, Machine / controller box, to match the software or box that controls your machine. For example, a GRBL board: choose GRBL; a computer running Mach3: choose Mach3; Weihong controlled by a computer: choose NcStudio; a Richauto handheld controller: choose DSP. If yours is not listed, you can create your own file format (see the next lesson).

1. Click Export G-code and choose in Machine / controller, or set it as the default in Machining → Machine settings…
2. Not sure? Look at the name on the machine control software screen or on the handheld controller. Most have the brand written on them

Lesson 4.6 · About 5 min

Machine not on the list: customize the file format yourself

Short answer: Click Machining → Machine settings…, then Customize file format… (the same button is in the Export tab). Choose the closest machine as a template, edit the header, tool change block and footer, watch the live code preview every time you edit, then save it as My machine. It syncs with your account.

1. Click Machining → Machine settings… → Customize file format…
2. Choose a Prototype from the closest machine, then set the Machine name (shown in menu)
3. Set the File extension, Units, Decimals, Comments, Tool change and Spindle on command
4. Edit the Header · Tool change block · Footer boxes. Click the variable buttons to insert values such as {T} tool number, {S} spindle speed, {F} feed rate, {SAFEZ} retract height, {SEC} / {MS} spindle wait time
5. Check the Code preview (small job, 2 bits). When it says Format is valid, ready to save, click Save and use this machine

Lesson 5.1 · About 5 min

3D relief from an image or STL file

Short answer: 3D menu → Image → 3D relief… turns an image into a relief, or 3D → Import 3D model (STL)… uses a ready-made model. Then set the relief depth and surface quality. Gcodai creates a roughing toolpath with a flat end mill and a finishing pass with a ball nose.

1. Click 3D → Image → 3D relief… or Import 3D model (STL)…
2. Adjust Raised areas, Contrast, the relief width and depth, Surface smoothness and the base around the model (for STL you can pick View from)
3. Click the relief. In the right panel section 3D machining, enter the Relief depth, choose a Surface resolution: Fast / Normal / Very fine, and the Finishing direction
4. Tick Rough first with a flat end mill to save time, and Finish again in the other direction for a smoother surface
5. Choose the Finishing bit (a ball nose, e.g. T10 or T12) and the Roughing bit

Lesson 5.2 · About 4 min

Turn letters or shapes into a 3D relief

Short answer: Select text or a shape, then click 3D → Make selected text/shapes 3D relief…. Choose a cross-section: prism (sharp ridge), rounded dome, pillow or chamfer. Set it to raise up or sink in, then cut with a ball nose.

1. Select the text or shape and click 3D → Make selected text/shapes 3D relief… (or right-click → Make 3D relief…)
2. Choose a cross-section: Prism (sharp ridge) / Rounded dome / Pillow / Chamfer
3. Choose Raised or Sunken, and set the edge and the base
4. Choose a ball nose in the 3D machining section

Lesson 5.3 · About 8 min

3D relief sculpting (relief modelling): raised signs, Thai-motif signs, emblems, domed letters, moulding frames

Short answer: Select text or shapes on the sheet, then click 3D → Sculpt relief from selection…. Pick one of 15 ready-made templates in 4 groups: Signs / Letters / Thai motifs & emblems / Other, for example a raised sign on a curved base, a raised house-number sign, domed letters, a round organization sign, a temple/pavilion sign with an arch, or a moulding picture frame. Adjust the shape and height of each component on the left, add Thai motifs from the pattern library, sculpt more with brushes, then click Create on sheet. Gcodai turns it into a 3D relief and sets up roughing with a flat end mill and finishing with a ball nose for you. To edit later, double-click the sculpt on the sheet: everything is still there.

Step 1 · Select objects on the sheet, then open the sculpt window

1. Type text or draw shapes on the sheet as usual, then select them. The Signs and Thai motif templates create the sign board or emblem body for you. If you want your own sign shape (rectangle, circle or a custom outline), draw the outline first and select it together with the text
2. Click 3D → Sculpt relief from selection…, or right-click the object → Sculpt relief from selection…, or click the 3D relief sculpting button in the right panel
3. You can also start with nothing selected: click 3D → Relief sculpting…. Templates that need letters get sample text first; replace it with your own later

Step 2 · Choose a starting template

The Choose a starting preset page has 15 templates in 4 groups. Each one shows a preview made from your actual selection. The depth is set automatically from the sheet thickness, and everything can be changed later.

Step 3 · Adjust components (like layers)

1. On the left is the Component list. Each component is one layer of the work. The top component is calculated last and sits over the ones below. Drag ⋮⋮ to reorder, click the eye to hide, double-click a name to rename
2. Click a component, then choose under How to combine with components below: Add adds its height on top of the existing surface (e.g. letters on a curved base) · Merge (keep higher) overlapping parts do not spike up · Subtract carves down into the material · Keep lower trims peaks so nothing rises above this component · Replace uses this component instead of the existing surface inside its outline
3. For components made from text or shapes, choose a Surface profile: Dome · Constant-radius round · Angled slope · Flat · Pillow · Chamfer · Cove · Ogee, then set Height, Edge width, Raise base and Flat top at
4. For a softer or tilted surface, open Height adjust / blur (height multiplier, raise/lower, surface blur), Fade or Tilt · Move, scale and rotate a component with Move X, Move Y, Size, Rotate

Settings bar above the 3D view: select a component and edit X, Y, Lift Z, width, height (proportional), rotation, relief height and combine mode there; type a value and press Enter to apply it · with nothing selected (click empty space outside the work) the bar shows the work area size and base

Moving a component: click it in the 3D view to select it, then drag it to a new spot, or drag the arrows X (red), Y (green) and Z (blue, raise/lower). The yellow dot in the middle moves it freely on the floor · typing in Position X, Position Y or Lift Z under Move / Scale / Rotate moves it right away · dragging empty space still orbits the camera.

Step 4 · Add more components

Click Add component and choose a type:

• From shapes on the sheet… text, shapes or closed paths, raised in the chosen profile
• Flat floor a base of equal height over the whole area. Use it as a sign background, or as the board surface for sunken carving
• Sweep along 1 path… a cross-section runs along a path, e.g. mouldings, edges, raised line art · Sweep between 2 paths… a cross-section stretches between two paths, e.g. leaves, frames of varying width
• Revolve perfectly round shapes: dome, button, cup, ring, cone, layered flower, medal, seal (raised center, flat band around the ring for a name)
• Thai motif / pattern library… click a category tab (e.g. applied Thai motifs, emblem elements, sign frames, dividers) or search in Thai, e.g. kanok, lotus, krajang, emblem. Click a motif, set Width × Height (mm), then choose a placement: Single centered in the work area · Around a circle motif tops pointing outward, set Quantity and Loop radius, for emblem/medal borders · In a row set the count and Run length, for sign base borders. Then click Place in sculpt (double-click a motif = place immediately). The motif becomes a raised component in Keep higher mode with its base at the work's base level; move, scale and rotate it on the left
• Vector file (SVG / AI / EPS / PDF / DXF)… bring a logo or line art straight in without placing it on the sheet first. Closed shapes are raised in the chosen profile (holes stay with their shape), open lines become raised strokes. Choose By colour (colour illustrations: one layer per colour, heights set per colour and scaled to fit the board automatically), One piece per shape or Merge into one piece · very detailed files (thousands to hundreds of thousands of points) are simplified to the real job size, tiny bits removed and invisible paths (no fill, no stroke) skipped automatically, and Fit the work area or Actual size from file · you can also drop vector, STL or image files onto the sculpt window · convert text to outlines in your design program first
• Relief from image / STL… a black-and-white image (light = raised) or an .stl model · Existing relief on the sheet… brings a 3D relief already on the sheet into this work

Step 5 · Sculpt with brushes

1. Pick a brush on the toolbar: Add, Carve, Smooth, Flatten, Erase, Sign (keys 1–6), then drag over the surface
2. Set Size (brush radius, mm) and Strength (%) · Press [ ] to quickly shrink/grow the brush
3. Hold Shift = reverse (Add ↔ Carve) · Hold Alt = temporary smooth · Esc = back to Orbit · Ctrl+Z = Undo · F = fit the whole piece in view · ? = show all shortcuts
4. Viewing: left-drag = rotate · mouse wheel = zoom · right-drag = pan · switch views 3D, Up, Front, Side, and turn on Contour lines or Height colors to see slopes

Step 6 · Create on sheet, then cut

1. Check the bottom bar: work area size, required cutting depth and the warnings Nearly through the sheet or Deeper than the sheet! · Choose Resolution: Fast for trying designs, Normal or Fine for the real job
2. Click Create on sheet. Gcodai places the 3D relief at the same position on the sheet and hides the source text/shapes in the object list (not deleted). Sign outlines and medal rings stay visible, ready to set as a Profile cut right away. If the sign board or emblem came from a template (you did not draw an outline), Gcodai also adds a Sign board outline (profile cut) or Emblem outline (profile cut) path already set as a Profile cut
3. Click the relief. In the right panel section 3D machining, check Surface resolution, tick Rough first with a flat end mill and choose a ball nose as the Finishing bit
4. Check the result in 3 Simulate, then export G-code as usual

Edit it later

Double-click the sculpt on the sheet, or select it and click 3D → Edit selected sculpt… (or right-click → Edit this sculpt…, or the Edit sculpt button in the right panel). Every component and brush stroke is still there. When you are done, click Save changes. The sculpt is also stored in the .gcodai job file.

Export as an STL file

Click Export STL in the bottom bar of the sculpt window, or select a 3D relief on the sheet and choose 3D → Export selected 3D relief as STL…. Set the Base thickness under relief and the resolution, then click Download STL. You get a closed solid in millimetres that opens in other 3D programs, can be 3D printed, or imported back as a relief. The sculpt stays editable in the app (STL export needs the Complete plan).

Lesson 5.4 · About 4 min

Photos on wood: halftone dot engraving

Short answer: File → Photo → Halftone engrave… (or the 3D menu) turns a photo into dots of different sizes, then a V-bit plunges each one as a hole. Dark areas become big dots and light areas small dots. From a distance you see the photo on wood.

1. Click File → Photo → Halftone engrave… and pick an image
2. Choose the Dot type: AM (even spacing, varying dot size) or FM (same dot size, varying density)
3. Set Image width, Dot spacing, Deepest, Contrast, Brightness
4. Choose a V-bit and check the simulation

Lesson 5.5 · About 10 min

3D slat wall (slat / rib relief): a slat wall from a model, step by step

Short answer: A 3D slat wall slices a 3D model into many flat wooden slats. You cut them on the CNC and line them up on the wall so they form a relief. Go to 3D menu → 3D slat wall…, import an STL, enter the wall size, wood thickness and gap, and choose a mounting method. Gcodai creates the slats, rails and assembly numbers and nests everything onto sheets for you.

Step 1 · 3D model

1. Click 3D → 3D slat wall…
2. Click Choose STL file… (a solid relief with a flat back works best) or try a sample model: Box / Dome / Sample face

Step 2 · Slats

1. Choose the Slat direction: Vertical or Horizontal
2. Enter the wall size Width X (wall), Height Y and the relief depth Relief Z (you can tick Lock width-height ratio)
3. Enter the Material thickness t and the Gap g or Slat spacing. Gcodai shows the actual slat count and gap
4. We recommend ticking Fill solid to the back: every slat becomes one piece that touches the wall, with no floating parts

Step 3 · Locking / mounting frame

1. Choose a mounting type: Assembled slats (basic slats) / Tenons + slotted back panel / Wall-mounted comb rail (slat backs against the wall)
2. If you use rails, choose the How slats lock to the rail: Hook: cannot pull out (recommended) or Half-lap notch: push onto the wall
3. Set the screw holes Screw hole Ø and Screw hole every n slats. Add rail rows with Add rail row, or drag a rail in the 3D view to move it

Freestanding statue (stacked or spaced slices)

Make a figure from layers of wood or acrylic that stands on its own. Open 3D → Stacked-slice statue (freestanding)…, or pick Freestanding statue (rods + base) in step 3.

1. Load the statue STL (try the Figure sample first). Set the front to Front (−Y); models standing along Z are set automatically.
2. A gap of 0 stacks the slices tight and glued · enter a gap (e.g. the sheet thickness) for spaced slats.
3. Set the Threaded rod Ø (e.g. 8 mm). The app places the rods and drills matching holes in every slice they pass, aiming for two rods per piece so nothing spins.
4. No threaded rod? Under Rods pick Wooden rods cut from the sheet: flat wooden rods (sheet thickness, 3× the thickness wide, adjustable with Wooden rod width) pass through square holes in every slice so nothing spins, with capsule-shaped wooden washers between spaced slices and wedges that lock the rod ends, all cut from the same sheet · CNC adds dogbone corners to the square holes, laser keeps square corners · rods longer than the sheet are split, and the app estimates the bending load and warns if a rod is too weak (use a wider rod, more rods or threaded rod).
5. Spaced slices: choose Washers cut from the same sheet (gap must equal the thickness or a multiple) or Tubes (cut yourself).
6. Tick Make base plate: slices touching the ground get tenons into through-slots in the base, numbered beside each slot. The app checks the centre of gravity and shows how far the statue can tilt before tipping.
7. The summary lists every rod's cut length, the spacer count, the base size and the assembly steps · the assembly list (CSV) includes the rods.

Step 4 · Numbers, material, sheets

1. Tick Engrave numbers on parts (single line, shallow, not through) so the slats never get mixed up during assembly
2. Choose the Slat material, the Sheet size for nesting and the Cutting bit
3. Switch views to check the work: Original model / Assembled slats / Explode parts / 2D cut parts / Nest on sheets
4. Click Create parts on sheet (to CAM) to continue making G-code, or Export DXF / Export SVG

Lesson 5.6 · About 6 min

Revolve (turned shapes): table legs, balusters, vases on a rotary axis

Short answer: Click 3D → Revolve (rotary)… and pick one of 7 presets (classic baluster, tapered table leg + rings, vase, bed post / stair newel, finial / post top, fluted cylinder, tool handle). Adjust with sliders or use a path you drew, enter the blank size, then create. Gcodai makes toolpaths around the blank for a 4-axis rotary machine.

1. Click 3D → Revolve (rotary)… (or Machining → Revolve: table leg/baluster…)
2. Enter the Stock diameter and Stock length to match your wood
3. In Outer profile (Profile), choose Presets, Use selected lines or Drag points, then adjust the overall depth, bead / ring size and taper
4. If you want lengthwise grooves, turn on Flutes and enter the number of flutes, width and depth
5. Click Create revolve, then check the toolpaths (step 2) and the simulation around the blank (step 3)

Lesson 5.7 · About 8 min

3D carving around a log from STL: Buddha images, statues (4-axis / 5-axis)

Short answer: Click 3D → 3D rotary carving (STL) 4/5 axis… and choose an STL file of a full model (e.g. a Buddha image, a statue, a post top). Enter the part length and Gcodai picks the blank size for you. Then choose a 4-axis (A) machine (default) or 5-axis (A + B tilt head). Gcodai creates roughing + finishing around the blank, and for 5-axis it adds tilted-head finishing only in the recesses a vertical bit cannot reach.

1. Click 3D → 3D rotary carving (STL) 4/5 axis… (or Machining → the same menu item)
2. Click Choose STL file… or Try sample model · If the statue lies in the wrong direction, choose a different Model rotation axis, and rotate the model around the axis to pick the front
3. Enter the Part length · Keep Auto raw stock on: Gcodai uses the model ⌀ + 4 mm and allows 20 mm for holding at each end · End tenons is on by default: Gcodai leaves 12 mm between the statue and the holding area on each side, then turns it down to a round bar on the axis (⌀ about 1/4 of the blank), so the bit can finish the head and base of the statue from every direction. Thin pointed ends are thickened to the tenon size. After cutting, saw off the tenons and sand
4. Choose the machine: 4-axis (A) for a typical rotary machine, or 5-axis (A + B tilting head), then set the B head tilt angle (start at 30°) · The preview shows hidden areas in pink
5. If your controller compensates the tilt head itself (RTCP / TCPM), turn it on and enter the RTCP-on command if your machine needs one (e.g. G43.4 H{T}) · Without RTCP, enter the B pivot to bit tip distance
6. Click Create rotary carve job, then check the toolpaths (step 2), the simulation around the blank (step 3) and export G-code

Lesson 6.1 · About 5 min

Auto nesting, making copies, multiple sheets and ZIP files

Short answer: Select the part and click Arrange → Make copies (enter quantity)…, enter the quantity, then click Auto nesting (true shape)…. Gcodai rotates and packs the parts as tightly as possible to save material, and adds new sheets by itself when they don't fit. On export you get one file per sheet, bundled as a ZIP.

1. Select the master part (e.g. a keychain with toolpaths already set) and click Arrange → Make copies (enter quantity)…. Enter the Total parts needed
2. Click Arrange → Auto nesting (true shape)…
3. Set Spacing between parts, Sheet edge margin and Allow rotation: No rotation / 0/90/180/270° / Every 45° / Every 15°
4. Choose Quality: Fast or Fine. Tick Place small parts inside holes of large parts if you want
5. If the parts overflow the sheet, Gcodai adds new sheets. See all sheets at once with View → View all sheets (Shift+0)
6. Export: Download all gives you every sheet's file bundled as a ZIP

Lesson 6.2 · About 4 min

Estimate prices and print a quotation

Short answer: File → Price estimate / quotation… calculates the price from material cost per square meter, machine time from the real toolpaths, setup cost, design fee and profit. You can add 7% VAT. Then click Print quotation to print or save a PDF for your customer.

1. Click File → Price estimate / quotation… (or the Estimate job price button in the Machining tab)
2. Enter the material price per m², machine rate per hour, setup cost per sheet, design fee, profit %, minimum price and number of sets
3. Choose Material cost: by area +15% or full sheet, and choose whether to add 7% VAT
4. Enter the customer name, shop name, phone and notes, then click Print quotation

Lesson 6.3 · About 2 min

Print a worksheet for the machine operator

Short answer: File → Print operator worksheet gives you a "CNC worksheet" with a picture of each sheet, the job list, bits used, times and checkboxes, so the operator at the machine can follow it without mistakes.

1. Click File → Print job sheet for operator (or the Export tab → Other files → Print job sheet)
2. Check the sheet pictures and the job list, then print

Lesson 6.4 · About 4 min

Saving jobs, recent jobs and syncing your account across computers

Short answer: Press Ctrl+S or File → Save job (.gcodai) to get a job file that stores the bits and materials it uses, so it opens the same on another computer. File → Recent jobs… opens the last 10 jobs stored in the browser. Machine settings, tool library, styles and line color rules sync with your account automatically when you sign in.

1. Save: click Save on the top bar or File → Save job (.gcodai) (Ctrl+S). Name the job in the job name box on the top bar first · in Chrome/Edge you choose where to save the first time, after that Save writes over the same file (no new download each time; jobs opened from a file save over that file) · for a new file click ▾ next to Save → Save as… (Ctrl+Shift+S)
2. Open an existing job: File → Open / Import file… and choose the .gcodai file
3. Recent jobs: File → Recent jobs… keeps 10 jobs in the browser, and Gcodai autosaves while you work
4. Sync: sign in with the same account and your machine settings, tool library, machining styles, shop details, line color rules and My materials are the same on every computer. You can also edit them in My account

Lesson 7.1 · About 10 min

Control a GRBL machine over USB: connect, zero, probe Z, send jobs

Short answer: Connect your GRBL machine to the computer with a USB cable, then click the Machine control button on the top bar (use Chrome or Edge on a computer). Click Connect machine and choose the port. Then jog the spindle, zero XY and Z or probe Z with a touch plate, and click Start job. No UGS or Candle needed.

Connect the machine

1. Plug in the USB cable and close other programs using the port (UGS, Candle, LaserGRBL)
2. Click the Machine control button on the top bar (or Machining → Machine control / send over USB…)
3. Choose the port speed (GRBL is normally 115200), then click Connect machine
4. The browser asks for a port. Choose your machine's port, e.g. USB-SERIAL CH340, and click connect. The status dot shows when the machine is ready

Jog and zero

1. Open the Jog / set zero section, choose the jog Step 0.1 / 1 / 10 / 50 mm and the jog Speed
2. Click X− X+ Y− Y+ Z+ Z− to move. The ■ button in the middle stops jogging immediately
3. Move the bit to the sheet corner that matches the zero point set in Gcodai, then click Zero XY
4. Lower the bit to touch the material surface (use the 0.1 step when close), then click Zero Z, or Zero all if it is the same position
5. Other buttons: Home finds the home position, Unlock clears an Alarm state, Go to zero moves the bit back to the job zero

Probe Z with a touch plate

1. Measure the touch plate thickness with calipers and enter it in the Thickness box next to the button
2. Put the touch plate under the bit and clip the lead onto the bit. The machine must be ready (Idle)
3. Click Probe Z with touch plate → Start probing. The machine slowly moves down to find the plate and sets Z zero for you. Remove the plate after the bit lifts

Send the job

1. In the Send job (G-code from this job) section, choose a file (jobs with several bits have several files to choose from)
2. Start from: normally choose Start of file (normal)
3. Click Start job and a Pre-start checklist (tick all) list appears: workpiece clamped, bit fitted, X Y zeroed, Z zeroed, safety glasses on and you know where the emergency stop is. Once all are ticked, click Start now
4. During the job you see the percentage, line, time elapsed and time remaining. If the job uses several bits, the machine stops and waits for a tool change. Change the bit, re-zero Z, then click Resume

Pause, resume and adjust speed during a job

• Pause stops and waits · Resume carries on from where it stopped
• Stop job stops immediately (resets the machine). Use it when something goes wrong; afterwards check the spindle and the bit first
• Adjust Feed rate and Spindle speed during the job: −10 / −1 / 100% / +1 / +10, and rapid 25% / 50% / 100%

Resume from the middle of a job (power cut, broken bit, stopped job)

1. In the Start from box choose Last stop point (line …), or start at a specific toolpath, or Line… and enter a line number
2. Before starting, Gcodai tells you that it will lift the bit, start the spindle, move to which X Y, then lower the bit slowly to which Z. Check that the path is clear
3. If the machine just lost power or the job was stopped with a reset, click Home (if your machine has it) and check that the job zero is still correct first

Console / history

You can type GRBL commands yourself, e.g. $$ machine settings, $G modes, $# zero offsets, $I version, or G0 X10, then press Enter. Errors and Alarms are translated into plain-language messages for you.

Lesson 7.2 · About 5 min

Two-sided jobs (flip the sheet): cut front and back in register

Short answer: Machining → Two-sided job (flip sheet)… sets the current sheet as the front. Choose how to flip, left-right or top-bottom, and Gcodai creates the back sheet and dowel holes to stop it shifting. Cut the front first, flip the sheet onto the dowels, then cut the back in exactly the right position.

1. On the front sheet, click Machining → Two-sided job (flip sheet)… (or the sheet tab menu)
2. Choose how to flip: ↔ (left-right) or ↕ (top-bottom)
3. Set the dowel holes: Dowel size, Distance from sheet edge, Depth into spoilboard, then click Set as two-sided job
4. Lay out the back-side work on the back sheet. You will see a faint shadow / blue dashed outline of the front side for positioning. Switch with Go to front sheet / Go to back sheet
5. At the machine: cut the front (including the dowel holes into the spoilboard) → insert dowels → flip the sheet onto the dowels → cut the back. Do not re-zero X Y (detailed steps appear in the Export tab of the back sheet)

Lesson 7.3 · About 5 min

4-axis rotary: engrave names on round handles and logs

Short answer: Machining → 4-axis rotary… Enter the blank diameter and length. Gcodai unrolls the cylinder surface into a flat sheet for you to design on, then converts the Y axis into rotation angle A on export. It works both with controllers that have an A axis and with a rotary wired in place of the Y motor.

1. Click Machining → 4-axis rotary… (or the sheet tab menu → Set sheet to rotary blank…)
2. Choose a mode: 4-axis controller (has an A axis) / rotary wired in place of the Y motor, and the rotation direction
3. Enter the Stock diameter (D) and Length to cut, then click Set sheet to turned stock
4. Design on the resulting sheet (this sheet is the unrolled surface of the blank): type a name, place motifs and set up toolpaths as usual

Lesson 7.4 · About 4 min

Indexed rotary (4-axis indexed): table legs, 4-sided sign posts

Short answer: Machining → Indexed rotary (4-axis)… is for parts cut one face at a time, such as square table legs, 4-sided sign posts or holes drilled around a tube. Choose a square or round part, enter the size and the faces to cut, then click Create sheets for all faces.

1. Click Machining → Indexed rotary (4-axis)…
2. Choose the Stock shape: Square (enter Width (W), Thickness (H)) or Round (enter Diameter), and the Length
3. Choose the Faces to cut. Gcodai shows the number of sheets and the retract height before rotating. Click Create all face sheets
4. Design each face on its own sheet, then export as usual

Lesson 7.5 · About 3 min

Open and edit G-code files

Short answer: File → Edit G-code file from computer… opens .nc .gcode .tap .txt files for editing, with line numbers, find, replace and go to line. Click Simulate this code to check the result first, then Download edited file. For files from the current job, click the edit button in the Export tab.

1. Click File → Edit G-code file from computer… and choose a file (or in the Export tab, click the edit button next to a file)
2. Use Search / Replace / Replace all / Aa (match case) / Go to line
3. Click Simulate this code to check the result, then click Download edited file

Lesson 7.6 · About 4 min

Jobs larger than the machine work area: split the file into panels and shift the sheet (toolpath panel)

Short answer: If the sheet is longer than the machine table, the Export tab shows a Larger than machine work area section. Tick that sheet and Gcodai splits the G-code into several files (-panel1, -panel2 …), all using the same machine zero. Cut the first file, shift the sheet by the distance Gcodai shows, then cut the next file, just like Toolpath Panel in UCanCam.

1. Set the table size to match your real machine in Machining → Machine settings…, boxes Work area width (X) and Work area length (Y). Gcodai uses these to check whether a sheet is too large
2. Design on the full-size sheet as usual, then click Export G-code. The Export tab shows a Job larger than machine work area section (only when a sheet is longer than the table)
3. Tick the sheet you want (split into sections by work area). Each sheet can be turned on or off separately
4. Choose Move sheet along axis Y or X, enter Section length (empty = table length minus 20 mm) and Seam overlap if you want the panels to overlap slightly
5. Check the summary line, e.g. 3 files (-panel1, -panel2 …), then click Download all (ZIP)
6. At the machine: zero once, run the -panel1 file → shift the sheet by the Panel length along the chosen axis (use a square or dowels to keep the sheet straight) → run the next file without re-zeroing X Y

Lesson 8.1 · About 3 min

Every button on the top bar and right panel

Short answer: The Gcodai Studio top bar has the job name box, the steps 1 Design, 2 Toolpaths, 3 Simulate, the member badge, Search, Undo, Redo, theme, How to use, Machine control and Export G-code. The right panel has 3 tabs: Objects, Machining and Export.

Lesson 8.2 · About 6 min

Every menu and shortcut

Short answer: Gcodai Studio has 10 menus: File, Edit, View, Draw, Text, Arrange, Signs, 3D, Machining and Help. These tables list every command with its shortcut and what it does.

File menu

Edit menu

View menu

Draw menu

Text menu

Arrange menu

Signs menu

3D menu

Machining menu

Help menu

Lesson 8.3 · About 3 min

Every tool in the left toolbar

Short answer: The left toolbar has the Select, Edit nodes, Pan, Text, shape, Sign shape presets, QR Code, 3D, Line, Pen, Measure, Dimension, Import file and Trace image tools.

Lesson 8.4 · About 3 min

All keyboard shortcuts

Short answer: The most used shortcuts in Gcodai Studio are T text, R rectangle, E circle, V select, N edit nodes, 1 2 3 switch steps, Ctrl+K search, Ctrl+S save and Ctrl+E export G-code.

Lesson 8.5 · About 5 min

CNC terms worth knowing

Short answer: Common CNC terms include G-code (machine commands), feed rate (cutting speed), spindle speed (RPM), depth per pass, stepover, safe Z (retract height for rapid moves), tabs (holding bridges) and zero (the origin point). See plain shop-floor explanations in this lesson, or in Gcodai under Help → CNC glossary.

G-code

The set of commands that tells a CNC machine where to move, how deep and how fast. Files are usually .nc .tap .gcode

CAM

Software that turns a design into toolpaths and G-code. Gcodai Studio has CAM built in

Toolpath

The path the bit actually travels. See it in step 2 Toolpaths

Post processor (machine type)

Converts G-code to suit each controller brand, e.g. GRBL, Mach3, NcStudio, DSP

Feed rate

How fast the spindle travels while cutting, in mm/min

Plunge rate

How fast the bit moves down in Z. It should be slower than the feed rate

Spindle speed (RPM)

How fast the bit spins

Depth per pass

How deep each pass cuts. Deep jobs are cut in several passes

Stepover

How far each pocketing pass overlaps the last. A small value gives a smoother floor but is slower

Chip load

The chip thickness each cutting edge takes per revolution. Used to calculate speeds

Safe Z

The height the bit lifts to when moving between positions. It must clear your clamps

Work zero (X0 Y0 Z0)

The job's reference point. X0 Y0 is the chosen corner, Z0 is the top of the material

Home

The machine's reference position, found with limit switches

Touch plate / probe

A metal plate the machine moves down onto to set Z zero automatically

Tabs

Small bridges of material left uncut so parts don't break loose and fly off

Onion skin

A thin skin left along the whole path instead of tabs, trimmed off afterwards

Climb / conventional

The bit's spin direction relative to its travel direction. Climb cutting usually gives a smoother edge

Ramp

Entering the material at an angle instead of plunging straight down. Easier on the bit and the machine

V-carve

Carving with a V-bit, where the depth follows the line width, giving sharp corners

Pocket

Clearing the area inside a shape to a flat floor at a set depth

Profile cut (cutout)

Cutting along a shape's outline: outside, inside or on the line

Midline (centerline)

Engraving a single line through the middle of each letter. Faster than V-carving

Inlay

Cutting a pocket, then cutting a matching piece that fits into it

Dogbone / T-bone

Cutting slightly past inside corners so square parts fit snugly

Chamfer

Using a V-bit to bevel the top edge

3D bevel cut (3D cutting / 3D corner engraving)

Cutting with a V-bit so the part's walls slope at the bit angle, e.g. beveled letters

Prism letters (prism machining)

Using a V-bit to slope the letter faces up to a sharp ridge in the middle, layer by layer from the top down

Round-over / cove edge (embossing)

Using a ball nose to shape letter or sign edges into round-overs, coves or slopes, both raised and recessed

Texture / waveboard

Cutting straight flutes, waves, ripples or fan patterns over a whole area, for decorative walls and headboards

Trochoidal milling

The bit moves in small loops along the path instead of taking a full-width cut. Less load on the bit, fewer broken bits in metal or narrow slots

Peck drilling (pecking plunge)

Plunging the bit in stages and lifting to clear chips, instead of going down in one go

Dwell (G4)

Holding the bit at the bottom of the hole for a set number of seconds, for a clean hole with all chips cleared

Toolpath panel (tiling)

Splitting the G-code of a sheet longer than the machine table into several files, then shifting the sheet to cut one panel at a time

Compression bit

A bit with both up-cut and down-cut flutes, so top and bottom edges don't chip. Great for plywood and MDF

O-flute bit

A single-flute bit with a wide chip channel. Great for acrylic and plastics

Ball nose

A bit with a rounded tip, used to finish 3D surfaces

Nesting

Packing parts as tightly as possible to save material

Relief

3D carving that rises from a background

Relief sculpting (relief modelling)

Building your own relief by stacking several raised components and refining with brushes, the same way as in Aspire or ArtCAM

Component

One layer in a relief sculpt, e.g. a sign base, letters, a frame moulding. Each one can add to, stack on, or carve into the components below

Sweep

Dragging a cross-section along 1 or 2 paths to make a raised run, for mouldings, picture frames and table edges

Kanok / krajang / prajam yam

Basic Thai motifs. Kanok is a flame-like scroll with curled tips, krajang is a row of pointed leaf shapes, prajam yam is a four-petal flower. Found in the pattern library under applied Thai motifs

LED ribbon / strip

Long, cuttable LED strips for small letters or narrow strokes where modules don't fit. Counted in meters

Spin

Rotating a cross-section around a center point to make a round shape, e.g. a dome, ring or medal

Halftone

Turning a photo into dots of different sizes, engraved with a V-bit

Rotary (A axis)

A device that turns the workpiece so it can be cut all the way around

Spoilboard

A board under the material that lets the bit cut through without touching the machine bed

Override

Adjusting the feed rate or spindle speed while the machine is running

Alarm

A state where a GRBL machine locks itself because of a problem, e.g. hitting a limit. You need to unlock or Home

Baud rate

USB communication speed. GRBL normally uses 115200

Lesson 8.6 · About 6 min

Common problems and fixes (troubleshooting)

Short answer: Frequent problems and quick fixes: not cutting through? check the sheet thickness and Z zero. Broken bit? lower the feed rate or depth per pass and set the machine rigidity correctly. AI file won't open? save it as SVG. Port won't open? close UGS or Candle. Machine in Alarm? click Unlock or Home.

Lesson 8.7 · About 8 min

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Short answer: The questions sign shops and CNC operators ask most, from getting started, pricing, signing up, supported machines and file types to troubleshooting at the machine and the affiliate program. Click a question to see the answer.

Getting started and using Gcodai

Files, fonts and design

Machining, bits and speeds

CNC machines and sending jobs

3D and special jobs

Jobs, shop and account