Free CAM and G-code tools, honestly compared

Last updated July 23, 2026

There are several good free tools on the way from drawing to G-code, and depending on the task a different one is the best choice. Here is a comparison of the best-known tools by the criteria that matter in practice (as of our research: July 2026, no guarantees).

Try step2gcode directly: open www.step2gcode.com in your browser, upload a file, download G-code.

The tools at a glance

Tool	In browser	STEP	DXF/SVG	Nesting	G-code	API / AI access
step2gcode	Yes	Yes	Yes / Yes	Yes, integrated	Yes (GRBL, Mach3, LinuxCNC)	REST API and MCP server
dxf2gcode	No (desktop)	No	Yes / No	No	Yes	Not known
OpenBuilds CAM	Yes	No	Yes / Yes (+ bitmap)	No	Yes	Not known
Kiri:Moto	Yes	No (mesh: STL/OBJ)	Partly	No	Yes (incl. 3D CAM)	Not known
SVGnest / Deepnest	Yes / No	No	Yes	Yes, very strong	No	Not known

Honestly placed: when to use which tool?

Kiri:Moto is strong when you want to mill 3D contours from mesh models (STL), where it is ahead of step2gcode.
Deepnest squeezes out the last percent of material utilization with free rotation angles, but generates no G-code.
dxf2gcode is a proven offline tool when you do not want a browser.
OpenBuilds CAM is a good browser alternative for DXF/SVG when no STEP and no nesting is needed.
Based on our research, step2gcode is the only free browser tool combining STEP import and integrated nesting with G-code generation, plus depths taken straight from the STEP solid and a laser mode.
For hooking it into your own workflows there is a REST API and an MCP server for AI assistants; we are not aware of a comparable interface in the other tools compared here.

Frequently asked questions

What distinguishes step2gcode from Fusion 360?

Fusion 360 is a full CAD/CAM system with an enormous feature set and a matching learning curve; the free personal licence has restrictions. step2gcode deliberately covers the simple 2.5D case: upload the file, pick parameters, download G-code, without installation and without a CAM course. For complex 3D machining, a full CAM remains the right choice.

Is this comparison up to date?

The information comes from our research in July 2026 and may change; the compared tools keep evolving. If something is no longer accurate, we appreciate a note via the contact form.

Knowledge: CNC nesting and more hands-on guides