Milling know-how

Fusion 360 too complicated? The simple alternative for 2.5D parts

In short: for 2.5D parts such as plates, front panels, brackets and cut-outs, step2gcode is the simple alternative — upload a STEP, DXF or SVG file, choose tool and depth, download the G-code. No installation, no registration, no CAM training. Since September 2026 step2gcode mills freeform surfaces with a 3D path (beta, from above, two setups where needed); for demanding 3D parts a full CAM package like Fusion 360 remains the right choice.

Fusion 360 can do a lot, and that is exactly the problem for occasional milling: setups, tool libraries, operations and post-processor selection all have to be learned. If you only mill a flat part from a sheet now and then, you quickly spend more time in CAM than at the machine.

To the honest comparison of free CAM tools →

From CAD model to G-code in five steps

  1. Export your CAD file: STEP directly from Fusion 360, FreeCAD or Onshape, alternatively DXF or SVG for flat contours.
  2. Upload the file to step2gcode — contours, pockets and holes are detected automatically.
  3. Choose cutter diameter and material; the feeds-and-speeds presets take care of the cutting values.
  4. Check origin and operations (contour, pocket, drilling, optionally chamfer or holding tabs).
  5. Review the preview and download the finished G-code for GRBL, Mach3, LinuxCNC and other controllers.

What you skip compared to Fusion 360

The CAM learning curve almost disappears: no tool library to maintain, no setups to define, no operations to chain by hand, no post-processor to find and configure. step2gcode detects the machining features from the geometry and suggests sensible values — the same principle you know from slicing in 3D printing.

The infrastructure is simpler too: no installer, no account, no cloud project management. The generator runs in the browser, even on a weak workshop laptop.

When Fusion 360 remains the right choice

To be honest: as soon as demanding 3D freeform surfaces (the 3D path is still in beta), machining from more than two sides, turning or adaptive roughing strategies are required, there is no way around a full CAM package. If you want control over every single parameter, Fusion 360, EstlCAM or Kiri:Moto serve you better.

step2gcode is deliberately limited to 2.5D: flat contours, pockets and holes with defined depths. That covers a large share of typical hobby and workshop parts — but not everything.

Combine both instead of either-or

Many people use both: design in your usual CAD (Fusion 360, FreeCAD, Onshape), export as STEP, and turn simple parts into G-code in seconds via the browser. Only the complex parts take the full CAM route.