User Guide

PureCut CNC Reference

A complete reference for every panel, toolbar, and operation in PureCut CNC. New here? Start with the Quick Start guide first.

What is PureCut CNC?

PureCut CNC is a browser-based 2.5D CAD/CAM workspace. It combines the geometry authoring (CAD) and machining operation (CAM) steps into a single application — you draw or import geometry, assign machining operations to it, verify the result in 3D and simulation, and export G-code when it looks right.

The application runs entirely in the browser. No installation is required, no account is needed, and your project data is never sent to a remote server. Desktop versions are also available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

New to PureCut CNC? Follow the Quick Start guide to go from a blank project to exported G-code in a few minutes before diving into this reference.

Guide Sections

Interface & Concepts

Interface Overview describes the layout of the application — the toolbar, feature tree, properties panel, CAM panel, and the three working views. Core Concepts explains the feature model, Z coordinates, additive vs. subtractive features, and how the feature tree order affects the 3D model.

Sketch

The Sketch section covers everything related to creating and editing geometry:

  • Drawing Tools — rectangle, circle, polygon, spline, composite path, and text
  • Editing Features — move, copy, resize, rotate, offset, join, cut, direct node editing, and constraints
  • Snapping & Grid — grid snap, point snap, line snap, midpoint, center, and perpendicular snapping
  • Importing Geometry — SVG and DXF import, backdrop images
  • Text Features — skeleton and outline text, font selection, editing

CAM

The CAM section covers machining operations and export:

  • Tool Library — adding tools, importing from the bundled library, tool properties
  • Operations — all operation types, pass selection, parameters, toolpath visibility
  • Tabs & Clamps — placing and configuring tabs and clamps
  • G-code Export — machine selection, post-processors, export dialog

Views

  • Sketch View — 2D editing canvas, selection, overlays, and navigation
  • 3D View — CSG model preview, toolpath visualization, navigation
  • Simulation — voxel material removal playback, playback controls

Typical Workflow

  1. Create a new project — choose a template (metric or imperial) and set the stock dimensions.
  2. Draw or import geometry — use the drawing tools, import SVG/DXF, or trace from a backdrop image.
  3. Organize features — reorder features in the tree, assign them to folders, set Z Top and Z Bottom for each.
  4. Add tools — import from the bundled library or define your own endmills, V-bits, and drills.
  5. Add CAM operations — select geometry, choose an operation type, assign a tool, and tune parameters.
  6. Verify — check toolpaths in the Sketch view, inspect in 3D, and run the simulation.
  7. Export — select a machine controller and download the G-code file.

Project Files

Projects are saved as .camj files — a JSON-based format that stores all geometry, operations, tools, and settings. Files can be opened and saved using the toolbar buttons or the keyboard shortcuts for your platform.

The browser version uses the browser's file system access API where available, or falls back to download/upload. The desktop version reads and writes files directly to disk.