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bCNC vs Rayforge: catalog facts
bCNC	Rayforge
Best for: Control a GRBL CNC machine and edit its toolpaths	Best for: Hobbyists and small workshops running GRBL laser cutters
Free The open-source software is available without a license fee. Hosting, hardware and external services are separate.	Free Free and open source under the MIT licence.
Windows, macOS, Linux	Linux
Combines G-code sending, surface probing and machining tools.	Design, path preparation and machine control in one app Parametric 2D CAD sketcher and image tracing All 4 strengths for Rayforge Design, path preparation and machine control in one app Parametric 2D CAD sketcher and image tracing Camera alignment and rotary support Material recipes and toolpath optimisation
The project warns that current macOS support needs testing.	Targets GRBL-based machines AI generator is an extra that some workshops may not want
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License: GPL-2.0	License: MIT
Not stated if an account is needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Not stated if it works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for bCNC github.com/vlachoudis/bCNC Catalog checked September 22, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Rayforge rayforge.org Catalog checked October 1, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.