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Easel vs Carbide Create: catalog facts
Easel	Carbide Create
Best for: Beginners and small shops running a hobby CNC router	Best for: Hobbyists and makers using Shapeoko, Nomad or other CNC routers
Paid Sold as subscription plans, with a 14-day free trial.	Free + paid options Core is free; Pro is paid with a 14-day free trial.
Web	Windows, macOS
Design, toolpath generation and machine control in one program Runs in the browser with no installation All 4 strengths for Easel Design, toolpath generation and machine control in one program Runs in the browser with no installation Works with any GRBL machine as well as listed brands STL import for 3D carving	Design and toolpaths in one program Free Core version covers 2D and 2.5D machining All 4 strengths for Carbide Create Design and toolpaths in one program Free Core version covers 2D and 2.5D machining V-carving, pocketing and 3D simulation Pro outputs standard G-code for any CNC machine
Paid plans after the trial Requires signing in to an account All 3 limitations for Easel Paid plans after the trial Requires signing in to an account Aimed at hobby and small-business carving rather than advanced CAM work	3D modelling and support for other machines require Pro No Linux version
Web application	Downloadable app
Not open source	Not open source
License not stated	License not stated
Account 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 Easel inventables.com/pages/easel Catalog checked October 2, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Carbide Create carbide3d.com/carbidecreate Catalog checked October 2, 2026

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