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Rayforge vs bCNC: catalog facts
Rayforge	bCNC
Best for: Hobbyists and small workshops running GRBL laser cutters	Best for: Control a GRBL CNC machine and edit its toolpaths
Free Free and open source under the MIT licence.	Free The open-source software is available without a license fee. Hosting, hardware and external services are separate.
Linux	Windows, macOS, Linux
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	Combines G-code sending, surface probing and machining tools.
Targets GRBL-based machines AI generator is an extra that some workshops may not want	The project warns that current macOS support needs testing.
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License: MIT	License: GPL-2.0
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 Rayforge rayforge.org Catalog checked October 1, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for bCNC github.com/vlachoudis/bCNC Catalog checked September 22, 2026

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