Toolpaths & G-Code: the Online CAM Workspace

JACR CNC Studio includes a full online CAM software workspace — the purple ⚙ CAM button. You draw or import vectors, stack toolpath operations on them, and export clean G-code (.nc) that runs on any GRBL machine. This guide covers the four core operations and the settings that matter.

Vectors first

Draw rectangles, circles, polygons, stars, paths and text directly on the stock, or trace a bitmap. Everything is resizable and precisely positionable; text uses real font outlines so V-carving follows true letterforms. You can also send a finished 3D relief into the workspace and build vector operations around it — pockets, borders, and cut-outs that machine in the same job.

The four core toolpaths

Profile — cut along a vector, inside, outside or on the line, with holding tabs for parts that cut free. Use it for cut-outs and outlines.
Pocket — clear the area inside a vector to a set depth, with a roughing stepover and an optional wall-smoothing finish for raised lettering.
V-Carve — depth follows the vector's width using your V-bit's angle, giving the classic sharp-bottomed engraved look for text and line art. A flat-depth limit and rough-out bit are available for large areas.
Drill — G81/G83 canned peck-drilling cycles at marked positions for hole patterns.

Feeds, speeds and stepover

The studio's built-in Feeds & Speeds bible is the single source of truth for every generated file — feed rate, plunge, spindle RPM, depth per pass and stepover are all set per bit and material, with hobby-router-safe defaults. Two numbers matter most:

Roughing stepover around 50% of the bit diameter clears material fast.
Finishing stepover around 13% with a tapered ball-nose gives relief surfaces a near-sanded finish.

⚠ Always dry-run new settings above the stock, and prove feeds on scrap before a long job. Simulation is a guide — wood, bits and machines vary.

Export and run

Generate, preview the machined result in 3D, then — with membership — export the .nc file: always a single-bit file with no tool-change pauses (your carve plus the same-bit finishing re-trace), so it loads in any sender (reduce feed ~50% and test on scrap: there is no roughing pre-clear). With a membership, stream the job straight to your router instead (see Connect Your CNC): the in-app runner is where multi-tool jobs live, with automatic pauses, bit-change instructions and re-homing so long carvings stay accurate.

Next: Connect Your CNC · Getting Started