Vectric Software Comparison
Please use the following summary information to determine which of the Vectric software products is best suited for your CNC requirements. For more detailed information on each product and to download the fully functional Trial versions click on the associated links.
Functionality / Product |
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Cut2D |
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3D Modeling & Sculpting |
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3D Machining |
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Multisided 3D Model Machining |
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| 3D Model Slicing |
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2D Design & Drawing Tools |
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| Interactive Trimming |
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| True Shape Nesting |
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Image Tracing / Vectorization |
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2D Machining - Basic |
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2D Machining - Advanced |
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3D VCarving / 3D Engrave |
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| Raised Prism Machining |
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Wrapped Rotary Toolpaths |
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| 3D Toolpath Preview |
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Realistic multi-color
3D Toolpath Preview |
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Lithophane Machining |
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Photo V-Groove Machining |
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For more detailed functionality information about each of the software products download this PDF,
Functionality Comparison Table >
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Does Aspire include the functionality from the other Vectric products?
A. No – Aspire does include all of the VCarve Pro / Cut2D functionality plus the Lithophane machining from PhotoVCarve and single sided 3D model machining from Cut3D. But does not include,
The Multi-sided 3D model machining available in Cut3D.
The Photo V-Groove engraving available in PhotoVCarve.
Q. Will the Vectric software run on my Vista PC?
A. Yes – All of the software products are compatible with Windows Vista, XP & 2000. For details of the recommended minimum PC specifications see the FAQ section.
Q. Do I need any other software to run my CNC machine?
A. Yes – the Vectric software products all save CNC toolpath files – GCode, HPGL, XYZ points etc. and this information need to be opened in the machines CNC controller software – Mach3, DeskCNC, Flashcut, Fanuc, Woodwop, ShopBot etc. The control software transfers the XYZ toolpath information to the CNC machine.
Q. Is the Vectric software compatible with my CNC machine?
A. The Vectric software products include standard postprocessors / drivers for most CNC control systems – GCode, ISO Code, 3D HPGL, XYZ Points etc. The postprocessor is also configurable and can usually be modified to run most CNC machines.
If you have any questions about postprocessors please email – support@vectric.com
Q. Does VCarve Pro include all of the Cut2D functionality?
A. Yes – VCarve Pro includes everything from Cut2D + additional design and toolpath options. See >
Q. Does VCarve Pro include the PhotoVCarve functionality?
A. No – VCarve Pro does not include an 3D Photo machining or 3D model machining.
Q. Does Cut3D include the machining options in Cut2D?
A. No – Cut3D is a dedicated 3D model machining engine – no 2D toolpaths
For more information see the FAQ section on the web site or email us at – support@vectric.com
Up to top ^ |
Important Note
It’s important to note that the Vectric software products are each designed for specific applications and that Aspire and VCarve Pro do not necessarily include all of the functionality from the lower costs products. For example, Aspire and VCarve Pro do not include the Photo V-Engraving functionality from PhotoVCarve or the Multi-Sided 3D model machining functionality available in Cut3D.
The following questions may also help you determine which of the software products are required.
Quick Links:
3D Design & Machining >
2D / 2.5D Design & Machining >
3D Machining Only >
2D Machining Only >
Photo Machining >
| What do I want to do with my CNC machine? |
Software |
- Design and machine my own 3D projects such as decorative wood carvings and panels, millwork, dimensional signs, furniture, architectural models, molds, jewellery, custom wood working projects etc.
- Machine 3D models supplied by my customers or designed in another 3D CAD software package.
- Expand my business by offering dimensional machining services for 3D signs, bespoke company logos, prototype designs and models.
- Design and machine 3D textures and patterns.
- Professional CNC Routing - Signs, Wood carving, Furniture, Cabinet making, Flat Sheet components,
- 2D Profile cutting & Pocketing with advanced cutting options
- 3D VCarve & 3D Engrave decorative lettering and designs
- Carve Raised 3D Prism lettering and shaped
- Nested Based Machining for maximum material useage
- Machine Random 3D textures that look 'hand carved'
- Machine decorative inlays or inserted components
- Trace my own images and sketches and convert them to toolpaths
- Create my own projects and edit customer drawings and designs
- Wrapped Rotary 4 Axis Machining
- Hobby / Home Build CNC Routing & Engraving - Signs, Radio Controlled / Model Aircraft components, Woodworking, Decorative plaques and Awards for family and friends, Sell carved pieces at Craft Fairs +
- Professional Engraving using fast and efficient single stroke engraving fonts and automatic project layout for name plates and badges.
- Gifts & Awards, Plaques, Badges, Jewellery
- 3D Engrave, Diamond Drag Marking,
- Machine photo’s and gray scale images to produce Lithophanes
- Use a CNC machine fitted with an ATC - Automatic Tool Changer
Notes Aspire includes all functionality in VCarve Pro and Cut2D, but does not include the automatic multisided machining strategies available in Cut3D or the photo-groove engraving in PhotoVCarve. |
More info >
Trial version >
FAQ's >
Up to top ^ |
- Design and machine my own 2D / 2.5D projects
- Professional CNC Routing - Signs, Wood carving, Furniture, Cabinet making, Flat Sheet components,
- 2D Profile cutting & Pocketing with advanced cutting options
- 3D VCarve & 3D Engrave decorative lettering and designs
- Carve Raised 3D Prism lettering and shaped
- Nested Based Machining for maximum material useage
- Machine Random 3D textures that look 'hand carved'
- Machine decorative inlays or inserted components
- Trace my own images and sketches and convert them to toolpaths
- Create my own projects and edit customer drawings and designs
- Wrapped Rotary 4 Axis Machining
- Hobby / Home Build CNC Routing & Engraving - Signs, Radio Controlled / Model Aircraft components, Woodworking, Decorative plaques and Awards for family and friends, Sell carved pieces at Craft Fairs +
- Professional Engraving using fast and efficient single stroke engraving fonts and automatic project layout.
- Gifts & Awards, Plaques, Badges, Jewellery
3D Engrave, Diamond Drag Marking.
- Use a CNC machine fitted with an ATC - Automatic Tool Changer
Notes VCarve Pro includes all of the functionality in Cut2D,
but does not include any of the 3D model or Photo machining strategies available in Cut3D and PhotoVCarve. |
More info >
Trial version >
FAQ's >
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- Machine prototype 3D models and components
- Machine multisided 3D models – 3 axis cutting onto 1, 2 or 4 sided models
- Machine 3D models created in other CAD software
- Machine standard Mesh files – STL, 3D DXF, OBJ, VRML
- Machine 3D Clipart models sourced off the internet / clipart libraries
Notes There is no 3D CAD design or 2D toolpath functionality in Cut3D.
Cut3D projects can be imported into VCarve Pro and Cut2D |
More info >
Trial version >
FAQ's >
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- Route, Mill, Engrave flat 2D designs drawn in other CAD software
- 2D Profile cutting & Pocketing, Drilling
- 2D Engraving
- Convert DXF drawings from AutoCAD, FastCAD, SolidWorks etc. to GCode
- Machine simple 2D projects such as signs, panels, boxes, gears, model parts
Notes Cut2D is a less functional / entry-level version of VCarve Pro. Cut2D is not a complete drawing and design package and only includes basic sizing, layout and editing tools.
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More info >
Trial version >
FAQ's >
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Notes PhotoVCarve is not really a production machining package, but is typically being used by professional and hobbyist CNC users to machine photographs for friends and family. PhotoVCarve projects can be imported into Aspire & VCarve Pro
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More info >
Trial version >
FAQ's >
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