Your First Project

This walkthrough takes you from a blank project to exported G-code. We'll cut a simple shape using an outside contour operation.

1. Create a New Project

Launch MapleCAM. A new empty project opens automatically. If you already have a project open, use File > New Project (Ctrl+N).

2. Configure Stock

Open MapleCAM > Project Settings and enter your stock dimensions:

  • Width (X): the width of your material in mm
  • Height (Y): the depth of your material in mm
  • Thickness (Z): the thickness of your material in mm

The stock appears as a rectangle on the 2D canvas.

3. Import a Design

Drag and drop an SVG or DXF file onto the canvas, or use File > Import SVG / File > Import DXF.

Your design appears as paths on the canvas, positioned within the stock boundary.

4. Select Paths

Click on a path to select it. Hold Shift to select multiple paths. Selected paths highlight in the canvas and in the project tree on the left.

5. Create an Operation

With paths selected, create an operation in one of three ways:

  • Right-click the selection and choose an operation type
  • Toolbar — click the operation button in the toolbar
  • Keyboard chord — press Ctrl+E, then C for a contour operation

For this walkthrough, create an outside contour to cut the shape out of your stock.

6. Assign a Tool

In the property panel on the right, click the tool dropdown and select an endmill from the built-in tool library. A 1/4" (6.35mm) flat endmill is a common starting point.

7. Configure Settings

The property panel shows the operation settings. Key settings for a contour:

  • Cut side: Outside (to cut around the shape)
  • Depth: Set to your stock thickness (or slightly deeper) to cut through
  • Tabs: Enable hold-down tabs to prevent the part from moving during the final pass

Feed rate, spindle speed, and depth per pass come from the tool preset — you can adjust them if needed.

8. Preview Toolpaths

Toolpaths generate automatically when you configure an operation. Switch to the 3D view (F5) to see the cutting paths visualized against your stock.

9. Validate

Run toolpath validation to check for errors. The validator simulates the cut using a 3D voxel model and reports any overcuts or issues.

10. Export G-code

Use File > Export G-code (or the toolbar button). Choose your G-code dialect:

  • GRBL — for GRBL-based controllers (most hobby CNC machines)
  • LinuxCNC — for LinuxCNC-based controllers

Save the .nc file and load it into your CNC controller software.