After you have created a g-code from your slicer, a lot of 3D Printing enthusiasts, whether a hobbyist or professional. They want to edit the g-code which gives a freedom to play and modify commands of the printer and customize it.
However, most of the users are not aware of the best g-code editors, in this article we know in deep about the g-code editors and how to select the best one based on your preference.
What is G-code editor?
Basically, a communication language. A G-code is a command which controls the components of the printer. Its a computer programming language which commands the modules of the printer to function.
A G-code editor lets you edit the g-codes generated from the slicer program. These software’s can be either online or offline, based on their types they offer different functionalities.
There a lot of software to edit g-codes, such as notepad, cnc editor, cura and more. Keep reading to know more about the uses and different functionalities of g-code editor.
Best G-Code editors
1. Gcode viewer
This gcode editor is an online tool, it can be used to edit and visualize the customized version. You can also see the 3d and 2d visualized format and makes it easy to view the edited file.
Gcode viewer was designed basically keeping in mind the 3d printing aspect. The version is very user friendly and very simple to use you wont be needing any tutorial on how to use this.
It displays the essential basic information from a printing perspective such as, Filament used, Estimated layer height, cost estimated print time. These factors are essential and also very important to identify the basic key features for 3D printing, once you modify the lines and codes, these can help you to fine tune and visualize the final version after change in gcode.
Notable features:
–>> 2D, 3D visualization and Online tool is a plus.
2. Notepad++
The classic editor for any programming language, this basic yet supreme editor is a must have tool for your 3d printing gcode editor projects.
Its offline tool, open sourced which makes it easy to download and use. It can run on any low end computer too. It has find, replace and other tools to search and edit gcodes. However this is not purely based for 3D printing use, it gets the job done.
Experts use this as a basic editor for gcodes according to the user’s need. Remember to have a backup to play with gcode, even it doesn’t come as intended you have a original backup.
This basic tool is free of cost, easily downloadable, and has standard functions needed to edit the gcode. This doesn’t have visualization of 2D and 3D views. It can also be enhanced with addition of other plugins.
3. Gcode Q’n’Dirty
Gcode Q’n’Dirty is another online tool for editing gcodes. It has simple interface and visualization for 3D views to reconfirm your gcode edits.
This tool is developed by Nicolas Raynaud. Easy to use in internet browser such as chrome, IE, Brave etc. While i tried to load and edit some gcodes, the larger files can take a bit time to load, however, its user friendly and easy to edit and visualize the changes side by side.
Visualize the machine head pathway also along the plane and 3D pane. You can simple drag and drop the gcode file and see the changes on right pane.
Notable Features:
2D, 3D Visualization, Easy to edit and see the changes, Simulate the changes.
4. NC Viewer
NC viewer is another tool for G-code viewer and editor, This is an free source, online tool to edit gcode. Simple and user friendly to use in any internet browser.
Its is developed by Xander Luciano. NC viewer is the most powerful gcode editor which comes closest to ultimate visualization after editing and seamless user interface. However, it was made basically for CNC milling commands and some extruder head retraction commands might not be read properly, since not all 3D Printing commands could be read properly.
Also, higher file size gcode can take some time to load and edit, this doesn’t matter as the interface is user friendly for an expert.
5. CURA
Ultimater Cura, is another tool for editing g-code. However its a best slicing software. If you like to know about Best slicer software. When it comes to editing the g-code, it has limited functions, such as editing the g-code in the beginning or at the end.
You can play with your G-code in Cura with the following tool flow. Go to the Preview tab -> Machine settings , and you will find the above window stating the g-code.
Conclusion:
To put it in a nutshell, All the G-code editors mentioned above are carefully selected from a 3D printing perspective and using them consistently with different g-codes. I have used all of these g-code editor and found NC viewer and Gcode viewer to be best in position to edit and visualize the codes.
However, some users found other options to be best according to their need. If you are an 3D printing enthusiast and professional, try them and let us know which do you prefer.
Please leave your comments if you like these summary on G-code editors. Also, please check the Cura vs Creality slicer to know more about slicing comparison.
