Carbide Create Pro review

Carbide Create is the software Carbide 3D ships with its Shapeoko routers and Nomad mills, and the Pro license turns it into a general CNC design tool. The free Core edition covers 2D and 2.5D design, V-carving, a tool library with speeds and feeds and 3D simulation, but it is designed for Carbide 3D machines. Pro adds 3D modeling and machining, 3D finish machining, rest machining, ramping, toolpath tiling and standard G-code output for any CNC machine. Carbide 3D sells Pro as a $120 yearly subscription or a $360 perpetual license with one year of updates, and both include the same features. It runs locally on Mac and Windows with no internet requirement, and the 14-day trial is fully functional. For a hobby router owner it is one of the easiest ways to add 3D carving. It is not meant for precise mechanical parts or mills that need adaptive clearing.

Who it is for

hobby router owners who want simple 3D carving

Price

$120 per year subscription or $360 perpetual license; 14-day free trial.

$120 /year or $360 perpetual license
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 11, 2026.

Key features

• 2D and 2.5D design and machining with V-carving and engraving
• 3D modeling and 3D finish machining in Pro
• Rest machining and ramping
• Toolpath tiling for projects larger than the work area
• Tool library with speeds and feeds, plus 3D simulation

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Runs on Mac and Windows and works without an internet connection
• Strength: Pro saves standard G-code for any CNC machine
• Strength: Fully functional 14-day trial that can generate G-code
• Weakness: The free Core edition is designed for Carbide 3D machines only
• Weakness: A perpetual license gets one year of updates; later updates cost $120 a year
• Weakness: No mill, lathe or multi-axis toolpaths

Key facts

• Price: $120 per year or $360 perpetual
• Free trial: 14 days
• Platforms: Mac and Windows
• Core edition: Included with every Shapeoko and Nomad

Where it ranks

Carbide Create Pro is No. 3 in our Best 3D Modeling Software for CNC verdict.