Frequently Asked Questions

FoamCut supports DXF and SVG file import. You can also draw shapes directly using built-in tools including lines, polylines, circles, rectangles, ellipses, and text. G-code export supports 2-axis, 4-axis tapered (XYUV/XYZA), and 5th-axis rotary formats.

FoamCut generates standard G-code compatible with most CNC controllers including Mach3, LinuxCNC, GRBL, and GRBL HotWire. Download the .nc file and load it in LaserGRBL or whatever sender you already use — that is the supported production path. Premium and Pro also include optional USB or Wi-Fi streaming from the browser to GRBL or FluidNC; that sender is in beta, so verify it on your controller before a real job.

When a hot wire cuts through foam, it removes a small strip of material (the kerf). Kerf compensation automatically offsets the cutting path so your finished parts come out at exactly the dimensions specified in your design file.

Yes. The Windows installer bundles a local server and everything FoamCut needs to run — just launch it and it opens in your browser with no internet required. If you prefer the web version, it also works offline once the page has loaded. Either way, your projects are saved locally. Premium and Pro plans add cloud storage for backup and cross-device access.

Basic and Standard work on 1 computer at a time. Premium and Pro work on 2 (for example a laptop and a shop PC). The browser version and the downloaded Windows version count as separate seats. To move to a new computer, deactivate the license on the old one first — if that machine is gone, contact us. A Windows install can work offline after the first activation; if your license is seat-limited, reconnect about every 30 days. Downloaded G-code files are not locked to one machine.

Free includes 5 shared G-code downloads, 10 Picture to Drawing™ traces, DXF/SVG import, 2D drawing tools, and 4-axis tapered cuts (up to 25 parts in one job). After those five downloads, a license is required. Basic adds unlimited downloads for importing DXF/SVG files and cutting text, without the full CAD drawing toolbox or Picture to Drawing (up to 100 parts in one job). Standard adds the full 2D CAD toolbox and unlimited Picture to Drawing™ traces (up to 150 parts in one job). Premium is the production plan even if you never cut tapers: no cap on how many separate parts you can cut in one job (a whole letter sign, a nested sheet, or a big batch — not more intricate drawings); nesting to auto-arrange parts on a foam sheet and waste less material; arrays to copy a shape into a grid; lead-in/out so the wire eases into the cut instead of plunging in; multi-pass for a fast rough cut plus a slower finish pass; GRBL / FluidNC streaming (beta); 2 seats; and unlimited 4-axis (tapered) cuts. Pro adds 5th-axis workflows (rotary / TwistRot), API access, and batch tooling.

FoamCut uses a Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP) algorithm to find the most efficient cutting order. It detects islands (outer contours with holes), optimizes entry/exit points, and generates bridge paths—all to minimize cutting time and material waste.

Yes. FoamCut includes an AI assistant you can open anytime by clicking the Help button in the top bar (or the chat bubble on the website). Ask it anything about importing files, path optimization, G-code settings, or any other feature — it answers instantly based on the product documentation. You get 20 messages per day on all plans.

Yes. You can cancel your Basic, Standard, Premium, or Pro subscription at any time from your account portal. You’ll continue to have access until the end of your current billing period.

Yearly subscriptions: Basic $50/yr, Standard $75/yr, Premium $100/yr, Pro $150/yr. One-time lifetime licenses: Basic $100, Standard $200, Premium $300, Pro $400. Add-ons are $20 each or $100 lifetime for the bundle—contact us to purchase.

Yes. Listed lifetime prices are Basic $100, Standard $200, Premium $300, and Pro $400. Add-ons: $20 each or $100 for the lifetime add-on bundle. In addition, up to 50% of your first annual payment can be credited toward a lifetime license—contact us for your plan and seat count.