Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

LaserWeb VS Universal Gcode Sender

Compare LaserWeb VS Universal Gcode Sender and see what are their differences

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LaserWeb logo LaserWeb

LaserWeb is a browser-based application that empowers users to connect and control their CNC and Laser machines.

Universal Gcode Sender logo Universal Gcode Sender

A full featured gcode platform used for interfacing with advanced CNC controllers like GRBL and TinyG.
  • LaserWeb Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-19
  • Universal Gcode Sender Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-01-16

LaserWeb features and specs

  • Open Source
    LaserWeb is open-source software, which means users can access, modify, and distribute the source code, allowing for customization and community-driven improvements.
  • Cross-platform Compatibility
    LaserWeb works on multiple operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it accessible to a wider range of users.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The software offers a user-friendly interface that is suitable for both beginners and advanced users, with a focus on ease of use.
  • Community Support
    Being community-driven, there is a robust user community that provides support, shares tutorials, and offers guidance for new users.
  • Versatile Features
    LaserWeb supports a variety of features including vector editing and laser path optimization, enhancing its functionality for laser cutting and engraving.

Possible disadvantages of LaserWeb

  • Steeper Learning Curve
    While the interface is user-friendly, there is still a learning curve associated with understanding and utilizing all of the software’s features effectively.
  • Hardware Compatibility
    There may be compatibility issues with certain laser cutters, requiring users to manually configure settings, which can be time-consuming.
  • Limited Documentation
    The available documentation may not be as comprehensive as some users need, which can make troubleshooting and learning more difficult.
  • Updates and Maintenance
    As an open-source project, updates and maintenance depend on community involvement, which can sometimes lead to slower release cycles.
  • Performance
    Performance may vary based on the complexity of projects and the hardware it is run on, potentially leading to slower operations for complex tasks.

Universal Gcode Sender features and specs

  • Cross-platform compatibility
    Universal Gcode Sender is a Java-based application, which allows it to run on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. This enhances its usability across different operating systems.
  • Ease of use
    The software features an intuitive user interface that is easy to navigate, even for beginners. It provides clear options and controls for operating CNC machines efficiently.
  • Comprehensive features
    UGS provides a wide range of features and functionalities such as visualizing tool paths, jogging, and machine control that cater to both basic and advanced CNC operations.
  • Open-source
    Being an open-source project, UGS is freely available for use and modification. This allows for community collaboration and development, enhancing the tool's features over time.
  • Community support
    With a robust user community, there are extensive resources and forums available for troubleshooting and peer support when using Universal Gcode Sender.

Possible disadvantages of Universal Gcode Sender

  • Java dependency
    Since UGS is Java-based, it requires a compatible version of Java to be installed on the user's system. This can be a barrier for users unfamiliar with Java setups or those experiencing compatibility issues.
  • Limited advanced functionalities
    While UGS covers basic and some advanced functionalities, it may lack certain features offered by more specialized or commercial CNC software, limiting its appeal to professional users with complex needs.
  • Performance issues
    Some users have reported performance issues with UGS, such as lag or slow response times during heavy operations, particularly on lower-end hardware.
  • Initial setup complexity
    The initial setup and configuration might be complex for new users, especially those unfamiliar with CNC operations and configurations, requiring time and patience to get started.
  • Infrequent updates
    The frequency of updates can be slower compared to commercial software, potentially delaying the introduction of new features, bug fixes, and improvements.

LaserWeb videos

Speed Comparison - LightBurn vs LaserWeb

More videos:

  • Tutorial - Laserweb Basics Tutorial
  • Review - Emblaser 2: LaserWeb Software Overview

Universal Gcode Sender videos

Universal GCode Sender Complete Setup and Starting a Job PLUS Tips and Tricks

More videos:

  • Review - Universal Gcode Sender (UGS) | What To Know | Ooznest
  • Review - CNC Router - Where's The Start Button? Universal Gcode Sender (UGS) - Garrett Fromme

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to LaserWeb and Universal Gcode Sender)
Photos & Graphics
36 36%
64% 64
3D
34 34%
66% 66
Tool
36 36%
64% 64
Development
58 58%
42% 42

User comments

Share your experience with using LaserWeb and Universal Gcode Sender. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Social recommendations and mentions

Universal Gcode Sender might be a bit more popular than LaserWeb. We know about 4 links to it since March 2021 and only 4 links to LaserWeb. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

LaserWeb mentions (4)

  • Software for Mac?
    I‘m using Laserweb for my DIY Laser… maybe that’s something for you too? Source: over 2 years ago
  • Do you have a favorite budget CNC Controller Board?
    I used a Raspberry Pi and a Protoneer GRBL CNC Hat to make a small controller for a 3018. I ran Laserweb on it which can handle 3 axis routing and lasering. You can tie it to external drivers to run the bigger steppers. Source: over 3 years ago
  • My first ever plot!
    I generated the shapes here https://www.acrylicode.com/generative-tools/ then converted the SVG to GCODE In laser web https://laserweb.yurl.ch/ and then plotted using my prusa mini and a mount for a biro pen. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Am I crazy or is the Full Spectrum software really, really bad?
    I haven't tried Lightburn so I can't speak to that. Laserweb is free, you can try it out and see how it works: https://laserweb.yurl.ch/. Source: over 3 years ago

Universal Gcode Sender mentions (4)

  • Building a CNC, step one done!
    I don't know what's on screen, but if you're looking for a nice, cross platform program to send some gcode, I really like UGS: https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Lightly Screeching axis motors, will not move.
    Connect the 3018 to a PC, use a gcode sender like Candle or gSender or cncjs or UGS and then type $$ in the console. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Billet Benchy... I got tired of printing the 3DBenchy so I machined it from Aluminum
    I'm a little cheap+lazy and I just use a simple electrical contact probe using https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/ and the probe plugin. Flipping the part I generally butt the stock against a fixed parallel, then probe using the tool for X+Y (offset by the tool radius), and Z probe as well off some of the un-machined stock. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Can't start spindle with offline controller anymore (Sainsmart 3018)
    4 - Can you try to start the spindle from a PC (you will need a gcode sender: Candle, UGS/UGP, cncjs)? Source: almost 4 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing LaserWeb and Universal Gcode Sender, you can also consider the following products

LaserGRBL - LaserGRBL for Microsoft Windows is an all-in-one, open-source GCode streamer for DIY Laser Engraver developed using pure C# code.

bCNC - Development

OpenBuilds CAM & Control - OpenBuilds CAM & Control are two major applications that enable users to connect, manipulate, and convert drawings for use with DragKnife, CNC, Plasma, or Laser devices.

Candle - GRBL controller application with G-Code visualizer written in Qt

DraftSight Premium - DraftSight Premium is cost-effective software that includes 3D capabilities and powerful features to enable businesses to fulfill laser cutting, drafting, manufacturing, and modeling requirements.

CNCjs - A web-based interface for CNC milling controller running Grbl, Marlin, Smoothieware, or TinyG. - cncjs/cncjs