VCarve Pro

VCarve Pro

SKU: VCP

$999.00CAD

VCarve Pro CAD/CAM Design Software (digital version)

VCarve Pro is the industry-standard CAM software for production woodworking and sign making on CNC routers. Built by Vectric, it covers design, layout, toolpath generation, and machine output in one package, with a learning curve manageable enough for shop operators to be productive in days, not months. Simply Technologies is an authorized Vectric reseller in Canada, and VCarve Pro is a one-time perpetual licence you own outright.

Description

VCarve Pro is the industry standard for CNC woodworking software. If you run a CNC router for sign making, furniture, cabinetry, or general woodworking, this is almost certainly the software you should be using.

Simply Technologies is an authorized Vectric reseller in Canada. You can purchase VCarve Pro directly through us with Canadian support included.

What Is VCarve Pro?

VCarve Pro is a 2D and 2.5D CNC design and toolpath software made by Vectric. It handles everything from simple profile cuts and pockets to V-carving, inlays, fluting, and multi-pass toolpaths. It is not a full 3D modelling program, that’s Aspire, but for the vast majority of CNC woodworking, VCarve Pro is more than enough.

Who uses it:

  • Sign shops and engravers
  • Custom furniture and cabinet makers
  • Woodworking shops with CNC routers
  • Schools and training programs
  • Hobbyists doing serious work

VCarve Pro Licensing and Ownership

VCarve Pro is sold as a one-time purchase, a perpetual license you own outright. There is an optional annual V&Co subscription for updates and additional content, but it is not required to keep using the software. View current pricing on our site, or contact us for a quote with Canadian reseller support included.

Is VCarve Pro worth it? If you own a CNC router and plan to use it seriously, yes, without hesitation. The honest alternative is fighting with free or limited software that costs you hours of lost shop time instead.

VCarve Desktop vs VCarve Pro: What’s the Difference?

The main difference is the work area limit. VCarve Desktop caps your work area at 24×24 inches. VCarve Pro has no work area limit, you can tile projects across unlimited material size.

VCarve Pro also includes additional toolpaths not available in Desktop: primarily the more advanced V-carving options and some production-focused features.

If you’re running a machine with a work area larger than 24×24, you need Pro. If you’re doing small work on a desktop CNC, Desktop may be sufficient, but most shops upgrade to Pro eventually as their work area needs grow, which makes starting with Pro the smarter long-term choice for many buyers.

Feature VCarve Desktop VCarve Pro
Work area limit 24×24 inches Unlimited
V-carving Yes Yes (advanced options)
Production toolpaths Limited Full
Upgrade path to Aspire Yes Yes

VCarve Pro vs Aspire

VCarve Pro is the right choice for 95% of CNC woodworking. Aspire adds full 3D modelling, sculpting 3D relief designs from scratch. If you carve 3D portrait reliefs, architectural panels, or complex artistic 3D work, you want Aspire. If you’re doing sign making, cabinetry, furniture, and typical shop work like CNC router for sign making, VCarve Pro is everything you need.

See our Aspire page for details on when to choose Aspire over VCarve Pro.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is VCarve Pro a one-time purchase?

Yes. VCarve Pro is a perpetual license, you pay once and own it. Vectric offers an optional V&Co subscription for ongoing content and updates, but it is not required to keep using the software after purchase.

How much does VCarve Pro cost in Canada?

Pricing varies by region and current exchange rates. View current pricing on our site, or contact us and we will walk you through it along with Canadian support.

What is the difference between VCarve Desktop and VCarve Pro?

The primary difference is the 24×24″ work area limit on Desktop. VCarve Pro has no limit. Pro also includes additional production-focused toolpaths. If your machine’s work area is larger than 24×24″, you need Pro.

Can I upgrade from VCarve Desktop to VCarve Pro later?

Yes. Vectric offers an upgrade path from Desktop to Pro at a reduced price versus buying Pro outright, but most production shops find it cleaner to start with Pro from day one.

What CNC machines work with VCarve Pro?

VCarve Pro works with virtually all hobby and professional CNC routers, including all machines sold by Simply Technologies, like our SIMPLY series and Performance series. The software outputs standard G-code compatible with most controllers including Mach3, Mach4, GRBL, and the iCNC system used on our Performance series.

Does VCarve Pro work on Mac?

VCarve Pro is a Windows application. It does not run natively on macOS. Mac users can run it via Boot Camp or a Windows virtual machine (Parallels, VMware Fusion).

Additional Information

What VCarve Pro Does

VCarve Pro is a complete 2D and 2.5D CAM package for CNC routing. Most production woodworking and sign shops use it for layout, toolpath generation, V-carving, profile and pocket cutting, drilling, and nested-based manufacturing. It handles vector and bitmap import, includes a large library of bits and toolpaths, and outputs G-code for virtually any CNC router on the market.

System Requirements and Compatibility

VCarve Pro runs on Windows, with Windows 10 or later recommended. Plan on 8GB of RAM as a minimum and 16GB for larger files. It is compatible with virtually any modern CNC router via standard G-code output. We can confirm compatibility with your specific machine if you are not sure.

VCarve Pro for Cabinet Making

Cabinet shops use VCarve Pro for nested-based manufacturing, dado cuts, dowel hole drilling, and panel cutting. The batch nesting capability optimizes material usage across multiple cabinet parts in a single sheet, which is where most shops see the software pay for itself in production time and saved sheet goods.

VCarve Pro for Sign Making

Sign shops use VCarve Pro for V-carved lettering, profile cuts on dimensional signs, HDU sign cutting, and detailed graphic work. The V-carving toolpath is one of the most-used features in sign shop workflows.

VCarve Pro for Custom Millwork and One-Offs

Custom millwork shops use VCarve Pro for curved trim, decorative panels, mouldings, and one-off architectural pieces. Vector import flexibility makes it straightforward to bring designs in from Illustrator, CAD packages, or scanned drawings.

Learning VCarve Pro: Resources and Training

Most operators are producing usable toolpaths within a day or two of focused use, and confident production work follows within a few weeks of regular practice. Optional training packages are available as an add-on when your team wants help getting up to speed, and Vectric publishes an extensive tutorial library for self-directed learning. Schools running a CNC education package have a separate structured curriculum and teacher training pathway available, described on our education packages page.

Where to Buy VCarve Pro

Buying VCarve Pro through Simply Technologies gives you pricing in your local currency, a written quote on request, and a single point of contact for any licensing or installation questions. Importing direct from Vectric or buying through a US-only seller works too, but you lose the local support layer when something goes wrong.