cncArtistCNC inlay software
V-carve inlays that fit the first time
Draw it once. cncArtist cuts the pocket in one board and a mirrored plug in another, with depths and a glue gap worked out for you.
One design, a pocket and a plug that fit
The pocket
Choose "Carve an inlay pocket" on the host board. cncArtist V-carves the pocket with the best V-bit you own, and can clear wide floors with an end mill.
The plug
Choose "Make the inlay plug" for the second board. The plug is mirrored, so it glues in face down, and gets its own program and files.
Why the plug seats tight
Both parts are V-carved from the same outline with the same V-bit, so their walls match. The plug's walls start a little lower, so it bottoms out before it hits the pocket floor and leaves room for glue.
Depth is worked out for you: no deeper than 5 mm, a third of the board's thickness, or the depth where the V-bit reaches full width, whichever is least. The plug board has a 6 mm margin by default around the design.
The finished preview shows the plug glued in, in the inlay wood's colour, so you can judge the pairing before you cut.
Start from the Inlay template
The Inlay template builds both parts for a board, a sign or a coaster from a few answers. Glue the plug in upside down, clamp it, and plane or sand it flush.
- Draw or import the design, or start from the Inlay template.
- Make the pocket toolpath on the host board.
- Make the plug toolpath on the inlay board.
- Simulate both and check the finished preview.
- Cut the pocket, then the plug. Glue, clamp, and plane flush.
Questions
Which bits do I need?
A V-bit for both parts. An end mill is optional, for clearing wide pocket floors faster.
Can I inlay text?
Yes. Text is turned into outlines with the holes in letters kept, so it inlays like any other shape.
Do the two parts export separately?
Yes. The pocket and the plug each get their own program and files.
Free to download.
$299.99 once to cut without limits.
Design and simulate as much as you like. Your first three jobs export free. Then one purchase unlocks cncArtist on Mac, iPad and iPhone. Commercial use included.
Cut 3 jobs free.
Every design tool, every simulation, and G-code for your first three jobs. No card, no time limit.
Pay once, on every device.
Unlimited export on Mac, iPad and iPhone with one purchase. Free 1.x updates. Family Sharing. Commercial use included.
Launch price $249.99 until 11:59 pm on Thursday, Dec 31, 2026.
No subscription.
Pay once, cut forever. A paid major version every few years, with an owner upgrade price.