# Saving a tool path

**URL:** <https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/saving-a-tool-path/17287>\
**Category:** Uncategorized\
**Created:** [December 10, 2022, 2:15pm UTC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/saving-a-tool-path/17287 "2022-12-10T14:15:11Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Showing post:** 3

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**Author:** ![349iq2345](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/3/bb73d2/32.png) [@349iq2345](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/u/349iq2345)\
**Post date:** [December 10, 2022, 2:47pm UTC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/saving-a-tool-path/17287/3 "2022-12-10T14:47:32Z")

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Hey Steve,

> [@scamp](#):
>
> Can anyone tell me how to save a tool path so my controller can read it. I have a Woodworker.

this is a [frequently asked question](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FAQ). The answer is: You choose the right [post processor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post_processor) in your CAD/CAM Software and then you export the toolpath. What the exact menu item is that you got to click to export it depends on which [CAD/CAM Software](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CAD/CAM) you use. You can find this out if you [read the fine manual](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RTFM) of your CAD/CAM software (often nowadays there exist helpful _tutorial videos_ on the CAD/CAM’s manufacturer’s home page).

Did you already choose a CAD/CAM software? You did not tell which one you use, or want to use.

- [FAQ: What CAD/CAM software can be used to make gcode files for the Onefinity CNC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/what-cad-cam-software-can-be-used-to-make-gcode-files-for-the-onefinity-cnc/10253)
- [FAQ: What is a Post Processor, What does it do, And why do I need one specificly for my Onefinity](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/what-is-a-post-processor-what-does-it-do-and-why-do-i-need-one-specificly-for-my-onefinity/8709)

For example, with Vectric, a popular CAD/CAM software, you can get a free unlimited time [trial version](https://www.vectric.com/free-trial) with a few restrictions. This allows to get to know the software before you buy an unrestricted version, which is also possible thanks to the rich video documentation. Generally I would start early and go through the following very helpful information:

- [New to Vectric](https://www.vectric.com/support/new-to-vectric)
- [Introduction to CNC](https://www.vectric.com/support/Introduction-to-CNC)
- [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.vectric.com/support/switching-to-vectric)
- **[Training Videos – VCarve Pro](https://www.vectric.com/support/tutorials/vcarve-pro?)**

As @MindOfMcClure already mentioned, you can also write [G-code](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G-code) without a CAD/CAM program. Before the advent of CAD/CAM software, this was the usual way to use a CNC machine.

You need no special program to write plain [G-code](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G-code). As G-code consists of [plain text](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plain_text), any [text editor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Text_editor) program will do. After having written your G-code as plain text, save the file with a ‘.ngc’ file ending which will allow it to be recognised as g-code file by the Onefinity CNC Controller when loading the file. More information [here](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/g-code-editing-for-dummies/7513/6).

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