How to open a .gcode file
Quick, free ways to open G-code on any system.
A .gcode file is a G-code Toolpath. If double-clicking does nothing, your computer simply does not have an app that reads G-code yet. Here is how to fix that on each operating system, using free software wherever possible.
Open a .gcode file step by step
- Confirm the file really is a .gcode. Drop it into the WhatFileType file identifier, which reads its signature without uploading anything.
- On Windows, open it with Cura or PrusaSlicer.
- On Mac, use Cura or PrusaSlicer.
- On Linux, try Cura or PrusaSlicer.
- Still stuck? Search for a dedicated G-code viewer.
Best apps to open .gcode files
Windows
- Cura
- PrusaSlicer
- any text editor
macOS
- Cura
- PrusaSlicer
- any text editor
Linux
- Cura
- PrusaSlicer
- any text editor
Web
- Online G-code viewers
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Before you open it: Caution with hardware. G-code drives a physical machine; running unverified code can crash a printer's head or overheat it. Preview it in a slicer before printing.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I open my .gcode file?
Almost always because no installed app understands G-code. Install one of the apps above, or convert the file to a format your existing software already reads.
How do I open a .gcode file?
Open it in your slicer (Cura, PrusaSlicer) to preview the toolpath, or in any text editor to read the commands. Send it to the printer to run it.
Can I edit a .gcode file?
Yes, it is text, but changes must match your machine and print. It is safer to change settings in the slicer and re-export than to hand-edit.