gnea/grbl
An open source, embedded, high performance g-code-parser and CNC milling controller written in optimized C that will run on a straight Arduino observed · 2026-08-28
Health v2 · maintenance only
23/100
- Activity 0
- Release rhythm 8
- Longevity 100
Flags: no_license
How is this computed?
round(0.45*activity + 0.35*rhythm + 0.20*longevity); archived -> min(score, 10) — computed 2026-09-03. Adoption (stars, forks) is never an input.
- gap_med: n/a
- age_days: 3634
- days_rel: n/a
- days_push: 812
- n_releases_24m: 0
Adoption not part of the score
4529 stars · 1700 forks observed · 2026-08-28
What it is AI-extracted, prompt v1, taxonomy v1, 2026-08-29, confidence not recorded
Grbl is an open-source, high-performance g-code parser and CNC milling controller firmware written in optimized C for AVR-based Arduino boards like the Uno and Nano. It delivers jitter-free 30kHz step pulses, full acceleration planning with look-ahead, real-time overrides, jogging, and laser mode for hobby CNC machines, laser cutters, and similar motion-control projects.
Use cases
- control a DIY CNC milling machine from an Arduino
- run a laser cutter with g-code firmware
- build a pen plotter or drawing machine
- flash pre-compiled firmware onto an Arduino Uno for motion control
- parse standards-compliant g-code from CAM tools on embedded hardware
- add smooth acceleration and look-ahead planning to a hobby CNC
When to choose
- you need proven, low-cost motion-control firmware for an AVR Arduino (328p)
- you want a lightweight g-code controller with real-time overrides and laser mode
- your hardware is limited and you need highly optimized C firmware
- you are maintaining or repairing existing Grbl-based machines
When to avoid
- you need active development, bug fixes, or new features - the project is discontinued since 2019
- you want support for newer 32-bit boards - consider grblHAL, FluidNC, or µCNC instead
- you need macro functions, variables, or canned cycles in g-code
- you require a GUI - Grbl is firmware only and needs external sender software
Facets
library · maturity abandoned
parser embedded interpreter hardware robotics embedded-systems embedded iot c cnc g-code motion-control arduino firmware laser-cutter 3d-printing discontinued automation
2 sources
- readme: https://github.com/gnea/grbl · fetched 2026-08-28 · 92e4eb454e5e
- homepage: https://github.com/gnea/grbl/wiki · fetched 2026-08-29 · e9fce575b7e0
Member repositories
| Repository | Role | Health v2 |
|---|---|---|
| gnea/grbl | main | 23 |
For agents
Data as of 2026-08-30T08:39:29.467469+00:00 · Report a problem