Carveco Maker and Maker+ vs Vectric VCarve and VCarve Pro -

Carveco Maker and Maker+ vs Vectric VCarve and VCarve Pro

James Dean Designs
March 25, 2025
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Picking the right CNC software can be a challenge. In this article we compare some of the key differences between four of the most popular pieces of of CAD and CAM software for CNC, its a showdown between Carveco Maker vs Vectric VCarve. We start with a comparison table and then discuss some of the key differences in more detail between Carveco Maker, Maker+ and Vectric VCarve and VCarve Pro.

Carveco Maker vs Vectric VCarve – Which is best for you?

	Carveco Maker	Carveco Maker+	Vectric Vcarve	Vectric Vcarve Pro
Pricing model (Explained below)	Subscription	Subscription or perpetual	Perpetual	Perpetual
Price	$15 per month ($180 per year)	$50 per month ($600 per year) $1200 perpetual license	$349 perpetual license	$699 perpetual license
Trial period (Explained below)	90 Days - no limits	90 Days - no limits	Unlimited time - restricted features	Unlimited time - restricted features
Work size limitations	None	None	Limited to 2ft x 2ft (600x600mm)	None

2D creation
Shapes and drawing	Capabilities for drawing and importing vectors are quite even across all of these products. They all have basic drawing and text tools. They can all import a wide variety of file types.
Importing photos/images
Converting photos to vectors
Vector correction (Explained below)	Vector Doctor - Advanced tool for finding and correcting issues with vectors and areas to machine		Vector Validator - Basic tool for identifying overlaps and intersections

3D creation
Importing 3D models	Yes - unlimited	Yes - unlimited	Only 1 per design	Only 1 per design
Photo to 3D relief
Editing 3D models	Basic smoothing and scaling	Advanced modelling and sculpting	Basic smoothing and scaling	Basic smoothing and scaling
Max model resolution	4 million (2000 x 2000)	4 million (2000 x 2000)	4 million (2000 x 2000)	4 million (2000 x 2000)

Rotary
Rotary - Wrap (flat design wrapped around a cylinder)
Rotary - 3D models (eg. chess piece)	Only in full Carveco	Only in full Carveco	Only in Vectric Aspire	Only in Vectric Aspire

Other
2 Sided machining	Manual	Manual	Automatic	Automatic
Nesting (arranging shapes)
Tool databases
Material simulation library
Texture generator
Fluting	Advanced	Advanced	Basic	Basic
Laser module included			$50 extra	$50 extra
Clipart library included			Extra (prices vary)	Extra (prices vary)

Pricing model – Unsure of the differences between subscription and perpetual?

Perpetual is what people mean when they say “own my software”. You pay one fee and can use that software for the rest of your life. The big downside to this is after the first 12 months, whenever a new version or new features are released, you have to pay a fee in order to get those upgrades. Support is also limited to 12 months meaning if you hit an issue after the first year, your options for core support are limited.

Subscription is where you pay an amount every month (or every year). The positives are you always have the latest version of the software and tools. Support is also on-going as long as you are subscribed. A benefit often overlooked is you can also pause your subscription whenever you want. The downside is the monthly or annual charges can mount up over time.

Trial period – different approaches

Carveco allows you unlimited use of their software for 90 days. You can design in it, use all of their tools and features and also export your jobs to be able to run on a CNC machine.

Vectric allow you to use their software for unlimited time however, the saving/exporting feature is disabled meaning you can’t actually use it with your CNC machine. So you can design in it but not actually test anything you create.

Interfaces

When you put these two pieces of software side by side on screen, the biggest difference is the colour of the interface. Vectric have a more traditional, lighter colour scheme throughout where as Carveco use a darker, more modern colour scheme. Both also have 2D and 3D viewing options.

In terms of using the interface and the positioning of tools and features, they are very similar with your CAD elements (creation) typically being on the left and your CAM elements (toolpaths) being on the right. Layouts in both can also be customised to suit you preference.

Vector correction

The Carveco Vector Doctor is significantly more powerful than Vcarves Vector Validator, it goes beyond just highlighting issues as it can also fix them for you automatically. It also has features for highlighting areas that may be too fine or too small to machine. However, this extra power can cause frustrations to those who are quite new to vectors. This is often the case when importing poor quality vectors that have been downloaded from free sites where there may be mistakes in the source file.

3D modelling

This is where Carveco Maker+ really shines in comparison to the other 3 choices. Its 3D creation and manipulation tools are far more advanced. In fact, they rival Vectrics top software, Asprie which is $800 more than Maker+ so if 3D reliefs are what you plan to do regularly then Carveco Maker+ is likely the best option for you because of the extra tools and functions dedicated to 3D work. See my previous article on the best sources for 3D models.

Training and tutorials

Both Carveco and Vectric offer free, high level training resources in the form of videos or articles. These are often good to give you a brief overview of how a tool or feature may work.

In terms of YouTube and other people making tutorials, at the time of writing this Vectric does have more users making tutorials as they have been going longer. Carveco’s history spans nearly 30 years in their previous life as ArtCAM, but its modern form of Carveco Maker and Maker+ have been available for a shorter period and so less tutorials are available by users but they are quickly building up.

Conclusion

The biggest factor for most people when comparing Carveco Maker vs Vectric VCarve is the cost and pricing model. The traditional approach of buying your software outright in one purchase is often something people are more familiar with however, means a lot of money upfront but a level of comfort knowing you do not have to pay again – well until a new version is released anyway. Then its $120 for VCarve or $200 for VCarve Pro per upgrade but these are optional upgrades. Given that a major release usually comes every 1-2 years, I would suggest factoring in the cost of at least 1 upgrade over the course of 4-5 years.

Nearly all major software providers have now switched to a subscription model and often this is viewed by consumers as a negative because of the ongoing costs. However, people over look the great benefits that come with it such as always having the latest upgrades and features. Always being supported which can be a priceless comfort to beginners. The option to be able to pause your subscription also gives you great flexibility should you need to take a break.

Best perpetual option

If you are against subscription software then Vectric VCarve Pro is likely the best choice. Whilst the lower VCarve is cheaper, its size limitation of 24″x24″ (600x600mm) can significantly restrict users. Even if you are starting with a smaller machine, you may be limited by what extension kits you can buy or what machine you can upgrade to in the future. You can upgrade from VCarve to VCarve Pro but this is at an additional cost of $349 on top of the original cost.

Best overall value CNC software for your money

This has to be Carveco Maker. It packs a real punch for only $15 a month, doesn’t limit your growth and has all the tools beginners and advanced people need. From a features angle, it is actually very close to matching the tools and features of Vectric VCarve Pro at $699. It would take you nearly 4 years to match the cost of VCarve Pro, at which point they will have come out with 1 or 2 new versions whilst with Carveco Maker, you’ll still be enjoying all the benefits of the latest upgrades and features.