Compare DeskProto Editions
The Comparison table shows a functionality overview
The DeskProto software is available in four different editions:
- The DeskProto Free Edition can be used free of charge: for basic CNC machining.
- The DeskProto Entry Edition is the lowcost edition: all that is needed for simple CNC machining.
- The DeskProto Expert Edition includes all available features, however only for 3-axis machining.
- The DeskProto Multi-Axis Edition is the flagship edition: all features plus 4-axis and 5-axis machining.
In order to decide which edition will suit your needs you can use the Comparison Table shown below. You can of course also use it to compare DeskProto with other CAM programs.
| Features | Free Edition |
Entry Edition |
Expert Edition |
Multi-Axis Edition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Import Options | ||||
| 3D file import (stl, dxf, vrml) | X | X | X | X |
| 2D file import (dxf, eps, ai) | X | X | X | X |
| Bitmap file import (bmp, gif, jpg, png, tif) | X | X | X | X |
| Vector machining options | ||||
| Profiling | X | X | X | X |
| Support tabs | X | X | X | X |
| Shortest route / climb / conventional | X | X | X | X |
| Pocketing | X | X | X | Drilling | X | X | X |
| Roughing options | X | X | X | |
| Project 2D curves on 3D geometry | X | X | ||
| Geometry machining options | ||||
| Toolpaths parallel to X-axis | X | X | X | X |
| Build a model in separate slices | X | X | X | X |
| Roughing options | X | X | X | |
| Toolpaths parallel at angle, Crosswise, Block | X | X | Circular, Spiral, Offset, Waterlines, Outer contour | X | X |
| Meander / climb / conventional | X | X | ||
| Machine a limited area only | X | X | ||
| Freeform areas | X | X | ||
| Nested areas (freeform) | X | X | ||
| Skip ambient area and/or borders | X | X | ||
| Inverse milling (male to female conversion) | X | X | ||
| Support tabs | X | X | ||
| Automatic speed reduction for high chiploads | X | X | ||
| Collet collision check | X | X | ||
| Bitmap machining options | ||||
| Bitmap-to-Relief conversion | X | X | X | X |
| Lithophane machining | X | X | X | X |
| Project bitmap relief on 3D geometry | X | X | ||
| User Interface | ||||
| Two interfaces: Wizard and Non-wizard | X | X | X | X |
| Easy tree navigation with light bulb icons | X | X | X | X |
| Show undercuts (downward faces) | X | X | X | X |
| Scripting | X | X | ||
| Custom wizards | X | X | ||
| Other Features | ||||
| 64 bits version (for very large STL files) | X | X | X | X |
| 3D simulation (preview of the resulting part) | X | X | X | X |
| Postprocessors configurable using dialog | X | X | X | X |
| Send toolpaths directly to (Roland) machine | X | X | X | X |
| Translation options (set the WP zero point) | X | X | ||
| Number of Axes | ||||
| Two axis machining (for Z pen-up / pen-down) | X | X | X | X |
| Full three axis machining | X | X | X | X |
| 4th axis support: continuous rotary machining | X | |||
| 4th axis support: indexed machining | X | |||
| 5th axis support: indexed machining | X | |||
| Prices | Free Edition |
Entry Edition |
Expert Edition |
Multi-Axis Edition |
| Commercial Use | Free | $174 | $712 | $1,190 | Hobby or Educational Use | Free | - | - | $297 |