Predator CNC Editor™ Software

Edit, compare, backplot and transfer CNC G-code with built-in RS-232 DNC tools
Predator CNC Editor Software

What is Predator CNC Editor?

Predator CNC Editor™ is a CNC code editor for editing, comparing, backplotting and transferring G-code programs. It is designed for CNC programmers, machine operators and manufacturers that need a reliable way to make day-to-day program changes, check CNC files and send or receive programs using basic RS-232 DNC communication.

Predator CNC Editor helps users work with large CNC programs, compare shop-floor edits against master files, backplot toolpaths and improve confidence before sending programs to the machine. It is suitable for small job shops, subcontract manufacturers and larger production environments.

Choose from four editions:

Compare Editions

Why use Predator CNC Editor?

Predator CNC Editor combines familiar editing tools with CNC-specific features that are not found in standard text editors. It helps reduce manual editing mistakes, simplifies G-code comparison and provides practical shop-floor tools for CNC program editing, file transfer and verification.

  • CNC intelligent editing with Undo and Redo
  • Machining wizards for common CNC programming tasks
  • Support for large CNC program files
  • Side-by-side G-code file compare
  • DNC send, receive and drip-feed capability
  • 3D backplotting and basic CNC verification
  • CNC templates for machine-specific program settings
  • Support for 11 international languages
  • Online help and practical shop-floor tools
  • Made in the USA - Learn more

CNC Intelligent Editing with Undo and Redo

Dozens of CNC intelligent editing commands make changes to your CNC program quickly and easily. Edit confidently with the ability to undo and redo all changes. Microsoft® Word compatible menus, toolbar, and shortcut keys make Predator CNC Editor easy to learn.

Machining Wizards

Predator CNC Editor includes the following CNC machining specific wizards to fast track common changes:

  • Blockskips
  • Bolt Hole Circle
  • Comments
  • DNC Restart
  • Drill Position
  • Math Operations and Expressions
  • Feed rate calculator and override
  • Spindle speed calculator and override
  • Sequence Numbers
  • Triangle

Unlimited File Size

The Predator CNC Editor supports up to 64 Megs of G-Code per CNC program. In addition, editing multiple CNC programs at the same time is supported with the ability to cut, copy, and paste between them.

File Compare

The Predator CNC Editor includes a side by side file compare which identifies each G and M code difference and fixes them with a single click of the mouse. A summary report and numerous options to ignore spaces, blank lines, leader/trailer, feed rates, spindle speeds and tool changes simplify the process of integrating shop floor edits with a master CNC program.

RS-232 DNC Send, Receive and Drip Feed for CNC Machines

Send, receive, and dripfeed to one machine at a time, via switch box or direct connection to any compatible CNC machine. Works in the background even while other software applications are running. Should a tool break, an easy to use DNC Restart command automatically re-creates the CNC program from any point.

Predator CNC Editor with RS232 communications

NOTE: An upgrade to Predator DNC provides support for DNC networking of multiple CNC machines at the same time, comprehensive Ethernet, special RS232 protocols, conversational protocols, binary file transfers and BTR executive transfers.

Learn more

3D G-code Backplotting and CNC Program Verification

Predator CNC Editor and Predator CNC Editor Enterprise bundle an entry level of Predator Virtual CNC to graphically verify CNC G-Code. Visualize your CNC programs in 3D by quickly backplotting any CNC program. Define stock and tool shapes to provide 3D animation and verification. Supports 2 and 3 axis mills, routers, waterjets, lasers and 2 Axis lathes. Within the graphics window zoom in, zoom out, pan and fit commands provide complete control of the process. Copy the backplot or 3D animation to the clipboard and quickly add graphics to your setup sheets.

NOTE: Numerous examples are provided. For best results, 3D backplotting and verification may require appropriate machine configuration and reverse post processor configuration which can be done by knowledgeable end users, Predator Resellers or Predator Software Inc. Extensive online help is provided for machine configuration and reverse post processor configuration.

Predator CNC Editor with Lathe Animation

NOTE: Backplotting and verification of 4 and 5 axis mills and mill/turn lathes all require an upgrade to our full Predator Virtual CNC product provides support for advanced 4 and 5 axis CNC verification, machine simulation, inspection, analytics, CNC program optimization and much more.

Learn more

G-Code Backplotting Support

Backplot an extensive range of G-Codes, M-Codes, CNC variables, sub programs and CNC macros from every major CNC vendor. Even backplotting APTCL is supported. Get additional details on the following:

Additional G-Code support is available by customizing existing CNC reverse post processors. Create an unlimited number of CNC reverse posts as required.

CNC Templates

Predator Editor CNC Templates add intelligence by remembering all the CNC control details. Includes a library of 20 sample CNC templates. Each CNC template is completely configurable.

Predator CNC Editor Enterprise - Part Numbers

Part # Descriptions for Microsoft SQL Server licenses
20161000 Predator CNC Editor Enterprise Administrator for SQL Server
20161910 Predator CNC Editor Enterprise Client for SQL Server
Part # Descriptions for Oracle licenses
20181000 Predator CNC Editor Enterprise Administrator for Oracle
20181910 Predator CNC Editor Enterprise Client for Oracle

NOTE: Predator CNC Editor Enterprise licenses do not include licenses for Microsoft SQL Server or Oracle.

Predator CNC Editor - Part Numbers

Part # Description
20102001 Predator CNC Editor

Predator CNC Editor - Popular Options

Part # Description
20209020 Predator Touch HMI
20303050 Predator Virtual CNC Express
29900000 Predator Floating License Manager - Learn more >

Predator CNC Editor Express - Part Numbers

Part # Description
20103001 Predator CNC Editor Express

Predator CNC Editor Tips

  • What is the fastest way to find something?

    Posted by Jim Abbassian February 19th 2025

    Double click on a register such as a Z axis move then CTRL+F to bring up the find dialog. Notice that the Z axis move is already specified and click the Find Next button.

  • How to view the top and bottom of a CNC program at the same time?

    Posted by Jim Abbassian February 19th 2025

    Double click or drag the splitter bar button located above the top scroll bar button to create a split view of the same CNC program. A second scroll bar will appear to support independent editing and scrolling in each view. Double click the splitter button to return to a single view.

More Predator Software

Why Predator?

  • Flexible Licensing

    Customers can own their licenses. Even transfer them to another manufacturer.

  • Upgrade for Growth

    Expand when ready with more software, hardware or services.

  • 100% Trade In

    Customers receive a 100% software trade-in credit when upgrading.

Learn More

* Best effort will be made to support your machines. However, not all features are supported by all machine manufacturers. Some Predator CNC Editor features require machine options from the machine manufacturer. Best effort will be made to support your network. However, not all features are supported within all corporate networks. Some Predator CNC Editor features require changes to network security, configuration and infrastructure by corporate IT.