### Grid: Your Free, Local-First Workshop for 3D Printing, CNC, and Laser

In the world of digital fabrication, software can be a significant hurdle. Makers often find themselves juggling three or more different programs: one to slice 3D models for printing, another to generate toolpaths for a CNC mill, and a third for a laser cutter. Each comes with its own learning curve, interface quirks, and, often, a price tag. Grid aims to shatter that paradigm by offering a single, unified solution that is powerful, accessible, and respects your privacy.

#### What is Grid?

Grid is an all-in-one, browser-based slicer designed for 3D printing (FDM), CNC milling, and laser cutting/engraving. Developed by Stewart Allen, the creator of the popular Kiri:Moto, Grid leverages years of experience in browser-based fabrication to deliver a robust tool that runs entirely on your local machine. It’s not a cloud service masquerading as an app; it’s a powerful piece of software that lives and works right inside your web browser.

#### The “Local-First” and “Browser-Based” Advantage

The two most compelling features of Grid are its architecture. Let’s break down why this matters.

**Browser-Based:** This means there is nothing to install. You don’t need to worry about operating systems, dependencies, or administrative rights. If you have a modern web browser like Chrome, Firefox, or Edge, you can use Grid. This makes it instantly accessible on Windows, macOS, Linux, and even ChromeOS. You simply navigate to the Grid website, and the application loads.

**Local-First:** This is the critical distinction that sets Grid apart from cloud-based slicers. While it loads from a website, all the heavy lifting—the slicing, toolpath generation, and processing of your models—happens directly on your computer’s processor. Your files are never uploaded to a remote server. This has several massive benefits:
* **Privacy:** Your designs and intellectual property remain on your machine. There’s no risk of them being stored or analyzed on a third-party server.
* **Speed:** Since there’s no upload or download time for processing, the only limit is the speed of your own computer. For most models, the process is incredibly fast.
* **Offline Use:** Once the application is loaded in your browser, it can often continue to function even if your internet connection drops.

#### One Tool to Rule Them All

The true power of Grid lies in its versatility. It seamlessly integrates workflows for the three most common maker machines into a single, cohesive interface.

* **3D Printing Slicer:** Grid offers a full-featured FDM slicer with all the settings you’d expect: layer height, infill patterns and density, support generation, brim/raft control, multiple extruders, and detailed speed and temperature adjustments. It produces clean, efficient G-code compatible with virtually any Marlin, Klipper, or RepRap-based printer.

* **CNC Toolpath Generation:** Switch modes, and Grid becomes a capable 2.5D CAM package. You can generate toolpaths for roughing, finishing, outlining, and drilling. It includes essential features like support tabs for cutouts, conventional and climb milling options, and full control over step-down, step-over, and feed rates.

* **Laser Slicer:** In laser mode, Grid can process vector files (like SVG and DXF) and raster images. You can assign different operations (cutting or engraving) to different layers or colors in your design, controlling laser power and travel speed for each. It’s perfect for everything from cutting plywood parts to engraving detailed images.

#### Forever Free: Empowering the Maker Community

Grid is not a trial or a freemium product with locked features. It is “forever free.” This commitment removes the financial barrier to entry, making powerful fabrication tools accessible to students, hobbyists, and small businesses alike. By providing a high-quality, comprehensive tool without cost, Grid empowers creativity and innovation across the entire maker community.

If you run a 3D printer, a CNC router, or a laser cutter, you owe it to yourself to give Grid a try. It streamlines your workflow, protects your privacy, and unifies your digital workshop under a single, powerful, and completely free platform.