GCODE (G-code)

The GCODE file format is the native file format used by CNC machines and 3D printers as a means to coordinate the movement and actions of these machines. In the case of FDM 3D printers, the file contains commands to move the extruder to specific locations and the rate with which to extrude the plastic filament onto the build plate.

A GCODE is a plain text file containing lists of commands, with each command appearing on a new line within the file. These commands control how the CNC machine or 3D printer operates and creates a particular 3D object. GCODE is a standard format and is usually generated by 3D printing slicer software from standard 3D model formats such as STL.