Carveco vs CounterSketch

Carveco is Windows CAD and CNC machining software for designing and manufacturing artistic 2D and 3D products. Maker targets hobbyists, woodworkers, sign-makers, and small businesses using CNC routers or engravers; it includes vector editing, bitmap-to-vector conversion, relief design, machining strategies, toolpath simulation, and export. Maker Plus adds relief sculpting, nesting, drill banks, batch calculations, and toolpath operations. Pro is for professional decorative work from individual pieces to production at scale. Carveco says it directly supports over 300 CNC machine tools and has dedicated post-processors for many machines. It exports formats including G-Code, STL, AI, DXF, SVG, PDF, OBJ, IGES, STEP, and 3DM. It does not include CNC controller or G-Code sending and streaming software, so a separate compatible controller application is needed. Maker subscriptions start at $17.50 a month, with a 30-day trial for new customers that converts to paid unless cancelled. Subscription software requires internet for activation and must reconnect to its licensing server at least once every 21 days.

CounterSketch is 3D custom jewelry design software for jewelers working with customers on designs in real time. Its library includes more than 3,000 customizable styles and components, and users can access over one million natural and lab-grown diamonds and gemstones in Stuller's inventory. Designs can display real-time prices using business-specific markups and photorealistic renderings. A built-in Freehand tool supports creating designs from scratch. Completed work can be sent to Stuller's CAD/CAM Services team for CAD verification, casting, and finishing. Users can open available designs from Stuller.com or Stuller Showcase directly in CounterSketch. It runs on Mac or Windows computers. The 15-day trial includes other functionality but limits the library to 25 styles and 21 Freehand parts. Membership includes technical support, Online Academy access, monthly library updates, quarterly virtual seminars, and software upgrades; one-on-one training is also offered. Listed US pricing includes a $349 a year membership, or one-time licenses at 2495.00 USD and 2995.00 USD with Rhinoceros 8. Both license options include a one-year membership.