Internet Access
Internet access is required to load and save Easel projects and to finish setting up your CNC machine profile. Internet access is not required to work with a project once loaded or to connect to your machine and carve a project. If you do make changes to an Easel project while working offline, you will need to reconnect to the Internet to save them before closing the tab/window that the project is running in.
Browser
We recommend the latest version of any of the following:
- Google Chrome
- Safari
- Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
*Easel is not optimized to work on mobile or tablet devices such as iPads.
FOR GOOGLE CHROME, MICROSOFT EDGE, AND MOZILLA FIREFOX USERS:
Updated versions of Google Chrome (version 142 or newer), Microsoft Edge (version 143.0.3650.66 or newer), and Mozilla Firefox (version 153 or newer) have added a new permission setting that requires users to manually allow websites to access local networks. This permission is required to allow the Easel website to find the locally installed Easel Driver to connect with machines.
Upon opening the Easel website, you may see a prompt asking whether to allow or block Easel from looking for and connecting to any devices on your local network.
You'll need to allow this connection so Easel can safely communicate with your machine:
- If you accidentally dismissed or denied this prompt, you can reset the permission by clicking the lock or settings icon next to the Easel.com address in your browser’s address bar. From there, re-enable access to local devices and then refresh Easel before trying to connect again.
Operating System
-
Windows 11
- Easel will open in browsers on Windows S Mode, but to connect to X-Carve, you will need to download and install the Easel Driver. Windows S Mode will prevent this installation and will need to be disabled.
- Windows 7 and Windows 8 operating systems are no longer supported by Microsoft. For optimal performance, we recommend using Windows 11 or higher and the most current driver version.
- As of October 14, 2025, Windows 10 is no longer officially supported by Microsoft. Users on Windows 10 are advised to upgrade as soon as possible. We cannot guarantee Easel software will work on Windows 10.
- MacOS 13 Ventura or newer
- Linux driver has been tested and developed to run best on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS. Ubuntu 24.04 is the only official distribution we support.
- Chromebooks
- Chromebooks can be used with Easel via the driveless connection. For more information, check out this support article: Can I use a Chromebook with Easel?
These operating systems are required for connecting a machine to Easel. Easel can also run on almost any operating system that supports the browsers listed above for opening and working with projects when connecting to the machine is not required.
Processing Speed
- Only 64bit operating systems are supported.
Memory
- At least 4GB of system memory (8GB recommended)
- At least 100MB of hard drive space
Graphics
- WebGL 2.0 support: https://get.webgl.org/webgl2/
- 64mb or more VRAM, to display the 3D preview.
- Screen Resolution of 1024x768 or higher
Input devices
- Trackpad or 2 button mouse with scroll wheel.
- Keyboard
- Your computer must have at least one USB port.
- Easel has not been tested for use with assistive devices, including screen readers. If you are interested in helping us with this, please contact our Customer Success Team.
Connecting without the Easel Driver
Overview
Easel can connect directly to compatible machines without requiring the Easel Driver. This option is useful for older computers, Chromebooks, or environments where installing software is not possible.
Important: Driverless connections are only supported in the following browsers:
- Google Chrome
- Microsoft Edge
- Opera
Before You Begin
To use a driverless connection, the Easel Driver must not be installed on your computer.
If the Easel Driver is currently installed:
- Uninstall the Easel Driver.
- Restart your computer to complete the removal process.
- Open Easel in a supported browser.
Connecting Your Machine
- Open Easel and click Carve.
- A new connection screen will appear.
- Click the green Connect Machine button.
- Your browser will display a list of available ports and devices.
- Select your machine from the list.
- Click Connect to authorize Easel to communicate with the machine.
Once connected, you can begin carving as normal.
Automatic Reconnection
Some machines provide a unique identifier to your computer. When using these machines, Easel may automatically reconnect to the device in future sessions.
Other machines require you to authorize the connection each time the device is plugged in. If you prefer automatic connections and your machine falls into this category, you can install the Easel Driver instead.