Welcome! This short guide will walk you through connecting any GRBL‑based CNC machine to Easel on a Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer. It’s written for beginners, so you don’t need to be an IT pro—just follow the steps in order and you’ll be carving in no time.
1. Before You Start
Make sure you have:
- Your CNC controller is powered on (status lights glowing and any emergency‑stop button released).
- A direct USB connection from the controller to your computer (plug straight into the PC while you set things up).
- A modern web browser: Chrome, Edge, or Firefox.
- The ability to install software on your computer (administrator rights).
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.
2. Install the Easel Driver
- You can find the Easel Driver Download Here: Driver Download
- Run the installer. If Windows asks for permission, click Yes.
- Restart your computer and reopen Easel. (Restarting helps finish the setup for both drivers)
- Click Carve.
3. Check That Windows Sees Your Controller
- With your controller powered on, open the Device Manager. You can find it by searching for “Device Manager” or right-clicking the Windows Start button and selecting “Device Manager.”
- You will see a section in the Device Manager labeled "Ports"
- You should see something like USB‑Serial (COM #).
- If the device shows up under Other devices with a yellow ❗, Windows needs the USB‑serial driver:
Download the FTDI driver from the chip manufacturer, install it, then unplug and re‑plug the USB cable.
- Make a note of the COM number (for example, COM6).
4. Tell Easel Which Port to Use
- Click Carve in Easel.
- When the connection window appears, choose Enter COM port manually.
- Type the COM number you just noted (e.g.,
COM6) and click Confirm. - Easel should now recognize your machine and guide you through homing and setup.
5. Still Not Working? Quick Fixes
| Problem | Try This |
|---|---|
| Nothing appears in Device Manager when you plug in | Use a different USB port or cable; confirm the controller really is powered on. |
| Easel loses connection mid‑carve | Turn off Windows “USB selective suspend”: Control Panel → Power Options → Change plan settings → Change advanced power settings → USB settings → USB selective suspend setting → Disabled. |
| “Port opens but never responds” | Another program (UGS, Candle, etc.) might be using the port. Close it, then retry in Easel. |
6. Success Checklist
- Easel Driver installed and running
- Controller lights on, emergency stop released
- USB cable connected directly to the PC
- Correct USB‑serial driver installed (no warning icons in Device Manager)
- Correct COM port entered in Easel
If every box is checked, click Carve again. Easel should connect, and you’ll be ready to start your first project. Happy carving!
7. Alternate FTDI Drivers
Windows 11 FTDI Driver:
In some instances, a different FTDI Driver is required. Some Windows 11 computers need to use the newest FTDI Universal driver. Unlike the one available on the Easel site, there is no executable file; you would need to manually install this driver.
Check out this video for help with that process:
Driver Download
ARM Processors:
Windows computers powered by ARM64 architecture—like some Surface devices or ultra-light laptops—use a different type of processor than traditional Intel or AMD machines. While many apps and drivers are automatically compatible, some hardware components (like a CNC Controller) require a dedicated ARM-specific driver to function correctly.
8. Connecting to Easel 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.