Welcome! This friendly walkthrough shows you how to connect any GRBL‑based CNC machine to Easel on a Mac running macOS 13 (Ventura) or newer. Follow the steps in order, and you’ll be carving in minutes—no deep tech skills required.
1. Quick Prep Checklist
| What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Controller power | Status LEDs should be on and any emergency‑stop released; otherwise the Mac sees nothing. |
| Direct USB connection | Plug the machine straight into your Mac while setting up (skip hubs and long extenders for now). |
| Modern browser | Chrome, Firefox, or Safari 17 and up all work with Easel. |
| Admin password | You may need it to install or remove drivers. |
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
- In Easel, click Download Driver.
- Run the installer and enter your Mac password when prompted.
- Quit all browser windows, reopen your browser, and sign back in to Easel.
- Click Carve.
If Easel still says “Install the Easel Driver,” restart your Mac so the driver service fully loads.
3. Make Sure macOS Detects the Controller
- Hold ⌥ Option, click the Apple menu, and choose System Information.
- Select USB in the left sidebar.
Plug in the machine’s USB cable and watch for a new USB‑Serial (or similarly named) device.
What you see What it means USB‑Serial device appears macOS is talking to the controller—great! Nothing appears Cable, port, or controller power problem. Re‑check basics from Step 1.
If the device appears in System Information yet Easel still can’t connect, a conflicting driver is almost always to blame—see the next section.
4. Remove Conflicting Drivers (Common with Drawing Tablets)
Older FTDI‑based drivers can block Easel’s connection. The biggest offender is the legacy driver sometimes bundled with Wacom tablets.
- Open Finder → Go → Go to Folder… and type
/Library/Extensions, then press Return. - Look for any of these files (names can vary slightly):
- WacomTablet.kext
- FTDIUSBSerialDriver.kext
- FTDIKext.kext
- Drag the file(s) to Trash, empty the Trash, and restart the Mac.
Need to use a Wacom tablet on the same computer? Reinstall its latest driver after Easel is working; the modern version no longer blocks CNC connections.
5. Browser & Connection Tips
| Issue | Fast fix |
|---|---|
| Green “Carve” button never shows | Try Chrome or Firefox—some Safari privacy settings block WebUSB. |
| Connects, then disconnects during a carve | Use a shorter, shielded USB cable and avoid unpowered hubs; keep the cable away from spindle or motor wires to reduce electrical noise. |
| “We can’t find your machine automatically” | Power‑cycle the controller, ensure the e‑stop is released, and confirm it reappears under System Information → USB. |
6. Success Checklist
- Easel Driver installed and running
- Controller powered, LEDs on, emergency‑stop released
- USB cable plugged directly into the Mac
- No legacy FTDI or Wacom kexts in
/Library/Extensions - Easel shows a green Carve button and detects the machine
All green? Click Carve and follow Easel’s on‑screen setup to home your CNC and start making chips. Happy carving!
7. 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.