EasyTrace5000

EasyTrace5000 Documentation

Browser-based CAM for PCB prototyping

EasyTrace5000 Workspace
The EasyTrace5000 workspace with loaded PCB geometry
Launch Application Choose Your Pipeline

What is EasyTrace5000?

EasyTrace5000 is an open-source, browser-based CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) tool for PCB prototyping. It processes your design files (Gerber, Excellon, SVG) and generates output for your manufacturing equipment—whether that's a CNC router or a laser system.

Everything runs locally in your browser. No installation, no cloud uploads, no accounts. Your files stay on your machine.

Processing Pipelines

EasyTrace5000 supports multiple manufacturing methods. Choose the pipeline that matches your equipment:

CNC Milling Stable

Generate G-code for isolation routing, drilling, copper clearing, and board cutout. Supports GRBL and other common controllers.

Laser Processing In Development

Export optimized vectors and rasters for fiber, UV, and diode laser systems. Direct ablation, photoresist exposure, and stencil workflows.

Supported File Formats

Gerber (RS-274X)

Standard PCB copper layer and outline files. Supports .gbr, .ger, .gtl, .gbl, .gko.

Excellon

Drill files containing hole positions and sizes. Supports .drl, .xln, .txt.

SVG

Scalable Vector Graphics for custom outlines or designs. Supports arcs and Bézier curves.

Quick Start

  1. Launch: Open the application. Use the Welcome modal to load "Example 1".
  2. Explore: See the PCB geometry in the center canvas.
  3. Select: Click the source file object in the "Isolation Routing" tree (left sidebar).
  4. Generate: In the right sidebar, click Generate Offsets.
  5. Preview: Click Generate Toolpath Preview to see the cut path.
  6. Export: Click Operations & G-Code, calculate Toolpaths and then Export G-code.

Controls & Accessibility

EasyTrace5000 is optimized for keyboard efficiency and screen reader support.

Global Navigation

  • F6 Cycle focus zones (Toolbar / Sidebars)
  • Tab Navigate focusable items
  • Esc Context-aware close/deselect
  • F1 Open in-app help

View Controls

  • Home / F Fit to view
  • + / - Zoom in/out
  • Arrow Keys Pan canvas
  • Shift + Arrows Fast pan

Operations Tree

  • ↑ / ↓ Navigate items
  • → / ← Expand/Collapse
  • Space Select / Toggle
  • V Toggle visibility
  • Del Delete selected

Accessibility Features

The application targets WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance.

  • Focus Zones: Use F6 to jump between the Toolbar, Operations Tree, and Property Panel without tabbing through every element.
  • Skip Links: A hidden link appears on the first Tab press to jump directly to the main canvas.
  • Screen Readers: All icons include `aria-label` descriptions. Status updates (file loading, errors) are announced via Live Regions.
  • High Contrast: A theme system is already implemented and high-contrast themes will be introduced alongside custom themes.

For a detailed breakdown of ARIA roles and compliance status, check out the Accessibility page.

Project Sponsors

EasyTrace5000 is open-source software supported by community sponsors.

Become a sponsor →