Comparison

GCodeReader CNC vs 3D Box Maker

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

GCodeReader CNC

Features
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Inspect CNC toolpaths and CAD models locally on your iPhone or iPad. Open files from Files, explore geometry in 3D and review machining programs without an account or cloud conversion. SLDPRT PART VIEWING • View SLDPRT parts in 3D, including saved solid bodies, surfaces and sketch curves. • Show or hide individual bodies and surfaces. • Rotate, pan and zoom, or switch between standard views. • CAD files are opened for viewing; the original CAD file is not modified. G-CODE REVIEW • Explore 3D toolpaths with axes, a grid and view presets. • Play back a program and adjust playback speed. • Review cutter names and diameters from CAM comments, tool numbers, feed rates, spindle speed and estimated run time. • Check X, Y and Z trajectory dimensions, including rapid moves. • Collapse the program information panel to make more room for the toolpath. • Edit feed and spindle values, then explicitly save the file or export a copy. CAD AND 3D MODELS • Open STEP, IGES, BREP and DXF exchange files. • Inspect mesh and scene formats including STL, OBJ, PLY, USD/USDZ, Alembic, DAE and SCN. • View model dimensions, geometry counts and available body information. • Additional previews are available for Parasolid, DWG and CDR, with partial format coverage. FILE COMPATIBILITY SLDPRT viewing uses geometry stored in the part file. Compatibility with native formats depends on the file version and available data. SLDASM assembly import is not supported. For unsupported files, export to STEP, IGES, STL or DXF in the authoring application. LOCAL WORKFLOW Selected files are processed on your device. No sign-in or upload to a conversion service is required. Privacy information and third-party licenses are available from the information button inside the app. Estimated CNC run time is an approximation. Review any edited program before using it on a machine.

About

3D Box Maker

Features
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3D Box Maker is a builder for 3D-printable boxes and enclosures. Set the sizes, add holes, boards and a lid, then save STL or 3MF files ready for your slicer. BODY • Width, depth, wall height, wall and floor thickness, corner radius • Overall and inside dimensions shown as you edit HOLES AND STANDOFFS • Holes in the floor, any wall and the lid: round, rectangular, slots, hexagons • Connector cut-outs: USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, RJ45, DB9, audio, DC power, keystone jacks • PCB standoffs with screw holes • Arrays of identical holes and standoffs: set the step and the count BOARDS • More than 100 templates: Raspberry Pi, Arduino, ESP32, Teensy, sensors, interface converters, motor drivers, displays and more • Your own board with its size, mounting holes and ports • A standoff under every mounting hole and port cut-outs in the walls, added for you • Ribs under the board and a clamp: screw posts with a T piece LID • A lid with a lip and an adjustable clearance • Screw fastening: corner bosses with a 45° taper that print without supports • Engraving from an SVG drawing: cut it into the lid or fill it in another colour as an inlay for two-colour printing PREVIEW AND EXPORT • 3D preview: isometric, top, front and side views, lid lifted off • Warnings when a board does not fit, a hole runs past an edge or a standoff is taller than the walls • Undo and redo • STL and 3MF export: base, lid and inlay as separate files; the 3MF of a lid with an inlay holds two coloured bodies • A 1:1 floor sheet to print for marking out PRIVATE AND OFFLINE The app works without the internet and without an account. Your boxes and files stay on your device only — we collect nothing and send nothing anywhere. Ukrainian and English, light and dark theme. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Terms of Service: https://api3d.serenity.games/legal/terms Privacy Policy: https://api3d.serenity.games/legal/privacy Deleting your data: https://api3d.serenity.games/legal/delete

Screenshots

GCodeReader CNC4 screens
3D Box Maker4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: 3D Box Maker at fortnightly against GCodeReader CNC's every 4 months. 3D Box Maker also leads on device support (4 vs 2) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 26.0). On price, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price Ā· Rating Ā· Positive reviews Ā· Number of ratings Ā· Update frequency Ā· Ads Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Monetization Ā· Best chart rank Ā· Devices Ā· Requires iOS

CostPrice Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Ads Ā· Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

GCodeReader CNC ships an update every 4 months, 3D Box Maker fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 26, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences Ā· 3 level
GCodeReader CNC versus 3D Box Maker: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGCodeReader CNC3D Box Maker
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsFortnightly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better
Requires iOS26.015.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size44 MB8 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperFavionicsAndrii Kedrov

In-app purchases

None

GCodeReader CNC

No in-app purchases

None

3D Box Maker

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is GCodeReader CNC free?
GCodeReader CNC is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is 3D Box Maker free?
3D Box Maker is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do GCodeReader CNC or 3D Box Maker have ads?
Neither GCodeReader CNC nor 3D Box Maker shows ads.
Which is updated more often, GCodeReader CNC or 3D Box Maker?
GCodeReader CNC ships an update every 4 months, and 3D Box Maker fortnightly. Most recently, GCodeReader CNC was updated on October 25, 2026 and 3D Box Maker on October 26, 2026.

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