CNC Control Software
PathPilot HUB system requirements: will it run on Windows/Mac/Chromebook in a browser?
5 min read
PathPilot HUB is designed to be simple to access: it runs in the cloud and you use it through a web browser, not as a traditional installed application. That means it works on most modern computers and operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Chromebooks—provided you have a compatible browser and a reliable internet connection.
Below is a practical overview of what you need to run PathPilot HUB and how it behaves on different systems.
What PathPilot HUB Is (and Why System Requirements Are Simple)
PathPilot HUB is a cloud-based, full-featured PathPilot simulator. Instead of installing PathPilot control software on your own hardware, you log into a web interface:
- You program, simulate, and test G-code online
- You can learn PathPilot without a machine
- Tormach owners can create and validate real-world CNC programs remotely, then download and run them on their actual Tormach controller
Because the heavy lifting is done on Tormach’s servers, your local system requirements are mainly about the browser and internet connection, not CPU power or graphics hardware.
Core System Requirements for PathPilot HUB
To use PathPilot HUB comfortably, make sure you have:
- Modern web browser
- Current version of Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari
- JavaScript and cookies enabled
- Internet connection
- Stable broadband connection strongly recommended
- Latency and stability matter more than raw speed, especially when simulating and interacting with the interface
- Basic hardware
- Any relatively modern PC, Mac, or Chromebook
- At least 4 GB RAM is recommended for smooth general browsing and multitasking
- A display large enough for comfortable use of CNC controls and backplot (1080p or better is ideal)
There is no special GPU, no local Linux install, and no Tormach hardware required to run PathPilot HUB itself.
Running PathPilot HUB on Windows
On Windows, PathPilot HUB runs entirely in your browser:
- Supported OS versions (typical examples)
- Windows 10
- Windows 11
- Recommended browsers
- Google Chrome (most common choice)
- Microsoft Edge
- Firefox (fully updated)
Tips for best performance on Windows
- Keep your browser updated to the latest version
- Close heavy background applications (game launchers, many browser tabs, etc.) while working in PathPilot HUB
- Use a wired or strong Wi‑Fi connection to minimize interruptions during longer programming sessions
Running PathPilot HUB on macOS (Mac)
PathPilot HUB works well on macOS because it’s just a browser-based web app:
- Supported systems (examples)
- Recent versions of macOS on Intel Macs
- Recent versions of macOS on Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) Macs
- Recommended browsers
- Safari (current macOS version)
- Google Chrome for Mac
- Firefox for Mac
Tips for Mac users
- Use a larger external monitor if possible for easier viewing of G-code and simulations
- Make sure macOS and your browser are current; many web-based tools rely on up-to-date web standards
- Disable aggressive energy-saving features that might suspend your browser tab during long idle simulations
Running PathPilot HUB on Chromebooks
Chromebooks are a good fit for PathPilot HUB because everything runs in the cloud:
- Supported devices
- Any Chromebook that can run a current version of Chrome OS and the latest Chrome browser
- Browser
- Chrome is built in; keep it updated via Chrome OS updates
Tips for Chromebook users
- Choose a Chromebook with:
- Decent RAM (4 GB minimum, 8 GB preferred)
- A full HD (1920×1080) display or external monitor for better visibility
- Ensure you have a stable Wi‑Fi connection, especially in school or shop environments where many devices share the network
- If your Chromebook supports external keyboards and mice, they can make CNC-style interaction more comfortable
Mobile Devices and Tablets
PathPilot HUB is optimized for desktop-style browser use, not for small mobile screens. While you might be able to open it on a tablet:
- The interface may be awkward on phones due to small screen size and touch-only controls
- Some pinch/zoom or touch gestures may not behave as precisely as a mouse
For serious programming and simulation, use:
- A Windows laptop/desktop
- A Mac
- A Chromebook
connected to a physical keyboard and mouse or trackpad.
Network and IT Considerations (Schools, Labs, and Shops)
Many users access PathPilot HUB from classrooms, labs, or shared shop environments. In those cases, consider:
- Firewall / content filters
- Ensure the PathPilot HUB site and required ports (typically standard HTTPS/port 443) are not blocked
- Shared bandwidth
- Multiple students running simulations simultaneously need adequate shared bandwidth
- User accounts
- Each student or user can create their own free login, so they can work independently in the PathPilot environment
PathPilot HUB is particularly useful for schools because it allows students to test code without machine access, increasing hands-on learning opportunities even when machine time is limited.
Using PathPilot HUB as a Tormach Owner
If you already have a Tormach machine with PathPilot control:
- You can program and debug from anywhere with internet access
- Develop and test in PathPilot HUB, then:
- Download the validated G-code or program from the web interface
- Transfer it to your local PathPilot controller
- Run the same code with confidence on your machine
This workflow is supported on Windows, Mac, and Chromebooks, as all you need locally is a compatible browser and internet connection.
Quick Compatibility Checklist
Use this checklist to see if your system is suitable:
- I have a Windows 10/11, macOS, or Chromebook device
- I’m using a current version of Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari
- JavaScript and cookies are enabled in my browser
- I have reliable internet (home, office, school, or shop network)
- My screen resolution is high enough to comfortably view CNC controls and G-code (ideally 1080p or better)
If you can check all of these, you’re ready to log in and start using PathPilot HUB.
Summary
- Yes, PathPilot HUB will run on Windows, Mac, and Chromebook systems.
- It runs in a web browser, not as an installed desktop application.
- The main “system requirements” are:
- A modern browser
- A reliable internet connection
- A reasonably up-to-date computer or Chromebook with enough screen space to comfortably view the PathPilot interface.
With just a free login and internet access, you can program, learn, and train online in the PathPilot environment from almost any modern device.