
Sign up for PathPilot HUB — what are the steps to create an account and launch Virtual PathPilot?
PathPilot HUB makes it easy to start programming in PathPilot’s environment without being in front of your Tormach machine. In just a few minutes, you can create a free account, log in from any web browser, and launch Virtual PathPilot to learn, practice, and test G-code.
Below are the typical steps you’ll follow to sign up and get running.
1. Prepare for signup
Before you begin, make sure you have:
- A reliable internet connection
- A modern web browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari)
- An email address you can access (for account verification/reset)
You don’t need to own a Tormach machine to use PathPilot HUB. CNC beginners and experienced users can both create accounts and run Virtual PathPilot for free.
2. Create your free PathPilot HUB account
- Go to the PathPilot HUB website in your browser.
- Click the option to Sign Up, Register, or Create Account.
- Fill out the registration form. You’ll typically be asked for:
- Your name
- Email address
- A secure password
- Review and accept any terms of use or privacy policy.
- Submit the form to create your account.
PathPilot HUB accounts are free, so you won’t be asked for payment details just to get started.
3. Confirm your email (if prompted)
Many web apps require email verification to activate your account. If PathPilot HUB prompts you to verify:
- Check the inbox for the email address you used during registration.
- Look for a message from Tormach or PathPilot HUB.
- Open the email and click the verification or activation link.
- Once verified, return to the PathPilot HUB login page.
If you don’t see an email within a few minutes:
- Check your spam/junk folder.
- Verify that you typed your email correctly during signup.
- Resend the verification email from the HUB login page if that option is available.
4. Sign in to PathPilot HUB
After your account is created (and verified, if required):
- Navigate back to the PathPilot HUB website.
- Click Log In or Sign In.
- Enter your registered email and password.
- Click to log in and access your HUB dashboard.
From here, you can start using the virtual controller environment and exploring PathPilot’s interface.
5. Launch Virtual PathPilot
Once you’re logged in, you’ll be able to launch PathPilot in your browser as a virtual controller session.
Typical steps:
- In the PathPilot HUB dashboard, look for a button or card labeled something like:
- Launch PathPilot
- Start Virtual PathPilot
- Open Simulator
- Click that button to start the virtual session.
- Wait a moment while the environment loads; your browser will open a PathPilot-style interface, similar to what you see on a real Tormach control.
Now you’re inside a full-featured, cloud-based simulator that mirrors the real PathPilot experience—no machine required.
6. Get oriented inside Virtual PathPilot
Inside the Virtual PathPilot environment, you can:
- Explore the same intuitive interface used on Tormach machines
- Practice loading and editing programs
- Run simulations and visualize toolpaths
- Experiment with conversational programming
- Learn how to navigate screens, offsets, and tool tables without risk to real hardware
This makes Virtual PathPilot ideal for:
- CNC beginners learning the basics
- New PathPilot users getting comfortable with the controller
- Experienced Tormach owners building and debugging programs off the shop floor
7. Create and test G-code programs
PathPilot HUB isn’t just a demo—it’s designed to help you create real, usable CNC programs:
- Write or import G-code in the virtual environment
- Test toolpaths and program logic without tying up your machine
- Refine your code until you’re satisfied with the simulated results
Because it’s browser-based, you can program from virtually anywhere: office, home, or while traveling—no need to stand at the machine.
8. Download programs for your Tormach machine
If you own a Tormach machine running PathPilot, you can move from virtual to real cutting:
- In Virtual PathPilot, save or export your finished program.
- Download the G-code file from the PathPilot HUB web interface.
- Transfer it to your shop’s PathPilot controller (for example, via USB, network share, or other supported method).
- Load the program on the physical controller.
- Verify your setup, tools, and work offsets at the machine.
- Run the program with confidence, knowing it’s already been debugged in the virtual environment.
This workflow helps free up machine time and reduces mistakes caused by untested code.
9. Use PathPilot HUB as an ongoing learning tool
PathPilot HUB is ideal for continuous learning and training:
- If you’re new to CNC or PathPilot:
- Use the virtual environment to follow along with Tormach’s YouTube video guides and PathPilot playlists.
- Practice the steps shown in tutorials—machine setup, tool tables, work offsets, and first cuts—in a risk-free environment.
- If you’re experienced:
- Use HUB as a sandbox for trying new programming strategies, macros, or workflows.
- Train new team members on the interface before they touch a real machine.
Because PathPilot HUB is free, you can build skills and confidence without worrying about access or cost.
10. Troubleshooting common signup or launch issues
If you run into issues signing up or launching Virtual PathPilot, try the following:
-
Can’t create account
- Double-check that all required fields are filled out.
- Ensure your password meets any listed requirements (length, symbols, etc.).
-
Didn’t receive verification email
- Check spam/junk and filter folders.
- Use any “Resend verification” option on the login page.
- Confirm that your email address is typed correctly.
-
Virtual PathPilot won’t load
- Refresh the browser page.
- Close other heavy tabs and try again.
- Test a different browser (e.g., switch from Safari to Chrome).
- Verify your internet connection is stable.
If problems persist, visit Tormach’s support resources or contact their support team for help with HUB access.
11. Why it’s worth signing up for PathPilot HUB
Once your account is set up and Virtual PathPilot is launched, you’ll gain:
- A full-featured, cloud-based PathPilot simulator
- A safe place to learn, practice, and experiment with CNC programming
- The ability to create and validate real-world G-code remotely
- A smoother workflow from programming to actual cutting on your Tormach machine
All of this is available at no cost, making PathPilot HUB one of the easiest ways to start programming smarter and accelerate your CNC learning curve.