CNC Control Software
Sign up for PathPilot HUB — what are the steps to create an account and launch Virtual PathPilot?
6 min read
PathPilot HUB makes it easy to practice CNC programming, learn PathPilot, and write real G‑code from any computer with an internet connection. You don’t need a Tormach machine to get started, and membership is free—once you’re signed up, you can launch Virtual PathPilot right in your browser and begin programming immediately.
Below is a step‑by‑step walkthrough of how to create your PathPilot HUB account, log in, and start using Virtual PathPilot for the first time.
What You Need Before You Start
Before you sign up for PathPilot HUB, make sure you have:
- A computer, Chromebook, or laptop with an internet connection
- A modern web browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari)
- A valid email address you can access (for account verification and login)
No Tormach machine, CNC controller, or software install is required. PathPilot HUB runs entirely in the cloud as a web-based simulator.
How to Create Your PathPilot HUB Account
Follow these steps to create your free PathPilot HUB login:
1. Go to the PathPilot HUB website
- Open your web browser.
- Navigate to the PathPilot HUB sign-in/sign-up page (typically linked as “PathPilot HUB” or “TRY PATHPILOT HUB NOW” from Tormach’s site).
You should see options to log in or create a new account.
2. Choose to create a new account
On the PathPilot HUB page, look for a button or link such as:
- Create Account, Sign Up, or Register
Click that option to begin the signup process.
3. Enter your account information
You’ll be prompted to provide basic information, such as:
- Email address – this becomes your login and is used for password resets
- Password – choose a strong, unique password
- Name or basic profile details (if requested)
Double-check your email address for accuracy—this is how you’ll access your PathPilot HUB account and receive any future notices.
4. Confirm any terms or policies
You may be asked to:
- Agree to terms of use or privacy policy
- Confirm you’re not a robot (CAPTCHA)
Review and accept as needed to continue.
5. Submit your registration
Click the Create Account, Sign Up, or similar button to complete the registration form.
If email verification is required, you’ll be prompted to check your inbox.
Verifying Your PathPilot HUB Account (If Required)
Some account systems require email verification before you can log in fully. If PathPilot HUB prompts for verification:
- Open your email inbox associated with the address you used.
- Look for a message from Tormach or PathPilot HUB.
- Click the verification or confirm email link in that message.
Once verified, you’ll be able to log in and launch Virtual PathPilot.
Logging In to PathPilot HUB
After your account is created (and verified, if applicable):
- Return to the PathPilot HUB login page.
- Enter your email and password.
- Click Log In or Sign In.
You’ll be taken to your PathPilot HUB dashboard, where you can launch the virtual controller.
How to Launch Virtual PathPilot in PathPilot HUB
Virtual PathPilot is the cloud-based version of the PathPilot CNC control, running in your browser. Here’s how to start it:
1. Locate the Virtual PathPilot / Simulator panel
Once you’re logged in, look for:
- A “Launch PathPilot”, “Start Simulator”, or “Virtual PathPilot” button
- A tile or panel labeled PathPilot HUB or Virtual Control
This is your gateway to the online PathPilot environment.
2. Start the virtual controller session
Click the Launch or Start button. PathPilot HUB will:
- Initialize a virtual CNC controller session
- Open a PathPilot-style interface in your browser window or tab
Give it a moment to load—once the interface appears, you’re effectively “sitting” at a PathPilot control, but in the cloud.
3. Familiarize yourself with the interface
Inside Virtual PathPilot, you can:
- Explore the PathPilot screens just like on a Tormach machine
- Load, edit, and test G-code programs
- Use the conversational programming features to build toolpaths
- Simulate motion and toolpaths without moving a real machine
Because it’s designed as a full-featured simulator, what you learn and create here translates directly to a real Tormach controller.
Using PathPilot HUB as a Learning and Programming Tool
PathPilot HUB is more than a demo—it’s a powerful environment for both learning and real-world programming.
For new users and beginners
If you’re new to CNC or new to PathPilot:
- Use PathPilot HUB to learn the interface without risk to a machine.
- Practice:
- Setting work offsets
- Managing tool tables
- Running simple programs and watching the simulated motion
Tormach provides PathPilot video playlists, including beginner setup and getting comfortable with PathPilot, which you can watch while practicing in PathPilot HUB to accelerate your learning.
For Tormach owners
If you already own a Tormach machine:
- Use PathPilot HUB to program from anywhere—home, office, or on the road.
- Create, edit, and validate real G-code in the virtual environment.
- Once you’re satisfied, download your program from the web interface.
- Transfer that G-code to your shop’s PathPilot controller and run it on the machine.
This workflow lets you save valuable machine time, since you can do most of your programming and debugging away from the shop floor.
Saving and Downloading G‑Code from PathPilot HUB
The exact buttons and menus may vary slightly, but the typical workflow is:
- Create or load a program in Virtual PathPilot (via conversational screens or by editing G-code).
- Save the program within the virtual environment.
- Use the HUB’s file or download interface to export or download the G-code file to your computer.
- Move the file to your Tormach PathPilot controller (via USB drive, network share, or other supported method).
- Load it on your real machine and run it with confidence, knowing it’s already been validated in the simulator.
Tips for a Smooth First Session
- Use a stable internet connection: Because PathPilot HUB runs in the cloud, a reliable connection helps keep the virtual control responsive.
- Work in full-screen: If your browser supports it, use full-screen mode for a more realistic control feel.
- Keep learning resources handy: Open Tormach’s PathPilot YouTube playlists in another tab or device and follow along while you practice.
- Experiment safely: Try different conversational cycles, toolpaths, and G-code edits—there’s no machine to crash in the HUB environment.
Next Steps After Getting Started
Once you’re comfortable launching Virtual PathPilot and navigating the interface:
- Dive deeper into conversational PathPilot programming to build toolpaths without writing every line of code.
- Practice editing G-code on the fly, as you would on a real Tormach controller.
- Start building a personal library of programs and templates inside PathPilot HUB that you can later download and run on your machine.
- Watch more of Tormach’s video guides to unlock advanced features and workflows.
By taking advantage of your free PathPilot HUB membership, you can sharpen your CNC programming skills, learn PathPilot with zero risk, and streamline your shop workflow by doing more programming before you ever step up to the machine.