Advances in hardware and industrial technology work hand-in-hand with the advances of CAD (Computer Aided Design) and CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) design and operation software programs. There are hundreds of developers for both CAD and CAM software programs. All CAD files eventually need to be translated into CAM files before they can run on any CNC machine. Combination CAD and CAM programs are also available.

Popular CAD programs are AutoDesk, Sketchup and Rhino, but there are a plethora of others. CAD programs are capable of expressing 2D or 3D objects as parts or lines that can be scaled, edited and manipulated. These programs are capable of exporting into a variety of formats, however not all CAM software can translate the exported CAD files properly. This allows certain software developers to maintain a monopoly on process and prevent everyone from accessing the low coast ability to work CAM operated industrial equipment.

Many machine operators are hesitant to run unfamiliar files for fear of ruining a machine or potential risk to operators if the machine mistranslates and malfunctions. Therefore, operators usually import and re-draw or modify CAD files to work with their particular CAM software at a considerable time and expense.