Laz圜AM plug-in will help you build G-code files directly from. You also have the option to add Laz圜AM as an add-on plugin.

Like Mach3, Mach4 can also import and edit G-code files from most of CAD software to control your CNC machine.

You can also overcome the parallel port requirement by using the Smoothstepper mechanism to connect with your laptop or desktop without a parallel port. If you're using your computer itself as a controller, you'll need to use a PC with a parallel port and have to install the 32-bit version of Mach4 in such a case. When using an external motion controller, you can work with a laptop or desktop of your choice using a USB connection. But Mach 4 has a smoother UI than Mach3, which requires at least 512MB of graphics memory and 1GB of RAM for the program to load. It's made from scratch and Artsoft claims that Mach4 only uses less than 1% of Mach3's original program code. Mach4 is the latest version available in the Mach series and is made to stay on par with time by providing users with more simplified controls.

Mach 3 software license