Founded in 1984, CNC Software is one of the oldest companies in the PC-based CAD/CAM industry. The company was built on the concept of providing an inexpensive PC-based CAM system at a time when most other systems were expensive CAD oriented products. CNC Software was one of the first companies to introduce CAD/CAM software designed for the machinist and the engineer, providing a practical solution to both markets. The original version of Mastercam was founded in two-dimensional (2D) CAM. Mastercam was one of the first micro-based CAM packages to include CAD capabilities which allowed the user to construct his or her own parts quickly and easily.

Mastercam offers solutions for designers and NC programmers involved in milling, turning, wire EDM, plasma cutting, lasers, and 3D design and drafting. CNC Software's customers range from one-person job shops to Fortune 100 manufacturers. The same software that is utilized by corporations such as Boeing, IBM and Sikorsky is still affordable enough for the small job shop. To ensure a new generation of trained metalworking personnel, Mastercam is available to educational institutions at sizable discounts.