Let’s add a “Park Z” button that raises Z to machine top.
Before diving into the editor, it is important to understand the "ScreenSet." In Mach3, the user interface (buttons, DROs, LEDs, and backgrounds) is not hard-coded into the software. Instead, it is defined by a .set file (e.g., 1024.set).
This means you can change the layout of your control software without rewriting the program code. The ScreenSet Editor is the built-in utility that allows you to modify these files.
When open, the editor provides a toolbar and a property panel. mach3 screenset editor
| Element | Function |
| :--- | :--- |
| Select Mode (Arrow) | Click any UI element to select it. |
| Edit Mode (Hand) | Reposition or resize selected elements. |
| Properties Panel | Editable fields for position, size, color, font, and label. |
| Script Editor | Opens a VB-script window to add logic to buttons. |
| Test Mode | Temporarily runs the screen to test button functions. |
| Save Screen | Saves your changes to the current .set file. |
Before you can edit, you need to find the tool. Depending on your Mach3 version, you have two options.
Let’s build a practical example together. We will create a custom cluster to zero all axes at once. Let’s add a “Park Z” button that raises
Step 1: Open Screen4 and load your working copy of 1024.set.
Step 2: Find an empty space (near the top right is good). Click the Group Box tool. Drag a rectangle. Label it "Zero All Axes".
Step 3: Click the Button tool. Draw a square inside the box. In the properties: Step 4: Repeat Step 3 for Y and
Step 4: Repeat Step 3 for Y and Z, positioning them side by side.
Step 5: Create a fourth button, bigger than the others. Label it "Zero ALL".
DoOEMButton (1008) 'Zero X
DoOEMButton (1009) 'Zero Y
DoOEMButton (1010) 'Zero Z
Step 6: Click File > Save.
Step 7: Open Mach3. Go to Config > System Hotkeys > Load Screen. Select your new .set file. Restart Mach3. Your new zeroing panel is live.
Pro Tip: Before editing ANYTHING, click File > Save As and rename the file to My_Custom_Screen.set. Never edit the original default file. If you corrupt your custom screen, you can always fall back to the original.