---
title: "G00 vs G01: Rapid vs Linear Feed, Explained for Beginners"
description: "G00 is a rapid positioning move and G01 is a controlled linear feed move. Here is the difference, why beginners mix them up, and how to keep them straight."
url: https://gcodepractice.com/journal/g00-vs-g01/
canonical: https://gcodepractice.com/journal/g00-vs-g01/
author: "Lawrence Arya"
authorUrl: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vibecoding/
published: 2026-05-30
updated: 2026-05-30
category: "Code reference"
tags: ["g-code", "g00", "g01", "beginner"]
lang: en
---

# G00 vs G01: Rapid vs Linear Feed, Explained for Beginners

> **TL;DR** G00 is rapid positioning: the machine moves to a point as fast as it can, for non-cutting moves. G01 is linear interpolation: a straight-line move at a feedrate you set with an F value, used for cutting. The danger is using G00 when you meant G01, which sends the tool at full speed.

`G00` and `G01` are the two most common moves in any program, and they are the first pair beginners confuse. They differ by one digit and by a lot of speed.

## G00: rapid positioning

`G00` is a **rapid traverse**. It tells the machine to move to a coordinate as fast as it can. You use it for non-cutting moves: getting from a tool change position to the start of a cut, or pulling clear after one. Because it moves at the machine's maximum rate, the tool should never be in the material during a `G00` move.

```
G00 X0 Y0   (rapid to the start point, not cutting)
```

## G01: linear interpolation

`G01` is **linear interpolation**: a straight-line move at a controlled feedrate. This is a cutting move. You pair it with an `F` value that sets how fast the tool feeds through the material.

```
G01 X50 F150   (feed in a straight line to X50 at 150 units/min)
```

## Why beginners mix them up

The codes differ by a single character, and both produce motion, so on the page they feel interchangeable. They are not. Using `G00` when you meant `G01` sends the tool toward your part at rapid speed instead of a safe feed. That is why this pair is worth drilling until the difference is automatic, not just understood.

A simple memory hook: **G00 has the extra zero, and zero cutting happens.** G01 is the one that does work.

## Keep them straight

The fastest way to stop confusing `G00` and `G01` is to practice them as a pair, back to back, until the right answer is instant. That is the idea behind the [common-mixups approach to beginner CNC code practice](/journal/beginner-cnc-code-practice/). Once this pair is solid, the next one to drill is [G02 vs G03](/journal/g02-vs-g03/), the arc directions. Both belong on any list of the [common G-codes for CNC beginners](/journal/common-g-codes-for-cnc-beginners/).

## Bottom line

`G00` positions fast and does not cut. `G01` feeds in a straight line at your `F` rate and does cut. Mixing them up is the classic beginner error, so drill the pair directly.

*G-Code Sprint is a study and practice tool only. Always follow your instructor, employer, machine manual, and shop safety procedures.*

---

Source: https://gcodepractice.com/journal/g00-vs-g01/
Author: Lawrence Arya — https://www.linkedin.com/in/vibecoding/