Choosing a cut list optimiser: 12 questions to ask
Most tools can pack rectangles onto a sheet. What separates them is whether the result fits how your shop buys, cuts and quotes. Ask these of any tool you try — including this one.
The checklist
Does it use the sheet sizes and prices you actually buy?
A tool that only knows one sheet size can’t tell you that two half sheets are cheaper than a full one.
CutNest: Up to 12 sizes per material with prices and “I have 6 of these” stock limits (2 sizes on the free plan); it picks the cheapest mix.
Does it tell you when a layout is as good as it gets?
Without a bound you never know if a better nest exists.
CutNest: Every result is checked against a mathematical lower bound and marked provably optimal when it hits it.
Can it cut for a saw, not just a CNC?
A nest a panel saw can’t cut is no use to a joiner.
CutNest: Guillotine mode with a numbered, edge-to-edge cut sequence on the cut sheet (Pro); free placement for CNC.
Does it respect grain, per part?
Veneered and brushed faces must not rotate; hidden parts should.
CutNest: Grain lock per material, and per part (Pro).
Does it handle bar, tube and extrusion?
Most jobs have some section in them.
CutNest: Yes, on every plan: stock lengths, end trim, saw kerf per section, and a saw list per pattern.
Can it get your cut list in without retyping?
Retyping 60 parts is where mistakes come from.
CutNest: Paste from email or a spreadsheet, or open CSV and Excel files; header rows are read by column.
Does it keep usable offcuts?
The cheapest sheet is the one already on the rack.
CutNest: Usable offcuts are measured and can be saved to stock and offered back on the next job (Pro).
What do you hand the workshop?
The office’s answer has to reach the machine intact.
CutNest: Dimensioned cut sheets, saw lists, labels for every part (Pro), CSV, PDF and DXF (Pro).
Can it price the job?
The sheet count is only half a quote.
CutNest: Pro turns the layout into a quote: material with markup, machine time from the actual cuts, handling, extras, VAT and your logo.
Where does your data live?
Cut lists and prices are commercial information.
CutNest: In your browser. No account; nothing is uploaded; the app works offline once loaded.
Millimetres or inches?
Your supplier and your tape measure should agree with the software.
CutNest: Both, with fractions (23 5/8, 8′ 6) and metres (2.4m).
What does it cost for the whole team?
Per-seat pricing adds up in a busy shop.
CutNest: Free for one material per job; Pro is £12 a month per company and the key can be shared with your team.
Try it on your own job
Free, in your browser, no account. Your cut list stays on your computer.