Free Cut List Optimizer

CutListEngine is a browser-based cut list optimizer for sheet materials like plywood, MDF, melamine, and acrylic. It generates free nesting or guillotine cutting layouts that account for blade kerf, material thickness, and part rotation. The tool runs locally without requiring a signup or file uploads, and it exports practical cut plans as CSV, PNG, or PDF.

The Pro plan costs $9 per month and includes automatic cloud saving, cross-device access, and reusable shop libraries. Free users get unlimited optimization runs in the browser with standard exports and local drafts. Both plans allow per-part rotation locks and edge-banding input without an account.

The optimizer handles standard sheet sizes like 2440 × 1220 mm and allows users to set margins for trimming allowance or damaged edges. It also lets users enter the actual kerf their blade removes, ensuring the last part fits after repeated cuts. Grain direction and machine clearances are checked before cutting.

Users can import parts via CSV and export results as CSV, PNG, or Print/PDF. The workspace allows setting sheet dimensions, parts, quantities, kerf, and margin in millimeters or inches. Automatic local drafts with refresh recovery are available for free users.

The tool is designed for cabinet makers, woodworkers, and contractors who need to minimize waste on sheet materials. It suits one-off jobs, DIY projects, and recurring workshop work. It does not require an account to receive a usable layout.

The optimizer accounts for variables like blade kerf, material thickness, sheet dimensions, margins, and part rotation. It also allows users to lock per-part rotation when grain or pattern permits it. Users can try Deep search for more placement candidates.

The tool runs locally in the browser, meaning no server-side processing is required for the free optimizer. It supports both metric and imperial units, though the developer noted they usually work in millimeters. The interface allows users to measure real stock and verify grain and defects themselves.

The Pro plan includes reusable material catalogs with supplier, SKU, sheet cost, and shop defaults. It also offers persistent offcut inventory with rack location and notes, plus saved CSV recipes for supplier and design-system exports. Reusable individual parts and whole-job part kits are available for Pro users.

The tool generates a clear plan that shows material yield and unplaced parts. It allows users to review sheet count and any parts that could not be placed. Users can copy a summary or use Print/PDF to take the plan to the shop.

The optimizer helps users avoid rebuilding setups for future jobs by saving valid project changes to the cloud. It also allows users to load familiar parts with new quantities and review a sample production packet. Reusable shop profiles help maintain recurring defaults.

The tool is part of a broader ecosystem that includes a kerf calculator and a material cost calculator. It also features a guillotine cutting calculator. The website mentions benchmarks and evidence to support its claims.

The tool was developed by a solo developer who added inches and kerf support to make it useful for everyone. It is used by woodworkers and contractors who need reliable layouts now. The developer is looking for feedback on features like grain direction and offcut tracking.

The tool has a Trustburn rating of 4.4 out of 5 from 5 reviews. The feedback is recent, with posts from 2026. Users praise the local browser operation and the ability to compare cutting modes. Some users note the need for more features like pricing and quoting for pros.

The tool is available globally and serves markets that use both metric and imperial units. It is particularly useful for those working with standard stock lengths like 6m and 12m in steel fabrication. The developer is based in Japan but aims to make the tool useful for everyone.

You can reach Free Cut List Optimizer by e-mail at [email protected].