Cut List Optimizer Pro — Free

Multi-sheet, edge-banding-aware, grain-respecting cut layout optimizer with PDF, CSV and JSON export. Free, no signup. Built for cabinet makers, interior designers and carpenters in India.

Quick answer

A cut list optimizer takes your panel sizes (length × width × qty) and arranges them onto the minimum number of sheet-stock sheets to minimize waste. This free tool supports multiple stock sizes, edge banding, grain direction and exports to PDF, CSV or JSON. Typical efficiency: 90–95%.

Stock sheets 1

LengthWidthQty₹/sheet

Panels to cut 5

LabelLengthWidthQtyBanding (T B L R)

Cut settings

Units

Saw kerf

Edge trim

Part margin

Allow rotation by default (override per-panel) Try multiple strategies (slower, better)

Optimized result

Add panels and stock sheets, then click Optimize.

Pro features

Multiple stock sheet sizes — define different sheet stocks (e.g. full 8'×4' and offcut 4'×4') and the optimizer fits panels to the most efficient option.
Edge banding tracking — mark which edges (Top, Bottom, Left, Right) need banding per panel; the optimizer tallies total banding length.
Per-panel grain direction — disable rotation for panels with directional grain or pattern.
Multi-strategy optimization — runs 4 packing heuristics in parallel and returns the best result (fewest sheets / lowest waste).
Edge trim & part margin — specify how much material is lost trimming sheet edges and the gap to leave between adjacent parts.
Export PDF / CSV / JSON — print-ready PDFs for the carpenter, CSV for spreadsheet import, JSON to save and reload your project.

How the algorithm works

This optimizer uses a guillotine-cut shelf-packing heuristic with multi-strategy optimization. With multi-strategy enabled it runs four packing strategies in parallel — sort by area descending, sort by max-side descending, sort by min-side descending, and a randomized variant — then returns the result with the fewest sheets used.

Sheet area used = sum of all piece areas + kerf overhead + part margin overhead. For each piece, kerf is added between adjacent cuts and part margin is reserved as a gap so neighbouring parts don't get damaged when one is removed.

Common stock sheet sizes (India)

Material	Standard size (mm)	In feet	Area
Plywood (BWR/BWP)	2440 × 1220	8' × 4'	2.98 sqm
Plywood (alt)	2135 × 1220	7' × 4'	2.60 sqm
MDF	2440 × 1220	8' × 4'	2.98 sqm
Particle board	2440 × 1830	8' × 6'	4.47 sqm
HPL laminate	2440 × 1220	8' × 4'	2.98 sqm

Frequently asked questions

What is a cut list optimizer?

A cut list optimizer takes a list of panels you need (length × width × quantity) and arranges them onto the minimum number of sheet-stock sheets, accounting for the saw kerf, edge trim and grain direction. It outputs a visual cut layout per sheet that minimizes waste.

What's the best free cut list optimizer?

InteriorOS's free cut list optimizer supports multiple stock sheet sizes, edge banding tracking, per-panel grain direction, multi-strategy bin packing and PDF/CSV/JSON export. It's a free alternative to paid tools like CutList Optimizer Pro and OptiCutter.

Can I export the cut list?

Yes — export the optimized layout as PDF (print-ready cut diagrams for the carpenter), CSV (cut list + sheet list + summary, opens in Excel), or JSON to save and reload your project later.

Does it support edge banding?

Yes — for each panel you can mark which edges need banding (Top, Bottom, Left, Right). The Edge Banding tab tallies total banding length needed by panel and overall, so you can order the right amount of edge tape.

Can I use multiple sheet sizes?

Yes — add multiple stock sheet sizes with different quantities. The optimizer tries to fit panels onto whichever stock uses material most efficiently, then falls back to the next available stock size.

What is kerf in cutting?

Kerf is the width of material removed by the saw blade. Standard table saw kerf is 3 mm (1/8 inch). The optimizer adds this between every cut so finished pieces are the correct size.

What is edge trim and part margin?

Edge trim is material removed from the outer edge of each sheet (often 5–10mm to clean up factory edges). Part margin is the gap left between adjacent parts so they don't damage each other when one is removed from the cutting bed.

Is this layout the absolute optimal?

2D cutting-stock optimization is mathematically NP-hard. With multi-strategy enabled this tool runs four heuristics in parallel and picks the best — typically within 3–6% of the absolute optimum, which is good enough that the labour saved on cuts outweighs any small theoretical waste.

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