THE INDEPENDENT WORKSHOP / TOOL № 08
Every sheet.
A better starting plan.
Turn a list of parts into a clear cutting layout. Make room for the blade, respect the grain, and see what’s left before you start.
YOUR CUTTING ROOM
From parts to possibilities.
Choose a part on the diagram to inspect it.
Where the material goes
Offcuts are geometrically available rectangles. Reusability depends on size, defects and your process.
Parts on this sheet
View the ordered cut references
Cut references apply to the already trimmed sheet. Coordinates use its original top-left origin, with blade loss extending right or down. Follow the order within each sheet. Re-check clamp clearance and your own cutting sequence; this is a planning diagram, not machine control.
| Step | Sheet | Direction | Start x | Start y | Length |
|---|
UNDERSTAND THE PLAN
A little precision.
A lot less guesswork.
PanelNest compares twelve deterministic guillotine layouts. It favors fewer sheets, then a larger remaining offcut, then shorter internal cut references. Different layouts can still outperform its suggestion.
Read the cutting-plan guide ↗- 01
Leave space for the blade.
A 3 mm kerf means neighboring parts need 3 mm between them. Edge trim is removed from every side before nesting.
- 02
Give the grain a direction.
Part width aligns with sheet width by default. Enable rotation only when the material and visible grain allow it.
- 03
Keep the useful remainder.
Hatched rectangles show offcuts. Utilization is finished-part area divided by purchased sheet area, including trim.
TAKE THE WORKSHOP WITH YOU
For the jobs
you come back to.
The public planner stays free. The downloadable Offline Workshop adds a library of 50 jobs, up to 600 pieces per job, stock-size comparisons, printable part labels and DXF outline exports.
- Standalone app, with all core files included
- JSON library backups and six appearance themes
- Quick-start guide, sample CSV and clear license
One-time download. No cloud synchronization or CNC toolpaths. Future updates and custom support are not included.
BEFORE YOU MAKE THE FIRST CUT
Good questions.
Is the free planner actually usable?
Yes. Plan up to 200 pieces across 100 rows, import part CSV, use kerf and trim, control rotation, print all sheets, and export the selected sheet as SVG, a full part list as CSV, or the job as JSON. There is no signup.
Does it guarantee the smallest possible sheet count?
No. Two-dimensional cutting is a difficult optimization problem. The tool tries twelve layouts and reports the best result it found. Check the drawing and compare other options for expensive or unusual jobs.
Can I send the export directly to a CNC machine?
No. SVG diagrams and the offline edition’s DXF files contain planning geometry, not toolpaths, feeds, speeds, hold-down instructions or compensation. Use appropriate CAM software and verify manufacturing details.
What happens to my measurements?
Calculations and imports run on your device. Inputs are not sent by this app. Ordinary hosting access logs may still be processed by the hosting provider. The public tool does not autosave jobs; download a JSON backup before leaving.
Which materials can I plan?
Rectangular sheet goods such as plywood, card and non-stretch sheet material. Run different thicknesses and materials as separate jobs. This version assumes unlimited identical new sheets, ignores defects, and does not nest irregular shapes, edge bands or angled cuts.
How do I print it?
Arrange your sheets, then choose Print plan / PDF. All sheets are included in the print layout. Use landscape paper and disable browser headers and footers if needed. Drawings are scaled to the page and are not full-size templates. Always use written dimensions.