Best Free Cut List Software in 2026: Top Tools Compared

Picking a cut list optimizer shouldn’t require a research project, but here we are — dozens of tools, vague feature lists, and “free” labels that mean wildly different things. We tested four popular options on identical jobs: a 12-part bookshelf from 4×8 ft (1220×2440 mm) plywood and a 28-part kitchen cabinet set across three sheet sizes. Below is what we found, ranked by overall usefulness for someone who doesn’t want to pay unless they have to.

How We Ranked These Tools

Every tool received the same two test jobs with identical part lists, stock sizes, and a 3.2 mm kerf setting (where supported). We scored four criteria equally:

• Ease of use — How fast can a first-time user go from zero to optimized layout?
• Optimization quality — Yield percentage and sheet count on identical inputs.
• Export and output — PDF cut diagrams, DXF/SVG for CNC, labels, cut sequences.
• Free tier limits — How much can you actually do without paying?

1. CutOptim — Best Overall Free Option

CutOptim is a browser-based optimizer that handles both 1D (linear) and 2D (panel) cutting. The free tier allows unlimited optimizations with up to 20 parts per job, which covers most single-project needs — a bookshelf, a desk, a set of shelves.

On our 12-part bookshelf test, CutOptim returned 91.4% yield across two sheets with a clear visual layout and numbered parts. The interface takes about two minutes to learn: enter stock sizes, list parts, set kerf, click optimize.

Where it stands out: kerf is a first-class setting (not buried in advanced options), the visual layout is easy to read, and it runs in any browser with no install. It also supports grain direction for veneered panels and edge banding inputs.

Where it falls short on the free tier: jobs over 20 parts require a paid plan, and CNC export (DXF/SVG) is a Pro feature. If you’re a hobbyist building one project at a time, the free tier is genuinely sufficient. Production shops will hit the part limit quickly and should evaluate the paid plans.

2. OpenCutList (SketchUp Plugin)

OpenCutList is a free, open-source plugin for SketchUp. If you already model your projects in SketchUp, this is a strong choice because it pulls part dimensions directly from your 3D model — no re-entering measurements.

It generated a clean layout on our bookshelf test with 89.7% yield. The optimization algorithm is solid for guillotine cuts (straight, edge-to-edge). It supports kerf, edge banding, and grain direction. The cut diagrams are printable and well-labeled.

The catch: you need SketchUp installed (the free web version works, but the plugin runs best on the desktop edition). If you don’t use SketchUp, OpenCutList isn’t practical — there’s no standalone mode. It also doesn’t support 1D (linear) optimization, so bar/molding cuts require a separate tool. No CNC export.

3. Cutlist+ (iOS)

Cutlist+ is a mobile app for iOS that focuses on simplicity. You tap in parts, select stock sizes from presets (US lumber dimensions are built in), and get a cut diagram on your phone screen.

On the bookshelf test it produced a workable layout at 87.2% yield — lower than the others, partly because its algorithm doesn’t explore as many arrangements. It’s fast, though. From app launch to result took under 90 seconds.

Best for: quick estimates on the job site or at the lumber yard. You can check how many sheets to buy before loading the truck. It handles metric and imperial units and saves recent jobs.

Limitations: no desktop version, no CNC export, no edge banding, limited to guillotine cuts. The optimization algorithm is simpler than dedicated desktop or web tools, so yield on complex jobs tends to run 2–5% lower.

4. Excel / Google Sheets Templates

Spreadsheet templates aren’t optimizers — they’re calculators. You manually arrange parts and the spreadsheet tracks remaining material. Several free templates circulate online with varying quality.

When they work: if you have fewer than 8–10 parts and one stock size, manually placing rectangles in a spreadsheet is sometimes faster than learning new software. It’s also fully customizable — you control every formula.

When they don’t: anything beyond a trivial job. Spreadsheets can’t algorithmically test thousands of arrangements. On our 28-part cabinet test, manual spreadsheet layout took 45 minutes and produced 78% yield. CutOptim found 93.1% yield in 3 seconds. The gap grows with complexity.

Which Should You Choose?

Start with CutOptim if you want the fastest path from part list to optimized layout without installing anything. The free tier handles most hobby and small-shop jobs.

Choose OpenCutList if you already design in SketchUp and want automatic part extraction from your 3D models. It’s a natural fit for that workflow.

Grab Cutlist+ if you need a quick sheet count estimate on your phone at the lumber yard. Don’t rely on it for production optimization.

Stick with spreadsheets only if your jobs are trivially small (under 8 parts, one stock size) or you need a format that integrates with existing business spreadsheets.