Cut List Optimizer Comparison

Cut List Maker is positioned for woodworkers and makers who need plywood layouts, cutting-method workflows for circular saw, track saw, and table saw, cost allocation, edge banding, and 3D model import. A free account gives 7 cuts per day, and Pro plans start at $10/month or $100/year with a $5 three-day pass available.

CutList Optimizer is a straightforward panel optimizer with web and mobile apps. The free tier allows 5 calculations per day and 5 saved items. Silver at $15/month adds unlimited calculations and 150 saved items, and Gold at $25/month raises the limit to 20,000 saved items. It supports 18 languages and edge banding on Gold plans.

optiCutter is a freemium optimizer with an API tier. The free plan allows 5 stocks, 20 sizes, and 500 parts. Standard at EUR 9/month raises limits, Professional at EUR 19/month removes limits and adds DXF export, and Enterprise API at EUR 99/month includes 5,000 API requests. It supports 11 languages and roll materials.

Cutlist EVO is an industry-grade optimizer with sheet, linear, and roll support. The free tier allows 40 parts with unlimited stock and 3 saved projects. Starter at $7/month allows 150 parts, Pro at $13/month adds 300 parts with edge banding and labels, Expert at $21/month adds 1,000 parts with beam saw and DXF/SVG/PTX export, and Enterprise at $29/month adds 2,000 parts with a cloud material database.

Cut List Maker was built in the USA by a woodworker for woodworkers. Several features set it apart from other cut list optimizers:

• Cutting method selection for circular saw, track saw, and table saw, with sequential cutting order guides tailored to each tool. See the cutting method guide.
• Track saw workflow with guide rail positioning. See the track saw guide for details.
• Edge banding support with per-edge thickness adjustments.
• Cost allocation by sheet, cut-parts, or waste.
• Grain direction control for wood parts.
• Kerf configuration for accurate cut widths.
• CSV import and DAE / Collada 3D model import to extract panel dimensions automatically.
• Export to PDF, CSV, JSON, DXF, and high-resolution PNG for shop documentation and CNC handoff.
• Imperial and metric measurements with decimal and fraction support.
• 5 languages including English, German, Spanish (Mexico), Japanese, and Italian.

A free account gives 7 cuts per day with 1 saved project. Pro plans at $10/month or $100/year unlock 30 projects, 30 images, unlimited cuts and exports, custom materials, and 3D model import. A $189 lifetime plan and a $5 three-day pass are also available.

What is a cut list optimizer?

A cut list optimizer is a tool that arranges the parts you need to cut from sheet goods or lumber so that material waste is minimized. You enter your stock sizes and required panel dimensions, and the software generates a cutting layout that shows where each part goes on each sheet.

Is Cut List Maker free to use?

Yes. You can use Cut List Maker without an account and get 3 cuts per day. Creating a free account raises the limit to 7 cuts per day, 1 saved project, 3 saved images, and 1 PDF and 1 image export per day. Pro plans start at $10 per month or $100 per year, and a $5 three-day pass is available. See the upgrade page for current details.

Which cut list optimizer supports 3D model import?

Cut List Maker supports importing DAE and Collada 3D models to extract panel dimensions automatically. Learn more about 3D model import. Cutlist EVO supports importing 3D models from Fusion 360 and Shapr3D. CutList Optimizer and optiCutter do not advertise 3D model import on their websites.

Can I create layouts for a track saw or table saw?

Cut List Maker supports cutting method selection for circular saw, track saw, and table saw workflows. Each method generates a cutting sequence tailored to that tool. See the cutting method guide for details.

What should I compare when choosing cut list software?

Compare pricing, free-tier limits, supported materials (sheet, linear, roll), import and export formats, cutting method workflows, edge banding support, cost allocation, languages, platform availability, and whether an account is required. Also consider whether you need 3D model import, grain direction control, or kerf configuration.

Can CutListMaker export cutting layouts?

Yes. Cut List Maker can export layouts to PDF, CSV, JSON, DXF, and high-resolution PNG. Free accounts get 1 PDF and 1 image export per day. Pro and 3-Day Pass plans include unlimited exports.