Turn a 3D Model Into a Plywood Cut List
Upload a DAE/Collada model from SketchUp or Blender. CutListMaker identifies flat panels, extracts their dimensions, and sends them into the plywood optimizer so you can go from a digital model to a shop-ready cutting layout without retyping every part.
3D model import is a Pro feature. You need a Pro, 3-Day Pass, or Pro Lifetime account to upload models.
Upload Your 3D Model
Choose a DAE or Collada file exported from your 3D design software. Select the units used in your model, then review the panels CutListMaker detects before adding them to your cut list.
- Supported format: DAE/Collada (.dae)
- File processing: Entirely in your browser — files are never uploaded or stored
- Units: Inches or millimeters (auto-detected from the model)
- Requirement: Pro, 3-Day Pass, or Pro Lifetime account
How It Works
Export Your Model
Export your woodworking project as a DAE/Collada file. Each panel should be a separate mesh object or component so the importer can detect it individually.
Review Detected Panels
CutListMaker reads the model geometry and creates a list of detected panel dimensions. Review the pieces before adding them to your project.
Optimize Your Plywood
Choose your sheet size, material, kerf, grain direction, and cutting method. CutListMaker creates an optimized layout for your plywood sheets.
Supported Design Software
Other CAD Software
CutListMaker can accept models from other applications when they can produce a compatible DAE/Collada file.
How to Prepare Your Model
- Separate panels: Each plywood panel should be a separate mesh object or component so the importer can detect it individually.
- Rectangular geometry: The importer reads the bounding box of each mesh. Non-rectangular shapes are detected by their bounding box, not their actual outline.
- Thickness: Thickness (the smallest dimension) is read but not used in the cut list. The optimizer works with 2D sheet layouts using length and width.
- Duplicate pieces: Panels with the same name and dimensions are automatically grouped and shown with a quantity count.
- Nested groups: The importer traverses all nodes in the scene graph, including nested groups. Panels inside groups are detected.
- Object rotation: World-scale transforms are applied, so rotated panels are detected with their correct dimensions.
- Model units: The unit declaration in the DAE file is read and all dimensions are converted to inches internally. You can display in inches or millimeters.
- Hidden objects: Hidden or invisible objects may still be present in the DAE file and could be detected. Remove objects you do not want in your cut list before exporting.
- Curves and non-rectangular parts: Curved parts are detected by their bounding box dimensions. The optimizer produces rectangular cut-list panels only.
- Hardware: Remove hinges, screws, knobs, and other hardware from your model before exporting. Only include the panels you want to cut.
- File size: Large files may take 1-2 minutes to process. Very large or complex models may time out after 2 minutes.
What Happens After Import
- Review the detected pieces in the parts table
- Select your material and sheet dimensions
- Set kerf and grain direction
- Choose track saw, table saw, or the appropriate cutting method
- Generate the optimized cutting layout
- Export or save the result based on your plan
Go to the cut list optimizer · Cutting method selection · Track saw guide
Use Cases
Cabinet boxes
Plywood furniture
Shelving
Built-ins
Shop cabinets
Repeated panel projects
Frequently Asked Questions
What 3D file formats can I import?
CutListMaker imports DAE (Collada) files. DAE is a widely supported format available in SketchUp, Blender, and many other 3D design applications.
Can I import a SketchUp model?
Yes. Export your SketchUp model as a COLLADA (.dae) file using File → Export → 3D Model → COLLADA File (.dae), then upload it to CutListMaker.
Does CutListMaker import SKP files directly?
No. CutListMaker does not import SKP files directly. Export your SketchUp model as a DAE/Collada file first, then upload the DAE file.
How should I prepare my model?
Keep each plywood panel as a separate mesh object or component. The importer detects rectangular panels by reading the bounding box of each mesh. Remove hardware such as hinges and screws. Curved and non-rectangular parts are detected by their bounding box dimensions, not their actual shape.
Does it detect plywood thickness?
The importer reads the three dimensions of each mesh bounding box and uses the two largest as length and width. Thickness (the smallest dimension) is not used for the cut list, since the optimizer works with 2D sheet layouts.
Can I review the pieces before creating a cut layout?
Yes. After importing, CutListMaker displays a table of all detected panels with their names, dimensions, and quantities. You can download the list as CSV or send it directly to the optimizer.
Does it support inches and millimeters?
Yes. The importer reads the unit declaration inside the DAE file and converts all dimensions to inches internally. You can choose to display dimensions in inches or millimeters using the unit selector.
Are uploaded models stored?
No. DAE files are processed entirely in your browser. The file is never uploaded to a server or stored. Only the extracted panel dimensions are sent to the optimizer when you choose to import them.
Is 3D model import included in the free plan?
No. 3D model import is a Pro feature. You need a Pro, 3-Day Pass, or Pro Lifetime account to use the DAE importer. Free accounts can view the page but will see an upgrade prompt when trying to upload.
What should I do if a panel is not detected?
Make sure each panel is a separate mesh object or component in your 3D model. Panels merged into a single mesh may not be detected individually. Also check that the panel has non-zero dimensions and is not hidden or on a hidden layer.
Stop Retyping Every Panel
Import your 3D model, review the detected pieces, and turn your design into an optimized plywood cutting plan.
Import a DAE ModelCut List Optimizer · Cutting Methods · Track Saw Guide · Upgrade to Pro