Cut List Software Alternatives and Comparisons
Updated
There are three kinds of cut list optimizer. Browser tools (CutList Optimizer, optiCutter, Cutlist Evolution, CutOptim, Cutlistor, CutWize, EZNESTING) run on any computer. Windows desktop programs (MaxCut, CutList Plus fx, CutLogic) install locally and don't run natively on a Mac. OpenCutList builds cut lists inside SketchUp. Pick the kind first, then compare free tiers, prices, linear (1D) cutting and DXF export.
The pages below compare them, using details from each vendor's own website as of October 2026. We make EZNESTING, so we've tried to be specific about where other tools are better.
Compare on the same job: a small storage cabinet
Edit any number and the layout updates. Runs in your browser; nothing is uploaded.
| Part | W | H | Qty | Remove |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Nesting…
Alternatives and head-to-head pages
- CutList Optimizer alternativesSix options, free and paid
- optiCutter alternativesSheet and linear, by price
- MaxCut alternativesFor Mac, browser and 1D
- CutList Plus alternativesFor Mac and browser
- Cut list optimizer for MacEvery option that runs on macOS
- EZNESTING vs CutList OptimizerHead-to-head
- EZNESTING vs optiCutterHead-to-head
- EZNESTING vs CutlistorHead-to-head
- Cheapest cut list optimizerPrice comparison
| Tool | Runs on | Paid from | 1D linear | DXF export |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EZNESTING | Web | $7.99/mo | ✓ | ✓ Free |
| CutList Optimizer | Web, Android | $15/mo or $4.90 for 3 days | ✗ (web app) | ✗ |
| optiCutter | Web | €9/mo | ✓ | ✓ Free |
| Cutlist Evolution | Web, iOS | Not shown in page HTML | ✓ | Expert plan |
| CutOptim | Web | €9/mo or 10 runs for €6.90 | ✓ | ✓ Free account |
| Cutlistor | Web | $12/mo or $99/yr | ✓ | ✓ |
| CutWize | Web | $50/yr or $7/mo | ✓ | ✗ |
| MaxCut | Windows | $20/mo per device | ✗ | ✓ (tier not stated) |
| CutList Plus fx | Windows | $89 one-time | Lumber | Platinum ($499) |
| CutLogic 1D / 2D | Windows | $799 / $999 one-time | Separate 1D app | 2D Pro and up |
| OpenCutList | SketchUp (Win, Mac) | Free | ✓ | ✓ |
How to choose
- On a Mac? Use a browser tool, or OpenCutList if you design in SketchUp. MaxCut, CutList Plus fx and CutLogic need Windows. See cut list optimizer for Mac.
- Cutting lengths as well as sheets? You need a tool with a linear (1D) mode. CutList Optimizer's web app and MaxCut don't have one.
- Sending layouts to a CNC router? Check DXF export and which plan it's on. optiCutter and EZNESTING include it free. Cutlist Evolution and CutList Plus put it on their top tiers.
- One project a year? A short pass or pay-per-use (CutList Optimizer's $4.90 for three days, CutOptim's run packs) may cost less than a subscription. A tool whose free tier fits your job costs nothing.
- Running a shop all day? Compare size limits on the paid plans, labels, offcut tracking, and whether the tool's layouts suit your saw.
What none of these do: true-shape nesting
Every tool in the table cuts rectangles (EZNESTING also handles simple L, T and U shapes). If you cut irregular parts from DXF drawings on a laser or plasma table, you want a true-shape nester instead. Deepnest is free and open source (the original project stopped in 2018, and a community fork is maintained), and CutPlan.ai has a shape editor with SVG import. EZNESTING doesn't try to compete there.
Try any of them with the same job
The fairest comparison is your own cut list. The calculator at the top of this page has a small storage cabinet: four 15¼" × 30" sides, four 15¼" × 22½" shelves and four 22½" × 6" rails on one 4×8 sheet. EZNESTING fits all twelve parts on 1 sheet at 81.2% yield with a ⅛" kerf. Enter the same parts in another tool and compare the layouts.
EZNESTING's free plan gives you unlimited optimizations, so you can test it on a real job before deciding anything.