Import a Cut List from Excel, Google Sheets or CSV
If your parts list lives in a spreadsheet, you don't need to retype it. EZNESTING's CSV/Excel import reads `.csv` and `.xlsx` files, matches your column titles to part name, quantity, length and width, and works out whether the numbers are inches or millimetres.
This page is the reference for how to lay the file out. To start from a ready-made spreadsheet instead, see the Excel cut list optimizer template. Or download the sample CSV and open it in Excel.
The columns EZNESTING looks for
Row 1 holds the column titles and each row below it is one part. For sheet goods you need four columns, in any order:
- Part Name. Also accepted: Name, Label, Description, Item, Component, Designation, Part.
- Quantity. Also accepted: Qty, Count, #, Number, Pieces.
- Length. Also accepted: L, Long, Height, H.
- Width. Also accepted: W, Short, Depth, D.
These columns are optional and used when present: Thickness, Material (only nests a part on stock with the same material), Grain (H or V) and Notes.
For linear stock (boards, pipe, bar, extrusion), switch the optimizer to linear mode first. Then only Part Name, Quantity and Length are needed.
If a title isn't recognized, the import opens a column-mapping step where you pick the right column from a dropdown.
Units, fractions and the sample file
Put the unit in the column title, as in `Length (in)` or `Width (mm)`, and the import picks it up with no guessing. Without one, EZNESTING checks the values for unit marks (`36"`, `914mm`), then makes a best guess from the size range (48–96 reads as inches, 1220–2440 as millimetres). A unit in the title takes the guesswork out.
Fractions such as `34 1/2` and `33 7/8` are read as inches. Cells can also carry their own unit (`24 in`, `610 mm`).
The sample CSV is a small base cabinet in inches:
- Side · 2 · 30 × 23
- Bottom · 1 · 34 1/2 × 23
- Stretcher · 2 · 34 1/2 × 4
- Shelf · 2 · 33 7/8 × 21 1/2
- Back · 1 · 35 1/4 × 29 1/4
Import it, add a 48 × 96 sheet, and click Optimize to see the full flow.
Step by step: from spreadsheet to nest
- Excel: save as `.xlsx`, or use File › Save As › CSV (Comma delimited). Google Sheets: File › Download › Comma-separated values (.csv). Numbers: File › Export To › CSV.
- Open the nesting optimizer and pick sheet or linear mode.
- Click CSV/Excel under the Optimize button and drop the file in.
- Check the preview. Rows with problems, such as a missing length or text where a number should be, are listed with their row number.
- Import, add your stock and kerf, and click Optimize.
Stock in the same file: an Excel workbook can carry both parts and stock. Name one worksheet Cut Pieces and another Stock Sheets, and both import together. Download Template in the import dialog gives you that workbook with the right columns.
Exports from other tools
Some exports are recognized by their columns and mapped without the mapping step:
- OpenCutList (SketchUp) Parts List CSV. See the OpenCutList guide.
- Fusion 360 Export Cutlist add-in CSV. See the Fusion 360 guide.
- CutList Optimizer-style CSV with Length, Width, Qty, Label and Enabled columns. Disabled rows are skipped.
Anything else with recognizable titles goes through the normal column matching. PDFs and images aren't imported. Copy the table into a spreadsheet first.