EZNESTING
Open optimizer

Import an OpenCutList Parts List into EZNESTING

OpenCutList is the free SketchUp extension most woodworkers use to turn a model into a parts list. Its Export button writes that list to a CSV file, and EZNESTING reads that file as is: drop it on the CSV/Excel import and the designation, quantity, cutting size, thickness and material columns are mapped for you, with SketchUp's units (`720mm`, `23 5/8"`, `1' 11 5/8"`) converted on the way in.

Below are the exact export steps, what carries over, and a sample OpenCutList export you can try first.

Open the sample cabinet in the optimizerFree · in your browser · no signup

Step 1: Export the parts list from OpenCutList

These are the labels in OpenCutList's English interface.

  1. In SketchUp, open OpenCutList from its toolbar or the Extensions › OpenCutList menu, and go to the Parts tab.
  2. Click Generate to build the Parts List. If you select some components first and tick Selection only, only those are listed.
  3. Click Export. In Export Options, set Source to Parts List and Format to CSV.
  4. Leave Separator on the default (Semicolon) or pick Comma or Tabulator. EZNESTING detects all three. Leave Encoding on UTF-8.
  5. Keep the default columns on the Customization tab, then export and save the `.csv` file.

Changed the columns? EZNESTING only needs Designation and Length - raw / Width - raw (or Length / Width). Quantity, Thickness - raw and Material name are used when present.

Step 2: Drop the file into EZNESTING

  1. Open the nesting optimizer in sheet mode.
  2. Click CSV/Excel under the Optimize button and drop your file in.
  3. The import dialog shows Recognized: OpenCutList (SketchUp) export and goes straight to the preview. Check the rows and click import.
  4. Add your stock sheet (for example 2440 × 1220 mm or 96 × 48 in) and set your kerf.
  5. Click Optimize.

Materials: OpenCutList's Material name comes across too (for example `Plywood_18mm`). EZNESTING only nests a part on stock with the same material, so either type that name into your stock sheet's Material field, or turn on Ignore material column in Settings to nest everything on one stock.

What EZNESTING reads from the export

  • Size: the raw (cutting) length and width, which include any oversize you set on the material in OpenCutList. If a raw cell is empty, the final Length / Width is used.
  • Units: each cell is read in its own unit. Metric models come in as millimetres (cm and m are converted). Inch and architectural feet-and-inches models come in as inches, fractions included.
  • Quantity: the Quantity column. If you export the List of Instances source instead, each row counts as one part.
  • Labels: Designation becomes the part name you see on the cutting diagram.
  • Not imported: edge banding columns, veneers, prices and tags. Grain is not part of the export, so set grain on the parts that need it after importing.

A metric export with the default columns turns into rows like this:

  • Side · 2 · 720 × 560 mm · 18 mm · Plywood_18mm
  • Bottom · 1 · 764 × 560 mm · 18 mm · Plywood_18mm
  • Back · 1 · 796 × 716 mm · 6 mm · Hardboard_6mm
Open the sample cabinet in the optimizer

Why nest outside OpenCutList at all?

OpenCutList has its own cutting diagrams, and for many SketchUp users they are enough. People bring the list into EZNESTING when they want to:

  • plan the cut away from the SketchUp computer, on any browser, tablet or phone in the shop;
  • print a one-page cut list with the diagram, or export DXF for a CNC router or panel saw;
  • nest several stock sizes or materials in one job, or do linear stock (boards, pipe, bar) in the same tool;
  • choose between Least waste and Fewest cuts modes for a table or panel saw.

EZNESTING is a guillotine nesting optimizer for rectangular stock. It does not read the SketchUp model itself, only the exported list.

Related guides

Frequently asked questions

Which OpenCutList export source should I pick?
Parts List. It has one row per distinct part with a Quantity column, which is what a nesting optimizer needs. List of Instances also imports, as one part per row. Summary only has material totals, so there are no parts in it to nest.
Does it matter which separator I choose?
No. Semicolon (the OpenCutList default), comma and tab-separated files are all detected automatically. Semicolon is the safest choice if your SketchUp uses a comma as the decimal mark.
My OpenCutList is in another language. Will the import still work?
Automatic recognition looks for the English column titles (Designation, Quantity, Length - raw, Width - raw). With translated titles you get the column-mapping step instead: pick the name, quantity, length and width columns once and continue. Cells with mm or inch units still import, but feet-and-inches values only convert automatically through the recognized format.
Can I import the XLSX export instead of CSV?
The importer accepts .xlsx files and applies the same recognition to the first worksheet. CSV is the format we test against, so use CSV if anything looks off.
Is importing free?
Yes. CSV, Excel and DXF import work on the free plan. Free jobs are limited to up to 5 part sizes and 3 stock sizes per job, so a large cabinet list may need Pro to nest in one go.
Import your OpenCutList export