SketchUp Model to Sheet Cut List
SketchUp doesn't make cut lists by itself. The common free workflow has three steps: model every part as its own component, list them with the OpenCutList extension, then nest that list on your sheets. EZNESTING handles the last step. It recognizes OpenCutList's CSV export and lays the parts out on plywood, MDF or any other sheet with guillotine cuts you can make on a table saw, track saw or panel saw.
This page covers modelling habits that give you a clean list. For the export dialog, see the OpenCutList import guide.
Model so the cut list comes out right
A cut list is only as good as the model behind it. OpenCutList works from groups and components, so:
- One part, one component. Make each panel its own group or component. Copies of the same component are counted together, which gives you quantities for free.
- Draw parts at their real thickness. OpenCutList reads the smallest dimension as thickness and the other two as length and width.
- Paint parts with a material. Assign a SketchUp material (for example `Plywood_18mm`) and set its type to Sheet Goods in OpenCutList's Materials tab. That keeps sheet parts apart from solid wood and hardware.
- Hide what you don't cut. Hardware, hinges and reference geometry inside groups add noise. OpenCutList lists visible components, or only the selection when you tick Selection only.
The workflow, end to end
- Install OpenCutList from SketchUp's Extension Warehouse. It's free.
- In the OpenCutList window, open the Parts tab and click Generate.
- Click Export, keep Source: Parts List and Format: CSV, and save the file.
- In EZNESTING, open the nesting optimizer, click CSV/Excel and drop in the file. It's recognized as an OpenCutList export, so the columns and units map automatically.
- Add your sheet size and kerf, give the stock the same material name as your parts (or turn on Ignore material column), and click Optimize.
Want to see it first? Download the sample OpenCutList export of a small base cabinet and import it.
Imperial models: feet, inches and fractions
SketchUp writes lengths in your model's unit format. EZNESTING converts each style on import:
- Fractional inches such as `23 5/8"` come in as 23.625 in.
- Architectural format such as `1' 11 5/8"` is converted to 23.625 in.
- Decimal inches and metric (`600mm`, `60 cm`, `0.6m`) work too. Metric values are converted to millimetres.
You don't need to change your SketchUp units before exporting.
What the nest gives you
- A sheet-by-sheet layout with every part labelled with its OpenCutList designation.
- Guillotine cuts only, so every cut runs edge to edge across the sheet or offcut, the way a saw cuts.
- Kerf, edge trim and grain direction controls.
- A one-page printable cut list, plus CSV, Excel and DXF export for a panel saw or CNC router.
EZNESTING is a nesting optimizer for rectangular parts. It doesn't read the .skp file, render the model or do joinery. It works from the list OpenCutList exports.