Why look for an alternative
OptiCutter is a well-known cut list optimizer, and it does its job. People still go looking for an alternative for plenty of reasons: they want something free, they prefer not to create an account, they want a tool that fits the way they actually work, or they simply like to compare options before settling on one. If that is you, cutlistlab is built to be exactly that kind of straightforward alternative. We are not here to talk anyone out of a tool that works for them; we just want you to know what cutlistlab offers so you can decide for yourself.
What cutlistlab gives you
cutlistlab keeps a powerful optimizer under the hood and a simple surface on top. The core is free and runs entirely in your browser, so there is nothing to install and your projects stay on your device. Here is what you get:
- Free, no sign-up. Open the tool and start planning. No account, no trial countdown before you can see a real result.
- Least-waste packing. The optimizer tries several strategies and keeps the best layout, so you buy as few sheets as possible.
- Grain direction. Mark a part as grain-fixed and it stays oriented correctly; parts without grain rotate freely to pack tighter.
- Offcut stock. Track leftover panels from earlier projects and use them before cutting into a fresh sheet.
- Printable labels. Print clear labels for each part so the right piece ends up in the right place at the saw.
- Parametric cabinet designer. Describe a cabinet by its dimensions and let the tool generate the parts for you, ready to optimize.
- Metric and imperial. Work in millimeters or inches, whichever matches you and your supplier.
How cutlistlab and OptiCutter compare
OptiCutter is a polished, capable tool. It handles both 1D linear cutting (lengths of timber or profile) and 2D panel cutting, exports to PDF, XLS, CSV and DXF, offers an API, and is available in many languages. If you regularly export to CAD (DXF) or need an API, that breadth is its real strength. cutlistlab does both 1D and 2D too, but takes a different line: free with no daily limit, no DXF or API, and home-project features OptiCutter does not have. The honest side by side:
| Feature | OptiCutter | cutlistlab |
|---|---|---|
| 1D linear cutting | Yes | Yes |
| 2D panel cutting | Yes | Yes |
| Optimization goal | Material or cost priority | Least waste, fewest cuts, or lowest cost |
| Cabinet designer | No | Yes, a parametric cabinet helper |
| Offcut and remnant stock | No | Yes, kept across projects |
| Exports | PDF, XLS, CSV, DXF | CSV plus printable labels |
| API | Yes | No |
| Free tier | Limited parts and stock | Free, no daily limit |
| Start without an account | Yes | Yes |
| Library of real store sheet sizes | No | Yes |
Best for: pick OptiCutter for DXF export and an API; pick cutlistlab for free 1D and 2D work with no limit, a cabinet helper and offcut stock. See the full comparison of cut list optimizers for the other tools too.
All features compared
And here is how cutlistlab stacks up feature by feature against the two other well-known tools. ✓ = yes, ✗ = no, partial = limited.
| Feature | cutlistlab | CutList Optimizer | OptiCutter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2D panel cutting | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 1D linear cutting (beams, battens) | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Saw kerf accounted for | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wood grain direction | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Optimize for lowest cost | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Choice of goals (waste / cuts / cost) | ✓ | partial | partial |
| Numbered cutting order | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Offcut stock kept across projects | ✓ | partial | ✗ |
| Parametric cabinet designer | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| 3D exploded view | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Library of real store sheets + prices | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| DXF export (for CAD) | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| API | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Multilingual | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Metric and imperial | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free with no daily limit | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Start without an account | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Own mobile app (Android / iOS) | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
Based on each tool's own site and apps in 2026. Details can change.
How it works in three steps
- Enter your parts. Add each part with its length, width, and quantity, or let the cabinet designer build the list for you.
- Pick your sheet and settings. Choose your sheet size, set the saw kerf, and add any offcuts you already have.
- Read the plan. cutlistlab packs everything onto the fewest sheets, draws the layout, lists the cuts, and prints labels when you are ready.
Want to compare for yourself? Open the free optimizer, enter your parts, and see the layout with the least waste. No sign-up, nothing to install.
Frequently asked questions
Is cutlistlab really free?
Yes, and it needs no sign-up. It runs in your browser and your projects stay on your device unless you create an account.
Do I need to install anything?
No. cutlistlab runs entirely in your browser on a phone, tablet, or computer. There is nothing to download.
Does it work in metric and imperial?
Yes. Enter sizes in millimeters or inches and switch between the two as needed.
Can it handle grain direction and offcuts?
Yes. Mark a part as grain-fixed and it stays oriented correctly, and you can add offcuts so they get used before a full sheet.