The Best Free Cut List Software in 2026
The best free cut list software depends on where your parts come from. If you already have a list of panels, an online optimizer is enough. If you draw in SketchUp, a plugin reads your model. If you build furniture, a tool that calculates the parts from the furniture size saves the most time. Here are the main options in 2026.
Based on each product’s public website in October 2026. Free limits and prices change often; check before you decide.
Comparison table
| Software | Type | Free version | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| CutList Optimizer | Online | Yes, with daily limits | Quick panel lists |
| optiCutter | Online | Yes, limited sheets and sizes | Sheets, linear stock and rolls |
| Cutlistor | Online | Yes, limited parts and PDFs | Many calculators, imports |
| CutOptim | Online, installable | Few runs per month | Shop features, labels |
| OpenCutList | SketchUp extension | Free, open source | Cut lists from 3D models |
| CutList Plus fx | Windows desktop | Paid (one-time) | Offline desktop use |
| MaxCut | Windows desktop | Free community edition | Offline, Windows only |
| Plymap | Online + offline app | Free tool and free plans | Furniture from resizable plans |
How to choose
- Do you start from furniture or from parts? Most optimizers need the parts list. Plymap can calculate it from a furniture plan.
- Do you have internet in the workshop? If not, choose something that works offline.
- What do you cut? Only sheets, or also timber and profiles (linear cutting)?
- Do you need to export to a CNC (DXF)?
- How often? Free tiers with daily or monthly limits are fine for occasional jobs.
Features worth looking for
- Kerf and edge trim settings
- Grain direction per part
- Edge banding per edge with total length
- Cut sequence and printable diagrams
- Several sheet sizes and leftover pieces in one job
- Labels for each part
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free cut list software?
It depends on how you work: an online optimizer for one-off lists, a SketchUp extension if you model in 3D, or a furniture-plan tool if you build cabinets and wardrobes.
Is there cut list software that works offline?
Desktop programs such as CutList Plus fx and MaxCut work offline on Windows. Plymap works offline in the browser and installs as an app.
What is the best cut list software for SketchUp?
OpenCutList, a free open-source extension, generates cut lists and layouts from a SketchUp model.