If you're running a CNC shop and want to start optimizing your material usage without spending thousands on software, here are your free options — with an honest assessment of what each one does well and where it falls short.
Best for: True-shape nesting of irregular parts
Deepnest is the most capable free nesting tool available. It handles irregular shapes (not just rectangles), supports part-in-part nesting, and can merge common cut lines. It runs as a desktop application on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
The catch: Development has essentially stopped. The last meaningful updates were years ago. Bug reports go unanswered. There's no API, no cloud access, and no way to integrate it with your production workflow. For small one-off jobs it's excellent, but it doesn't scale.
Best for: Quick browser-based nesting with no installation
SVGnest runs entirely in your web browser. Upload an SVG file, set your sheet dimensions, and it arranges parts. No download, no installation.
The catch: Very slow on large jobs. The algorithm is basic — it uses simple NFP (no-fit polygon) placement with genetic optimization, which means it explores solutions by random mutation rather than structured intelligence. Fine for 10-20 parts, painful for 100+.
Best for: Simple rectangular cut lists for woodworking
A straightforward cut list optimizer designed for woodworkers. Enter your parts and board dimensions, get a cutting diagram. The free version handles basic jobs.
The catch: Rectangles only. No irregular shapes. No advanced optimization. The software hasn't been significantly updated in years.
Best for: Quick rectangular optimization with a clean web interface
optiCutter offers a free tier that handles basic rectangular nesting in the browser. Clean UI, easy to use.
The catch: Very limited at the free tier. Advanced features and larger jobs require paid plans (€19-99/month). API access is only available at the highest tier.
Free tools work great for occasional use, simple jobs, and shops just getting started with optimization. But if you need any of the following, you'll outgrow them:
This is where tools like NestClass come in — offering the intelligence of enterprise nesting software with the simplicity of a cloud tool and the programmability of a REST API.