CutPlan
Plan your cuts before you touch the saw. Lay out plywood and sheet panels and linear stock like boards and rails, accounting for kerf, edge trims, grain direction and reusable offcuts, then print numbered cut diagrams, cut sequences and part labels. Free, private and runs entirely in your browser.
How to use CutPlan
- Add your required parts and the stock you have, or import the CSV templates. Each row gives material, thickness, width, length, quantity and grain.
- Set the kerf from a measured test cut and allow for edge cleanup; check real stock sizes rather than nominal ones.
- Mark grain direction on parts and stock. Parts rotate only when allowed and when grain still lines up.
- Plan, review any unplaced pieces and check each numbered diagram and its cut sequence.
- Print the job packet with diagrams and labels, then commit the new offcuts to your inventory when you're ready. Save the project for later.
What people use it for
- Cutting cabinet sides, shelves and backs from plywood or MDF sheets
- Planning rails, stiles and trim from linear boards
- Reusing offcuts from earlier jobs before buying new stock
- Keeping grain direction consistent on visible panels
- Printing cut diagrams and part labels for a workshop job
Frequently asked questions
Is CutPlan really free?
Yes. It's free to use here in your browser and free to download. There's no account, trial or watermark.
Is my cut list uploaded anywhere?
No. Planning and downloads run in your browser tab, and the page blocks the tool from making any network connection. Nothing is stored after you close the tab unless you save a project file.
Does it handle saw kerf and edge trims?
Yes. You set the cut width (kerf) and trim allowances for sheet edges and board ends, and every plan accounts for them. Any positive remainder must fit a full kerf.
Can it respect wood grain?
Yes. Declare grain on parts and stock; parts rotate only when you allow it and the grain stays aligned. Rotation never overrides grain.
Does it track offcuts?
Yes. Reusable offcuts are kept in an inventory. When you commit a plan, used offcuts are consumed and new reusable remnants are added; you can undo a commit.
Are inches and fractions supported?
Yes. Work in millimetres or inches; inch entries accept decimals or fractions such as 1 1/2. Measurements are stored to 0.001 mm and any rounding is shown.
Is the layout guaranteed to be optimal?
No. CutPlan uses a deterministic search that finds good guillotine-cut layouts but can leave pieces unplaced even when another arrangement exists. It handles rectangles and straight lengths only, not irregular shapes or CNC toolpaths.
Can I print full-size templates?
No. Diagrams are schematic. Print labels at 100% and measure the 25.4 mm reference bar. The cut sequence describes geometry, not safe machine operation.
Can I use it offline?
Yes. Click Download to save the tool as a single HTML file, then open it in a current desktop browser, with or without an internet connection.
Private by design
This tool is a single HTML file that runs entirely in your browser. The page that hosts it blocks every outgoing network connection from the tool, so the files you open are processed on your device and are never sent to AppKatz or anyone else. Download it once and it keeps working offline.
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