The free cut list optimizer that explores every layout
layout.rip is a free online cut list optimizer for woodworkers, cabinet makers,
and DIY builders. Give it a list of stock pieces — plywood, MDF, hardwood lumber, dimensional
lumber, trim — and the parts you want to cut. It explores thousands of possible cutting
layouts in your browser, considers the kerf of your saw blade, respects grain direction
if you specify it, and ranks the results on two axes: material waste and
ease of cutting (how many distinct saw-fence positions you'll need to set up).
You see the top candidates side-by-side, with a Pareto trade-off scatter, a color-coded
overlay for every stock piece, kerf strips drawn in solid black with dashed red outlines so
you can see exactly where material is removed, and incremental cut instructions you can
print and take to the saw.
How layout.rip compares to other cut list optimizers
- vs CutList Optimizer: we explore many ranked solutions instead of one, and we're free with no account.
- vs OptiCutter: we score cut difficulty alongside waste so you can choose easier-to-make layouts.
- vs Cutlist Evolution: no install, runs in any browser, your data never leaves your computer.
- vs every other tool: visual mini-overlay per cut, color-coded incremental instructions, true guillotine cut paths only.
Frequently asked questions
What is a cut list optimizer?
A cut list optimizer takes the boards or sheet goods you have on hand and a list of finished parts you want to make, and figures out the layout of cuts that fits as many parts as possible with the least material wasted.
Is layout.rip free?
Yes — 100% free, no signup, no email required, no upload. Your stock and parts data never leaves your computer.
Does layout.rip support both lumber and plywood?
Yes. Toggle 1D mode for linear lumber (boards, trim, 2×4s, moulding) or 2D mode for sheet goods (plywood, MDF, particle board, melamine). 2D uses guillotine bin-packing so every cut goes all the way through the workpiece — no impossible L-shaped cuts.
What is kerf and how does layout.rip handle it?
Kerf is the width of material the saw blade removes — typically 1/8" for a table saw, less for a thin-kerf blade. layout.rip accounts for kerf on every cut so the finished parts come out the exact size you specified. You can set kerf to 0 for laser or waterjet workflows.
What dimension formats can I enter?
Feet plus fractional (1' 3 1/2"), feet plus decimal (1' 3.5"), pure decimal inches (15.5), pure fractional inches (15 1/2"), and bare numbers. You can switch how layouts display via the Display format setting.
What's the difference between a rip cut and a crosscut?
A rip cut runs along the long dimension of the workpiece (with the grain in solid wood). A crosscut runs across the short dimension. layout.rip labels every cut as rip or crosscut based on the workpiece's aspect ratio at the moment of that cut.
Can I print the layouts and cut instructions?
Yes. Press Cmd+P / Ctrl+P. The printout puts each stock piece's overlay on the left and the parts table on the right. Three checkboxes in the inputs panel let you choose which cut-instruction views (visual, breakdown tree, step list) to include in the print.
Can I save and load my cut lists?
The current job auto-saves to your browser's localStorage so a reload brings it back. For longer-term saving and sharing, use Export CSV to download a small spreadsheet and Import CSV to load it later or on another device.