A free Cut Optimizer alternative for 1D cutting
Cut Optimizer is a capable 1D tool for profiles and tubes — but its free Starter plan stops at 10 items, one project, and a single stock length. NestSolver does the same job — bars, pipe, tube, extrusions, lumber — with unlimited parts and stock lengths, free, and nothing to sign up for.
| NestSolver (free) | Cut Optimizer (free Starter) | |
|---|---|---|
| Parts per optimization | Yes — unlimited, free | 10 items on the free Starter plan |
| Stock lengths | Yes — mix as many as you like | 1 length on Starter (6 needs Pro, $32/mo) |
| Saved projects | Yes — free | 1 on Starter (5 needs Core, $8/mo) |
| Try without an account | Yes — no sign-up | Demo only; saving needs an account |
| 1D linear cutting | Yes — bars, pipe, tube, lumber | Yes |
| Kerf accounting | Yes | Yes |
| Cut around defects | Yes — mark damaged spans to skip | Not advertised |
When Cut Optimizer is the better fit
Cut Optimizer has a couple of things NestSolver doesn't: miter-cut nesting for angled cuts, and splicing logic that works out when welding short remnants together is cheaper than new stock. If you need angled miters or material joining, it's worth a look.
Switching questions
Is NestSolver really unlimited and free?+
Yes. There's no cap on the number of parts or stock lengths, no watermarks on exports, and no sign-up needed to run the optimizer. A free account adds saved projects and presets.
Can I bring my cut list over?+
Yes — paste it straight from a spreadsheet. Copy the length and quantity columns, paste them into the parts table, and the rows fill in for you.
What does NestSolver do that Cut Optimizer's free plan doesn't?+
It lifts the Starter limits: unlimited parts instead of 10, as many stock lengths as you need instead of one, and it works without an account. It also lets you mark blocked zones to cut around knots or damage.
Cut Optimizer is a trademark of its respective owner. NestSolver is not affiliated with or endorsed by it. Comparison reflects each product's public plans as checked in June 2026; details may have changed since.