A free OptiCutter alternative for 1D cutting
OptiCutter is a solid cutting calculator, but its free plan caps you at 5 stock sizes, 20 part sizes, and 500 parts — limits that bite on a real job. NestSolver runs your 1D cut list — bars, pipe, tube, extrusions, lumber — with up to 1,000 cuts per job, free, and no sign-up.
| NestSolver (free) | OptiCutter (free plan) | |
|---|---|---|
| Stock sizes per job | Up to 100 stock rows | Capped at 5 on the free plan |
| Part sizes per job | Up to 1,000 rows and 1,000 total cuts | Capped at 20 on the free plan |
| Total parts per job | Up to 1,000 total cuts | Capped at 500 on the free plan |
| Try without an account | Yes — no sign-up | Calculator yes; saved history 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 OptiCutter is the better fit
OptiCutter also does 2D sheet and panel cutting, so if you cut plywood or sheet metal as well as lengths, one tool covers both jobs. NestSolver is 1D only — built just for cutting to length — so for panels you'd want OptiCutter or another 2D tool.
Switching questions
How large can a free NestSolver job be?+
Each job can contain up to 1,000 cuts, with no daily run limit or obstructive export overlay 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. Copy your cut list out of Excel or Sheets and paste it into the parts table — each length and quantity becomes a row automatically.
Does NestSolver do panels or sheets?+
No. NestSolver is a dedicated 1D optimizer for anything cut to length — bars, pipe, tube, extrusions, and lumber. For plywood and sheet goods you'll want a 2D tool like OptiCutter.
OptiCutter 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.