CutList Optimizer style workflow in Cutlistor

The classic online panel optimizer set the baseline: enter rectangles, set kerf and grain, calculate a nest, export a PDF. Cutlistor covers that workflow and adds features revision-heavy shops often need next.

CutList Optimizer publishes three tiers plus a short-term pass. Free allows 5 calculations per day and 5 saved items. Silver is $15 per month, or $13.50 per month billed yearly, for unlimited calculations, 150 saved items, priority support, premium features and the Android Pro app. Gold is $25 per month, or $22.50 billed yearly, adding high-speed calculation and 20,000 saved items. A single $4.90 payment unlocks Silver features for 3 days.

Cutlistor's free tier meters differently: editing and re-optimizing are unlimited, and only PDF export or starting a new project counts against a daily allowance of 3. Cut lists are capped at 20 rows and nothing is saved between sessions. Pro is $12 per month or $99 per year, which works out at $8.25 a month.

Three honest conclusions: on a yearly paid plan Cutlistor is cheaper than Silver by $63 a year; CutList Optimizer's free tier saves 5 items where ours saves none; and the daily numbers are not like for like, because their 5 counts every calculation while our 3 counts only PDF exports. If you have one job to cut, their $4.90 three-day pass beats subscribing to either product.

Choose Cutlistor when you import spreadsheet BOMs, revise dimensions constantly, mix sheet panels with linear stock, want DXF for a CNC, or want layouts that update without clicking Calculate after every edit. On yearly billing it is also the cheaper paid plan.

Stay on CutList Optimizer when you nest simple panel jobs occasionally and want work saved without paying — its free tier keeps 5 items where Cutlistor keeps none — when you want the Android Pro app, or when you have a single job and the $4.90 three-day pass is all you need.

Import the same BOM into both tools, match kerf, lock grain on visible faces, and export PDFs. Change one part width by 2 mm and time how long each tool takes to show an updated plan. Compare sheet count and diagram readability under shop lighting.

CutList Optimizer is a separate product and trademark of its owner. Cutlistor is not affiliated with that service; this page helps you compare capabilities.