Templates, generators & helpers picked for makers

LaserMap Studio is a web-based tool that lets you turn real-world geographic data into laser-cut and 3D-print ready files. You pick a map area (buildings, roads, water features etc.), customize layers (for example separate layers for water, roads, buildings) and then export clean vector files for laser cutting or multi-material 3D printing. 

The workflow is simple:

1. Select your map area visually or by coordinates.
2. Choose which map features to include (roads, buildings, water, railways) and tweak detail settings (minimum building size, road gap, contours).
3. Export the result in formats like SVG (for vector editing or laser cut), DXF (for CAD / laser cutting) or 3MF (for layered 3D print models).

Involute Spur Gear Builder v2.0 is a browser-based, open-source utility by Dr. Rainer Hessmer for calculating and drawing involute spur gears (external, internal, and rack & pinion). It fully accounts for undercuts (important for low-tooth-count gears) and allows you to configure parameters like circular pitch, pressure angle, clearance, backlash, profile shift, tooth-count, centre-hole diameter and more. You enter your values, hit “Update”, and the tool renders a vector drawing (SVG) in the browser — you can download it or import it into CAD/laser workflows. The application is licensed under the MIT license.

Deepnest is a robust open-source nesting application designed for laser cutters, plasma cutters and other CNC machines. It helps you optimise material usage by automatically arranging parts (DXF, SVG) on sheets and merging common cut lines (so the laser doesn’t cut the same path twice). You start by importing your file (DXF or SVG), define the sheet or material area, and then let Deepnest try many arrangements until you stop it and export the best layout as DXF or SVG. Because it is open-source (available via GitHub, MIT licence) it’s a cost-effective solution especially if you’re doing many parts and want to minimise waste in a laser-cutting workflow.

nest2D is a free and open-source nesting engine for cutting workflows — whether laser, CNC, sheet-metal, or woodworking. Basically, it helps you pack your parts (SVG, DXF, polygons) onto raw material sheets as efficiently as possible, reducing waste by optimizing part placement.

You load or define your shapes, set the sheet size and constraints (rotation, spacing, part priority), then the algorithm arranges everything and you export the layout.

It supports key formats like DXF for import/export and includes true-shape nesting (non-rectangular parts) which makes it particularly relevant for laser cutters working with custom designs.

Being open-source under the MIT licence (the repository states MIT) it offers transparency, modification and free usage for many workflows.

For makers using a laser cutter, nest2D is especially useful when you have multiple parts to cut and want to minimise material waste, get clean layouts and speed up your workflow.

Jigsaw Puzzle Generator by Draradech is a browser-based SVG puzzle-piece generator that allows you to create customizable jigsaw puzzles for laser-cutting, engraving or creative woodworking. You can define the overall size, number of tiles, tab size, jitter, corner radius, and choose from rectangular, hexagonal or circular formats.

Once configured, you download a clean SVG of the puzzle outline — perfect for importing into your design workflow (Inkscape, LightBurn, etc.) and cutting the pieces in wood, acrylic or other materials. Perfect as a gift idea.

BoxDesigner is another powerful tool for creating laser-cut box templates — and it almost rivals Boxes.py in terms of flexibility. It was specifically developed for generating accurate laser-cutting templates and comes with a large collection of ready-made project types.

From small wooden boxes to treasure chests and even functional parts like gears or inserts, BoxDesigner offers nearly everything you might need for laser-cut projects. The interface is straightforward: you define dimensions, wall thickness, and optional lid or divider options, then the tool instantly generates a preview of the layout.

Once configured, you can export the finished design as SVG, DXF, or PDF, ready for cutting on your preferred machine.

It’s a practical and well-thought-out tool — not flashy, but clearly made by someone who knows what makers actually need when preparing files for a laser cutter.

Boxes.py is a free, open-source Python-based generator and library for laser-cut boxes and many more related shapes. You’ll find not only simple rectangular boxes, but also types with rounded corners, living hinges, drawers, shelves, or even chests with twist-lids. 

You can use it via the online web-interface or install it locally (it’s licensed under GPL v3+).  Because it’s a full library, you also get access to the API (in Python) so you can build your own generator types if you’re comfortable with coding. 

In practical terms, the workflow is: pick a generator (say “RoundedBox” or “SlidingLidBox”), supply dimensions and material thickness, adjust fit-parameters (kerf/blow-cut compensation), choose your joint types or hinge types, then export the design. Supported export formats include SVG, DXF, GCODE, PDF, PLT, PS. 

From personal experience (and community feedback), here’s what stands out: The sheer variety of built-in box types is impressive — it goes well beyond “just a box”. Because it’s so feature-rich, the learning curve is steeper than simpler web tools. Some options and parameters can be opaque at first.  If you’re okay diving into parameters (or already comfortable with Python), you’ll appreciate the flexibility — you can fine-tune kerf, slot widths, hinge types, internal dividers, and more. For designers who just want “quick press-fit box in 5 minutes”, it might feel heavy; but for makers who want deeper control or custom shapes, it’s a strong choice.

MakerCase is a free browser-based web tool for designing custom laser-cut (or CNC) wooden boxes. You enter the desired outer dimensions and material thickness, and MakerCase instantly generates a rotatable 3D model so you can preview how your box will look.

It supports different joint types (flat edges, finger joints, or other connections) and allows you to adjust for kerf (cut width) so that the parts will fit together snugly after cutting.

Once you’re satisfied with the design, MakerCase outputs the flattened cutting plan as an SVG or DXF file that you can feed directly into your laser cutter or CNC router.

In my experience, the simplicity makes it especially useful if you want to experiment quickly, check how your material thickness affects the final box, and avoid surprises when you send the job to the cutter.

Maze Generator is a browser-based tool developed by Jan Boström at Alance AB (formerly JGB Service). You can choose from multiple maze shapes—rectangular, circular, triangular or hexagonal—and generate mazes with square, hex or triangular cells. The result can be downloaded in vector‐ready formats (SVG, PDF) or PNG, making it suitable for laser cutters, CNC routers or printable game mats. The tool is free for personal/non-commercial use; if you want to use the mazes commercially you’ll need to get a license.

Laser-Cut Maze Designer is a simple browser-based tool by Aaron Rodriguez for creating your own laser-cut wooden labyrinths (or maze games). You enter parameters like size and complexity, and the tool generates a vector blueprint in SVG format ready for cutting.

It’s straightforward: you tweak dimensions, design the maze shape, and download an SVG. Then you can cut it out on your laser cutter and assemble the maze. Because it runs in the browser, no installation is required. It’s ideal for makers who want to design hobby-mazes, puzzles or decorative games rather than complex engineering parts.

TemplateMaker is a versatile online generator for creating customizable templates for paper boxes and packaging. Unlike most other box generators that focus on wood or acrylic materials, this one is designed for papercraft — perfect for packaging, cards, and decorative boxes.

The website offers a wide range of box styles, from simple cubes and envelopes to pillow boxes, cones, and polygonal gift boxes. You can adjust all relevant parameters such as size, flap style, and glue tabs. A live preview shows how your template will look before downloading.

Most designs are available for free under a Creative Commons license, while some premium templates are available for purchase. Once your template is ready, you can download it in PDF, SVG, or DXF format, ready for printing, cutting, or laser-cutting.

TemplateMaker is created and maintained by Johan Rensink, who continuously expands the collection and refines the usability. It’s a lightweight, browser-based tool that’s especially useful for anyone designing packaging or working with paper-based laser projects.

Gear Designer is a simple, browser-based gear generator aimed at laser-cut and CNC workflows. You set parameters like module and number of teeth, and the tool produces a DXF file of the resulting gear. The interface keeps things light and focused — ideal if you just need a functional gear template rather than a full gear system designer.