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Laser Nesting Software
Updated November 2025Estimated reading time: 7 min
We compared modern 2D nesting engines to help makers, fab labs and production teams squeeze more parts out of every sheet. Browse open-source projects alongside commercial SaaS, filter for export formats and discover which tool best fits your laser, CNC router or knife plotter workflow.
1. Top 3 nesting tools
These tools balance powerful placement with approachable controls. We highlight projects that export reliable DXF/SVG files, respect kerf settings and receive regular maintenance.
2. Why these nesting tools matter
Nesting software can dramatically reduce material waste and cutting time for sheet workflows. We prioritise engines that support true‑shape placement, rotation limits and reliable scaling across DXF/SVG.
Open‑source projects give you control and transparency for custom tooling. Paid options often add optimised solvers, part libraries, import presets and hands‑on support. Both approaches have a place depending on budget and timeline.
Use the explorer below to sort by expert score or newest releases and to check which tools run in your operating system.
3. Nesting tools in detail
Dive into the full set of nesting tools, compare export formats, scan pros and cons, and jump to GitHub or official docs with one click.
Downloads & file types
.dxf.svg.cdr
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.
Pros
- Open-source and freely available for laser/CNC nesting workflows
- Supports common formats like DXF and SVG for both import and export
- Automatically merges common cut lines and arranges parts to save material and time
Cons
- Some users report performance issues on large or complex files (slow or incomplete nesting) [oai_citation:0‡LightBurn Software Forum](https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/t/nesting-using-deepnest-io/6807?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- Import/export format quirks: units, layers or path types may need manual cleanup
- Steeper learning curve than simple layout tools—understanding sheet size, part orientation and constraints matters
Downloads & file types
.dxf.svg (preview only)
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.
Pros
- Free and open-source under MIT licence (“The free and open source solution for nesting problem”).
- Supports DXF for output and true-shape nesting (non-rectangular parts).
- Browser-based version available – no heavy local install needed (per Reddit post).
Cons
- SVG support is limited to preview only; DXF export may have constraints (README: “SVG format available only for the preview”).
- As an open-source project the UI/UX and documentation may not be as polished as commercial alternatives.
- Large or complex nests may require manual review – community feedback suggests early adopter status and potential bugs.
4. Frequently asked questions
How do you evaluate nesting software?
We look at algorithm quality, import/export reliability, ease of use and update cadence. Tools that balance fast true-shape placement with practical controls for kerf, spacing and part priorities rise to the top.
Do these nesting tools support DXF or SVG workflows?
Yes. Most listings import DXF or SVG files and export DXF layouts for production. Some offer SVG previews or G-code output—always double-check supported formats and unit settings before committing material.
What settings should I tune before launching a nest?
Confirm sheet dimensions, rotation limits, spacing, kerf compensation and quantity targets. For tight tolerances, run a small test nest to verify scaling and tab clearance before cutting full sheets.
Written by Max from Best-Lasercutter.com
Max studies Information Systems Engineering and contributes to Best-Lasercutter.com with his background in automation and digital technologies. He focuses on improving the website’s tools and data systems to make laser comparisons more accurate and user-friendly.