Cutplan (cutplan.app) is one of Offcut’s most direct competitors: free, modern, web-based, with a clean interface and a high-performance optimisation algorithm. Both tools share a similar philosophy — making cutting optimisation accessible to everyone. But a few key differences set them apart. Here is the full comparison.
Comparison table
| Criterion | Offcut | Cutplan |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free (advanced exports in paid plan) | Freemium — 30 calculations/month free |
| Free calculations | Unlimited | 30 per month |
| Grain direction | ✅ | ✅ |
| Edge banding | ✅ | ✅ |
| PDF export | ✅ (paid plan) | ✅ |
| DXF export (CNC) | ✅ (paid plan) | ✅ |
| SVG export | ✅ (paid plan) | ❌ |
| Part label export | ✅ | ❌ |
| Weight statistics | ✅ per part and total | ❌ |
| Offline mode | ❌ (cloud required) | ✅ (PWA) |
| SketchUp / CAD integration | ❌ | ✅ |
| Step-by-step cut instructions | ❌ | ✅ |
| Languages | 10 | 18 (RTL included) |
Calculations: 30/month vs unlimited
Cutplan limits the free version to 30 calculations per month. More generous than CutList Optimizer (5/day), but insufficient for daily professional use or complex projects requiring multiple configuration iterations. Beyond 30, a paid subscription is required.
Offcut places no limit on calculations. Whether you run 3 or 300 plans in a month, the free version remains fully available — no counter, no end-of-month surprises. Restrictions apply only to panel formats (2 max free) and part references (10 max free per project).
Weight statistics: Offcut only
Cutplan, like most of its competitors, does not include weight calculations. Offcut is the only solution that shows the weight of each part and the total project weight, calculated automatically from material density. For professionals who deliver furniture, estimate shipping costs or size wall fixings, Offcut’s weight statistics save direct time.
SVG export and part labels: Offcut ahead
Both tools offer PDF and DXF. Offcut adds SVG export — useful for integration with design software — and part label export, handy for identifying each piece directly in the workshop. Cutplan offers neither.
Offline mode and SketchUp: Cutplan’s strengths
Cutplan works as a PWA (Progressive Web App) and can be used offline — a real advantage in workshops without reliable Wi-Fi or on job sites. Offcut requires an internet connection to function.
Cutplan also integrates with SketchUp and CAD software to import part lists directly from your 3D models. This integration is not available in Offcut, which targets manual or spreadsheet entry. If you model in 3D before cutting, this is a concrete Cutplan advantage.
Step-by-step cut instructions
Cutplan generates step-by-step cut instructions, which can be useful for beginners or when delegating cutting to someone else. Offcut provides an optimised visual cutting plan but does not break cuts down into a guided sequence. For experienced users, the visual plan is more than sufficient.
Which tool should you choose?
Choose Cutplan if: you work offline, you model in 3D with SketchUp and want to import your part lists, or step-by-step cut instructions are important for your workflow.
Choose Offcut if: you need unlimited calculations with no monthly cap, you want per-part weight statistics, you export to SVG, or part label export matters in your workshop.
Verdict
Cutplan and Offcut are the two closest free panel cutting tools on the market. Cutplan wins on offline mode and 3D integration. Offcut wins on unlimited calculations, weight statistics (exclusive feature), SVG export, and part labels. For the vast majority of connected woodworkers, Offcut is the more complete choice — particularly as soon as material weight comes into play.
For a broader overview of free panel cutting plan software, see our free panel cutting software comparison.
Offcut tools to go further
- 🪵 Offcut app — cutting plan — generate an optimised cutting plan in a few clicks.
- 📊 Wood weight calculator — instantly estimate the weight of your panels.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cutplan really free?
Cutplan offers a free version limited to 30 calculations per month. Beyond that, a subscription is required. Offcut is free with unlimited calculations; restrictions apply only to advanced features (DXF, SVG, PDF exports).
Does Offcut work offline?
No. Offcut is a web application that requires an internet connection. If offline work is a priority, Cutplan (PWA) offers this advantage.
Can you import a SketchUp parts list into Offcut?
No, this integration is not available in Offcut. Cutplan offers SketchUp and CAD integration to import part lists directly from 3D models.
