Four apps to use alongside a cut-list planner
A cut list sits between a design and a workshop job. CAD helps define what to make, a spreadsheet keeps the list orderly, and a process diagram shows where work goes next. These four tools have documented roles alongside a linear-stock planner.
What this review covers
This is desk research from official documentation, not a hands-on performance test. Our editorial suggestions describe manual handoffs. We have not benchmarked the tools, tested a native LEVRTEK connector or established a partnership. Confirm current features and account requirements before committing a workflow.
FreeCAD: define the part before the stock
FreeCAD documents parametric models, real-world units, 2D drawings and exports of model data such as quantities or bills of materials. Establish the design and drawing dimensions, then prepare a reviewed list of linear parts.
Our take: useful when CAD is the missing step before cutting. The handoff needs judgement: check the approved revision, separate sections and grades, and distinguish finished dimensions from blank lengths and machining allowances. A 3D model alone is not a saw instruction.
Source context: FreeCAD: official features
Onshape: bring the assembly list into a spreadsheet
Onshape documents an Assembly bill of materials with configurable columns and CSV export for an external spreadsheet. Saved BOM templates and other features can depend on subscription.
Our take: useful for a team already working in Onshape. Export the right revision, identify linear-stock components and review dimensions and quantities. A BOM can include purchased components that do not belong in a cut plan. CSV export does not guarantee the columns match the planner’s import format; prepare and check the handoff.
Source context: Onshape: Assembly bill of materials and CSV export
LibreOffice Calc: tidy and check the list
Calc documents sorting, filtering, formulas, data validation and formats including XLSX, ODS and CSV. A sheet can group compatible material and retain part IDs, units, quantities and revisions.
Our take: a practical lightweight list-control step. Use validation to catch missing quantities or mixed units, then enter or prepare the reviewed list for 1D. A sheet can also hold a manual remnant register if someone owns the physical checks. Sorting cells does not verify the rack, and totals do not replace bar-by-bar allocation.
Source context: LibreOffice Calc: official feature page (German)
draw.io: make production handoffs visible
draw.io documents flowchart creation, storage choices for the online editor and a standalone desktop app for offline diagramming.
Our take: map receiving, verified stock, planning, saw, inspection, labelled kit and remnant return. Add who owns each handoff and what accompanies the part. This is a process map, not live production tracking; the team must follow and update the agreed method.
Source context: draw.io: getting started, flowcharts and desktop option
Try a fictional frame handoff
Fictional teaching example — static illustrative data, not a customer job, measured saving or calculated app result.
A demonstration frame has four 620 mm pieces and two 980 mm pieces of one compatible section and grade. Keep drawing revision and part IDs in the design/list tool. Enter the reviewed lengths and quantities in 1D, check real kerf and stock lengths, then agree labelling and remnant return in the process map.
This is sample editorial data only. It does not populate inventory, billing or an API. Choose the companion tool for the missing step: dimensions, list control or workflow.
Useful collaboration ideas after a real trial
A joint tutorial could be more useful than a generic product shout-out: an openly shareable FreeCAD frame and checked cut list, an Onshape BOM-to-linear-list example, a Calc checking sheet, or an editable draw.io saw-to-remnant flow.
These are possible editorial ideas, not existing relationships. No outreach has been sent. First test a small demonstration workflow and disclose the account tier, test conditions and any relationship in a future hands-on review.
Sources and scope
This is a research-based workshop guide. Supplier charts and software documentation apply to their named products and contexts; confirm current details before relying on them.