Generates for sheet goods (plywood) and solid wood.
: Complex cabinetry, furniture, and projects requiring material optimization. 2. Alternative: CutList (by Steve Racz)
Ultimately, creating a cut list in SketchUp Free requires a shift in mindset from “the software does it for me” to “the software organizes my data so I can do it efficiently.” Without the paid extensions, the user must act as the bridge between the 3D model and the spreadsheet. The workflow is clear: This process, while initially slower than a dedicated extension, offers surprising benefits. Because the user is manually verifying each dimension during attribute entry, errors in the model (e.g., a 24-inch rail placed where an 18-inch one should go) are caught before a single board is cut. In this light, the absence of an automated cut list in SketchUp Free is not a flaw but a feature—a forced check for design integrity. sketchup free cut list
Best for: Serious hobbyists, complex projects, those willing to use companion software.
: This is widely considered the most powerful free extension for woodworking. It automatically generates a list of parts, summary reports, and optimized cutting diagrams for sheet goods and dimensional lumber. You can find it on the SketchUp Extension Warehouse . Generates for sheet goods (plywood) and solid wood
To get an accurate cut list from any plugin, your SketchUp model must follow these rules:
In , users utilize the Dynamic Components feature or Ruby Extensions (plugins like CutList Plus or OpenCutList ) to automate this process. Alternative: CutList (by Steve Racz) Ultimately, creating a
There is no "Cut List Button" in SketchUp Free. To get a cut list, you must either act as the software (manual entry) or move your data to a program that can process it.
October 26, 2023 Subject: Feasibility and Methods for Extracting Cut Lists from SketchUp Free (Web)
For users who find manual attribute entry too abstract, a second, more visual method exists: the . In this workflow, the user forgoes component attributes entirely and instead uses the “Outliner” (which lists every object in the model) in conjunction with strict naming conventions. Each component is named according to its final cut dimensions—e.g., “Leg_2x2x36” or “Rail_1x3x18.” Then, using the “Generate Report” feature, the user exports a list of component names and instance counts. By exporting this report to a spreadsheet, the user can use simple text functions (like SPLIT or FIND) to parse the dimensions directly from the component names. Alternatively, the user can create layers named after material thicknesses and then visually inspect the model, using the “Entity Info” panel to read each component’s dimensions. While this method is more manual than attribute tagging, it has the advantage of forcing the designer to name objects clearly, which improves model organization and reduces the chance of a piece being omitted from the cut list.
While SketchUp Free cannot generate the list internally , it can export a standard .skp file. There are free desktop programs that can read these files and generate the cut list for you.