Creating a cut list from Shapr3D
Shapr3D has become the CAD tool of choice for a lot of woodworkers and cabinet makers, mostly because it stays out of the way. Getting an optimized cut list out of a Shapr3D model is a short workflow: export as OBJ, then open the file in Cutlist Evolution.
Step 1: Designing in Shapr3D
Section titled “Step 1: Designing in Shapr3D”Start by building your project in Shapr3D’s clean, touch-friendly interface. A custom kitchen, built-in shelving and a single piece of furniture all work the same way, and the modeling tools let you check every detail in 3D. One requirement matters for a clean export to Cutlist Evolution: stick to rectangular components. That means breaking the design down into individual boards, panels and shelves, exactly how you’d build it in the shop.
Step 2: Exporting Your Model as an OBJ File
Section titled “Step 2: Exporting Your Model as an OBJ File”Once your design is complete and separated into individual rectangular parts, export time takes just seconds. Navigate to Shapr3D’s export menu, select OBJ format, and save. The OBJ format preserves all the dimensional data needed for accurate cut lists while keeping file sizes manageable.
Double-check that every component is in the selection before you export. Exporting everything at once is easier than tracking down the missing pieces afterwards.
Step 3: Importing into Cutlist Evolution
Section titled “Step 3: Importing into Cutlist Evolution”Cutlist Evolution reads the OBJ file and recognizes each component’s dimensions. The 3D model becomes a structured cut list with part names, quantities, dimensions and grain direction indicators.
The import process handles the tedious work of measuring and documenting every piece, eliminating transcription errors and missed components. For detailed import instructions, check out the guide here: Importing from OBJ format.
Step 4: Refining Your Cut List
Section titled “Step 4: Refining Your Cut List”Cutlist Evolution gives you full control over the imported data. Adjust material thickness, rename components for clarity, specify grain direction, or group parts by assembly. You can also define your available stock sizes and let the optimizer work out the cutting patterns, which is where the material saving comes from.
Benefits of the Shapr3D to Cutlist Evolution Workflow
Section titled “Benefits of the Shapr3D to Cutlist Evolution Workflow”What used to take hours of measuring now takes minutes. Design in 3D, export, import, optimize, done.
Exporting straight from CAD also removes measurement error. The dimensions in the cut list match the design exactly, every time. What comes out the other end goes to the saw station as it is: cutting diagrams, material summaries and part labels.
Optimized cutting patterns typically reduce material waste by 15-20% compared to a layout worked out by hand.
The workflow suits any shop that already models in 3D. The measurements exist in the design. There is no reason to write them out a second time with a tape measure and a notepad.