Import Data

Before you import any data, ensure that your number format is set correctly in the Options panel.

You cannot use notation (e.g. [ ’ ] or [ “ ]) in your data, and you must use a single type of unit throughout.

Your browser will detect your locale and your thousands and decimal separators will be set accordingly. If you choose to use separators, please use the detected separators in your data.

Once the data has been parsed, it will be converted to use decimal separators as [ . ] and no thousand separators. Read more about number format.

Import CSV

CSV is a common format which can be exported from any spreadsheet software.

The CSV import method attempts to automatically recognise your column headers and match them to the correct fields. There are a few rules you need to follow to make the process work.

• You must have a separate sheet for stock and parts and import them individually - indicate which type you’re importing using the radio buttons.
• Each sheet must have column headers, and they should be the top row of the sheet.
• Trim and banding must be in a single cell, separated by a comma (format is Y,N,Y,N for banding and 10,10,10,10 for trim). The order is L1, L2, W1, W2 - read more about side references.
• Rotation expects ‘L’ for length (long side) horizontal and ‘W’ for width (short side) horizontal.
• Grain expects ‘L’ or ‘W’. If grain is not provided, it will be assumed to be ‘L’ for the long side.

You do not have to use all of the available column headings if you don’t use them.

The tool will try and automatically detect and map your column headings to the correct field - if this is not successful, you can manually map the columns.

After you’ve dropped your CSV file you will be shown a preview of the data. If it looks ok, click the Import button and the data will be imported to the Inputs panel.

Import 3D Model

Drop a 3D model - OBJ, STL, PLY, glTF/GLB, 3MF, Collada (DAE) or STEP - and Cutlist Evolution breaks it down into cuttable parts, or send a model live from SketchUp with no file to export.

Both live on a page of their own, the 3D model cutlist generator, reached from the Import 3D model button in this panel or from the main menu. It has its own guide: 3D Model Cutlist Generator.

Import DXF

DXF is a format commonly used in CAD software.

This functionality has been tested with the multi-file exports from CabinetSense and Pro100, but it should work with other exports. One part per file is required for the import to work correctly.

Supported Part Types

The import will attempt to extract parts from the file. Any parts which are not rectangular will be converted to a rectangle using a bounding box. Parts must be axis aligned.

Precision

If the detected bounding boxes are not accurate enough or too accurate, you can adjust the precision of the import.

Store Files for Editing

If you would like to create an optimized DXF using these imports as the source, check this option.

Grain

Grain can be set to the long or short side of the stock. By default, the longer side of the stock / part is oriented horizontally.

If using CabinetSense or other software, ensure the grain is set accordingly (long side horizontal = grain horizontal).

Drop the File

Then simply drop in the DXF file and a preview of the data will be shown in the table. Not all parts will be shown in the list.

The length, width, thickness, quantity, name and material will be extracted from the file as supported by the software you’re using.

Paste from Spreadsheet

Importing from spreadsheets such as Excel is quick and straightforward. You can copy data from your spreadsheet and paste it directly into the Import panel.

Ensure you create a sheet with all the columns indicated in the Import panel - leave them blank if not needed.

Copy all the values directly from the spreadsheet and paste them into the input field, leaving out any column labels. A preview of your data is generated - if it looks ok then click the Import button. Your parts & stock will now be ready to view in the Inputs panel.

If you’re using materials, ensure the stock is imported first with the material specified. Import the parts next, and the materials will be matched to the existing stock items.

Once the data has been parsed, it will be converted to use decimal separators as . and no thousand separators so make sure your imported data looks correct.

Import with AI

If you have a PDF or photo of a cutting plan, you can let your own AI assistant read it and send the dimensions straight into your cutlist, rather than typing them in by hand. Your assistant does the reading. Cutlist Evolution receives the parts for you to check.

This uses MCP (Model Context Protocol), supported by assistants such as Claude Desktop. It requires an API plan, and you connect your own assistant, so SmartCut never sees your files.

One-time setup

Open the Import panel and choose the AI tab. It shows two things to add to your assistant as an MCP server:

• MCP server URL, the address your assistant connects to.
• Your API key, which authenticates your assistant. Click Reveal, then Copy, and keep it private.

Add these to your assistant’s MCP / connectors settings (see your assistant’s own documentation for where that is).

Importing a plan

1. In the AI tab, copy the short connection code shown.
2. In your assistant, attach your plan (PDF or image) and ask it to “import this cutting plan into SmartCut”, giving it the connection code.
3. Your assistant reads the dimensions and sends them across. The parts appear in a preview in the AI tab.
4. Check the parts, editing any value or removing a row as you go, then click Import. They’re added to the Inputs panel.

The connection code expires after about 15 minutes. If your assistant says no session is listening, reopen the AI tab and give it the new code. Nothing is imported until you confirm, so you always get the final say on what lands in your cutlist.