# Options

URL: https://cutlistevo.com/guide/options

> Configure number format, material type, cut type, cut preference and spacing in Cutlist Evolution.

## Number Format

Number format can be set to **Decimal** or **Fraction**, please refer to the [number format](/guide#number-format) section for more information.

## Material Type

There are several stock type options.

1. **Sheet material** is for use with plywood, MDF, acrylic, or any other sheet materials
2. **Linear material** selecting this option will remove the width inputs and adjust the visualisation for easier use with long thin materials such as construction timber. When using this option, you can ignore the width measurements on the exports and visualisation.
3. **Roll** is for optimising a single roll of material. The total length of material required is calculated.

## Cut Type

There are several cut type options.

1. **Efficiency / CNC** - this is the default option, it will try to use as little material as possible
2. **Guillotine** - this is for use with saws that cut edge to edge in a straight line
3. **Beam / panel saws** - a special setting for computer-controlled saws

## Cut Preference

There are several cut preference options available with the **Guillotine** cut type

1. **Length cuts** - this is the default option, it will cut along the length of the stock first
2. **Width cuts** - will cut along the width of the stock first

## Efficiency / CNC Mode

This is ideal if you're using a jigsaw, laser cutter or CNC machine. The algorithm prioritizes layouts with the minimum number of cuts and the least waste.

**Part compression direction** - while in maximum efficiency mode - you can choose to suggest how the parts should be stacked - either from bottom to top (stock width), which is the default option or left to right (stock length).

## Guillotine > Length Cuts

This setting is designed for guillotine cutting machines such as table or beam saws when ripping stock.

While in a guillotine mode there are several options.

- **Stock efficiency** - make the most of the stock, even if it takes a bit longer to make the cuts.
- **Time efficiency** - reduce the number of fence adjustments when using a table saw or adjustable stop.

## Guillotine > Width Cuts

Use this setting if you prefer guillotine cross-cuts - for example, when using a miter saw or a cross-cut sled on a table saw.

The same options are available as for length cuts.

## Minimum Spacing

This global minimum spacing setting can only be used with the **Efficiency / CNC** cut type. This setting will ensure that parts are not placed too close together and can be useful when using a CNC machine with a vacuum bed.

Minimum spacing operates between parts and the edges of the stock, but will allow parts to be placed exactly on the edges of the stock.

## Dimension Specific Minimum Spacing

This setting allows you to set a minimum spacing for parts with a side less than or equal to the **Maximum dimension**.