DXF nesting online: from drawing to cutting layout

1. Import the part outlines

Export the cutting contours from your drawing as text DXF or SVG. Include closed outer outlines and their closed internal cutouts. Keep dimensions, labels and engraving artwork in the original drawing; this step arranges cutting contours.

Import the file, then compare a known width or height with the dimensions shown in NestForge. Resolve a unit or scale mismatch before nesting. DWG needs conversion to DXF in your CAD software first.

2. Set the quantities and stock

Enter the required quantity for each part and the usable sheet width and height. Quantities count toward the total: five outlines with two copies each make ten parts.

Choose the allowed rotations for the material. Keep directional parts aligned when grain or finish matters. Set part spacing and sheet margin to suit your cutting process; kerf compensation is a separate setting.

3. Start with a quick layout

Use Draft effort for an initial run. The progress display shows processing phases, counters and elapsed time. Higher effort gives the search more work to do; use it when you want to explore a better arrangement.

Where supported, Stop — keep best result ends the search after the current step and checks the best layout found. Cancel discards the current run immediately. A fixed seed is useful when repeating the same job and settings.

4. Export for your cutting software

NestForge prepares the layout geometry. It does not generate machine toolpaths or G-code.

1. Check that the required parts are placed and review any unplaced parts. Inspect holes, margins and neighbouring contours.
2. Export DXF or SVG for the next software step, or PDF for a layout overview. The DXF export also offers strict R12 POLYLINE for software that needs that format.
3. Open the exported file in your cutting or CAM software and check a reference dimension. Set cutting order, lead-ins, tooling or laser parameters there.

5. Try the supplied eight-part project

The acrylic enclosure example includes prepared DXFs, a saved project, instructions and actual exports. Its eight-part, one-sheet project fits the free version. A second layout shows the same parts on two smaller sheets.

For these stock choices, the total sheet area changes from 0.54 m² to 0.48 m². The guide shows the settings and both results so you can reproduce the comparison. You can recalculate the two-sheet option for free; exporting it needs the full version.

• Open the acrylic enclosure example and files

Before you start

Calculating and viewing are free at any size. DXF/SVG/PDF export is free up to 10 parts, counting copies, on one sheet. No account is needed. The full v1 license costs €49 once and exports larger jobs and multiple sheets.

Files are processed on your computer. For support, you can download a diagnostic report without geometry, part names or license data; it is never sent automatically.

• Watch the 28-second product demo
• Compare free nesting tools
• Set part spacing and kerf