How to Import Cut Lists from Excel
Typing a long part list by hand is slow and error-prone. Importing it from Excel lets you load hundreds of parts in seconds, straight from the spreadsheet where your project was already planned. Here is how to prepare and import a clean cut list.
Format your spreadsheet
- One row per part type.
- Columns for width, length, and quantity at minimum.
- Optional columns for part name/label and grain or rotation rules.
- Consistent units in every cell — no mixing mm and inches.
Clean the data
Remove blank rows, stray notes, and merged cells that confuse importers. Make sure numeric columns contain only numbers (no units typed inside the cell). A tidy sheet imports cleanly the first time.
Import into the optimizer
In CutList Machine you upload the Excel file and map your columns to width, length, quantity, and label. The parts populate instantly, ready to optimize. You can also paste rows directly from a spreadsheet for quick edits.
Verify before optimizing
Scan the imported list for obvious errors — a misplaced decimal or a quantity of 100 instead of 10 will wreck the layout. Confirm totals look right, then run the optimization.
Frequently asked questions
What columns do I need at minimum?
Width, length, and quantity. Adding a label column makes the cutting diagram easier to follow, and a rotation/grain column lets you control orientation.
Can I paste instead of uploading a file?
Yes. CutList Machine supports pasting rows directly from a spreadsheet, which is handy for quick additions or small lists.
Put this into practice
Plan tighter layouts and cut less waste with the free CutList Machine optimizer.
Launch the optimizerRelated articles
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