Free Nesting Software in 2026 — 5 Options Compared (Including Truly Free)

The most common search in the nesting software space is “free nesting software” — and for good reason. Industrial nesting tools like SigmaNEST and Lantek cost $5,000–$20,000 per year. For independent shops and makers, that’s simply not viable.

This guide covers all genuinely free nesting options available in 2026, what their real limitations are, and when it makes sense to upgrade.

What “free” actually means (a warning)

Before we start: “free” in software marketing means different things:

• Genuinely free — no payment, no time limit, full feature access
• Free tier — free with feature limits (job count, output formats, etc.)
• Free trial — free for a limited time, then requires payment
• “Free” with credit card — technically free to start but card is required

We’ll be clear about which category each tool falls into.

Option 1: Deepnest — Genuinely free, but abandoned

Type: Genuinely free (open source, GPL license)
Platform: Windows / macOS desktop download
Last updated: 2021 (v1.0.5)

Deepnest was, for years, the gold standard of free nesting software. It performs true-shape irregular nesting using a genetic algorithm, accepts DXF and SVG input, and outputs DXF and SVG.

What’s actually free:

• Full feature access with no limits
• No account required
• Source code available on GitHub

Real limitations:

• Not maintained since 2021 — no bug fixes, no new features
• Windows and macOS only — no Linux, no browser version
• No G-code, PLT, or PDF export
• No project history or cloud storage
• Desktop installation required

Best for: Hobbyists and makers who need a free, offline-first tool and don’t need G-code output.

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Option 2: SVGNest — Browser-based but limited

Type: Genuinely free (open source)
Platform: Browser (no install)
Last updated: ~2016

SVGNest is the older sibling of Deepnest (same original developer). Its main advantage is running entirely in the browser — you don’t need to install anything. It also has good academic documentation of the underlying NFP algorithm.

What’s actually free:

• Full browser-based nesting, no login
• SVG input and output

Real limitations:

• SVG input only — no DXF support (major limitation for CAD-based workflows)
• Effectively abandoned since 2016
• Very dated interface
• No G-code, PLT, or PDF output
• No project storage

Best for: Hobbyists with SVG-based workflows (e.g., from Inkscape, Illustrator) who need a quick online layout tool.

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Option 3: Lapas free plan — Free tier with real limits

Type: Free tier (account required, no credit card)
Platform: Browser
Limits: 5 nesting jobs per month, 30 parts per job

Lapas’s free plan is the most capable free browser-based option — it accepts DXF and SVG, performs true-shape nesting, provides live preview, and exports to DXF and SVG. The limits (5 jobs/month, 30 parts) are sufficient for small volumes or evaluation.

What’s actually free:

• 5 nesting jobs per month (no credit card)
• DXF and SVG import
• True-shape nesting with live preview
• DXF and SVG export
• Real-time utilization statistics

Real limitations:

• 5 jobs/month — not enough for production use
• G-code, PLT, and PDF export require Pro ($49/month)
• 30 parts per job limit on free plan

Best for: Small shops and individuals who need occasional nesting, or anyone evaluating the tool before committing to Pro.

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Option 4: CutWize — Free demo, paid for real use

Type: Free demo (limited)
Platform: Browser
Note: Handles 1D (linear) and 2D nesting

CutWize offers a free demo with no signup — you can try the optimizer immediately. It’s notable for handling both 1D (bar/pipe cutting) and 2D sheet nesting in one tool, which is useful for shops cutting both flat sheet and linear stock.

Real limitations:

• Demo mode only — actual use requires a paid plan
• Less mature than Deepnest or Lapas
• Smaller community and documentation

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Option 5: Nest&Cut by Alma — 30-day free trial

Type: Free trial (30 days)
Platform: Browser
After trial: $59/month

Alma’s Nest&Cut is a polished browser-based tool with a 30-day free trial (no credit card implied). The trial is long enough for a genuine evaluation. After 30 days, it’s $59/month — slightly more expensive than Lapas Pro.

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Comparison: free nesting tools

Tool	Genuinely free?	Browser?	DXF	G-code	Maintained?
Deepnest	✅ Yes	❌	✅	❌	❌ (2021)
SVGNest	✅ Yes	✅	❌	❌	❌ (2016)
Lapas (free)	✅ (5 jobs/mo)	✅	✅	❌ free / ✅ Pro	✅
CutWize (demo)	Demo only	✅	✅	Partial	✅
Nest&Cut	30-day trial	✅	✅	✅	✅

When to upgrade from free

The free tools (Deepnest, SVGNest) make sense if you:

• Need fewer than ~10 nesting jobs per month
• Don’t need G-code output
• Are comfortable with abandoned software
• Don’t need cloud storage or project history

Once you’re running more than 5–10 production nesting jobs per month, or you need G-code output, the ROI calculation changes entirely:

A Pro plan at $49/month that saves 20–25% on material will pay for itself on the first large order if you’re spending more than ~$250/month on sheet material.

The ROI calculator on our homepage can show you the exact breakeven point for your specific usage.

Bottom line

In 2026, the best genuinely free nesting tools are Deepnest (offline, DXF, no G-code) and Lapas’s free tier (browser-based, DXF, 5 jobs/month). For browser-based free use with SVG workflows, SVGNest still works despite being abandoned.

For production use requiring G-code or PDF output, the paid options ($29–$59/month) have ROI measured in days, not months.