How Do I Use Cutlist in SketchUp?

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Are you struggling with organizing your woodworking projects in SketchUp? Look no further!

In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of using Cutlist in SketchUp to efficiently manage and optimize your materials. Let’s get started!

What is Cutlist?

Before we dive into the details, let’s quickly understand what Cutlist is. Cutlist is a powerful extension for SketchUp that helps you generate optimized cutting diagrams and material lists for your woodworking projects. It allows you to maximize material usage, reduce waste, and save time by automatically calculating the best way to cut your stock.

Installation

To begin using Cutlist in SketchUp, you’ll need to install the extension. Here’s how:

  1. Step 1: Launch SketchUp and go to the ‘Window’ menu.
  2. Step 2: Select ‘Extension Warehouse’ from the dropdown menu.
  3. Step 3: In the Extension Warehouse window, search for ‘Cutlist’.
  4. Step 4: Click on the ‘Install’ button next to the Cutlist extension.

Note: You may need to sign in with your Trimble ID to complete the installation process.

Generating a Cutlist

Once you have installed Cutlist, it’s time to generate a cutlist for your project. Follow these steps:

  1. Step 1: Open your project in SketchUp.
  2. Step 2: Go to the ‘Extensions’ menu and select ‘Cutlist’.
  3. Step 3: In the Cutlist dialog box, click on the ‘Create New’ button.
  4. Step 4: Specify the name of your project and enter other relevant details.
  5. Step 5: Click on the ‘OK’ button to generate the cutlist.

Note: Make sure you have properly defined components and groups in your SketchUp model before generating the cutlist for accurate results.

Analyzing the Cutlist

After generating the cutlist, you can analyze and optimize it to suit your needs. Cutlist provides various options for customization and optimization. Here are some key features:

Bold Text

If you want to highlight specific items in your cutlist, you can use the <b> tag. For example, you can mark certain parts as ‘critical’ or ‘high priority’ by making them bold in the cutlist.

Underlined Text

To emphasize important information or notes in your cutlist, you can use the <u> tag. For instance, if there are specific instructions or warnings related to certain components, underlining them will make them stand out.

List Formatting

The use of lists can greatly enhance readability and organization in a cutlist. You can create unordered lists using the

    <ul>

tag and list items using the

  • <li>

    • tag. This is particularly useful when listing multiple parts or materials.

    Saving and Exporting

    Once you are satisfied with your optimized cutlist, you can save it for future reference or export it in various formats. Cutlist allows you to save your cutlist as a CSV file, HTML file, or print it directly from SketchUp.

    Conclusion

    Cutlist is an invaluable tool for woodworkers using SketchUp. With its ability to generate optimized cutting diagrams and material lists, it simplifies the planning and execution of woodworking projects. By following the steps outlined in this tutorial, you can harness the power of Cutlist to streamline your workflow and maximize efficiency in your woodworking endeavors.

    Happy woodworking!