Which CAD programs does SmartNest work with?
All of them. Copy in Rhino (7 or 8), AutoCAD, BricsCAD, DraftSight or any Windows CAD program and paste into SmartNest, or open DXF, DWG, STEP, 3DM, SVG, STL and OBJ files. SmartNest 3D runs on Windows 10 and 11.
Do I have to export files to nest?
No. Copy the parts in your CAD program and press Ctrl+V in SmartNest, nest, and export DXF, SVG or 3DM sheets at 0,0, ready for your post-processor. Piece tags go in a separate reference file, never in the cut file.
What is auto-bridging and which plan has it?
Bridging adds tiny uncut tabs to closed cut-outs, like the centers of letters, so they do not fall through the cutting bed. It is included in the Pro plan.
Does it work for woodworking, not just metal?
Yes. SmartNest nests any flat part on any sheet. Wood shops use it on CNC routers for cabinet parts, shelves, signs and furniture from plywood, MDF and melamine. Set the profile's kerf to your bit diameter and add your sheet goods as materials.
How does inventory work?
The Inventory tab tracks every full sheet and drop by material, thickness, size and shelf. Search "14 ga cold roll" to see where it is. Set up your shelves and racks from presets, and SmartNest places new stock for you and gives you a put-away list to organize the shop. Every plan includes inventory; Pro shares it live across all seats and the website.
Will it really use my offcuts?
Yes. Pick the job's material on the Nest screen and SmartNest nests onto your drops of that material first, smallest first, then your stocked sheets, and only then counts new ones. The stock check tells you what to pull from which shelf and how many more sheets you need. Click "Cut done" and inventory updates itself.
Can I export one sheet at a time?
Yes. Export the sheet on screen, every sheet as its own file, or all sheets in one file. The sheet outline is optional and the drop cut is included, so the drop comes off clean.
Can I set the kerf for my exact machine?
Yes. Each machine profile carries its own kerf, spacing, allowed rotations and which side of the sheet nesting starts from. Cut a test coupon and save the measured kerf back to the profile.
Is there a free trial?
Yes. Trials are license-key based, not an open download. Request a trial key and we issue it after a quick eligibility and fraud check, then it activates SmartNest for 7 days. No card required.
Can the whole shop share one license?
Pro includes three seats and one shared shop inventory. Need more? Add extra seats to Shop or Pro for $5/month each, right from your billing page.