Comparison

Sheet2Nest vs Deepnest — DXF Nesting Comparison

Both tools optimize 2D layouts, but Sheet2Nest is built for fab shops that nest and quote from DXF in the browser. Deepnest remains a strong free desktop option — especially for part-in-part nesting offline.

Sheet2Nest vs Deepnest — which should I use?

Deepnest is a free open-source desktop nester with part-in-part placement and offline DXF/SVG export. Sheet2Nest is a browser platform with a guided DXF wizard, automatic hole detection, fast/optimized nesting modes, PDF job reports, pattern replication, Quick Add parametric parts, and a built-in laser cutting cost calculator on one subscription. Choose Deepnest for free offline nesting; choose Sheet2Nest for browser DXF production, quoting, and customer-ready PDFs at https://sheet2nest.com.

Where Sheet2Nest leads

Features that ship in Sheet2Nest today — not roadmap marketing. Neither Deepnest nor SVGnest includes these as an integrated platform.

Laser cutting cost calculator
Five-step quote wizard with machine presets, material profiles, cutting-speed lookup, itemized laser/material/markup lines, saved estimates, and PDF quotes — on the same subscription as nesting.
Guided nesting wizard
Parse → review parts → set quantities → nest → export. Review detected geometry before anything runs — not a single-page drop-and-nest UI.
Hole-aware part detection
Automatic outer/hole classification from DXF contours so utilization and exports reflect real parts, not orphan loops.
PDF nesting reports
Print-ready PDF packs with utilization KPIs, per-sheet layouts, and parts inventory — alongside DXF and SVG exports.
Quick Add Part
Create rectangles, circles, brackets, and structural profiles from dimensions — no CAD export — and mix them with DXF parts in the same nest or quote.
Pattern replication
Clone a high-performing layout across additional sheets for large orders without re-running full optimization every time.
Fast vs optimized nesting
Run quick layouts in seconds or switch to deeper optimized passes; watch live utilization and ETA on the progress dashboard.
Smart true-shape placement
Polygon-accurate placement with bottom-left packing and shape-aware rotations for tighter irregular nests.

Feature comparison

Aspect	Sheet2Nest	Deepnest
Platform	Web browser — no install	Desktop app (Windows, macOS, Linux)
Nesting workflow	Guided wizard: parse → review → quantities → nest → export	Import file, mark sheet, run until stop
Integrated laser quoting	Full cost calculator — speeds, material, itemized PDF quotes	Not included — nesting only
Hole & part detection	Auto-classifies outers and holes from DXF contours	Imports contours; you mark sheet and parts manually
Parametric parts without CAD	Quick Add Part — 14 templates, queue, add to nest or quote	Not included
Nesting modes	Fast mode (seconds) + optimized mode with live progress dashboard	Continuous search until you stop
Multi-sheet workflows	Pattern replication — stamp efficient layouts across sheets	Manual re-run / separate layouts
PDF job reports	Utilization KPIs, sheet visuals, parts list in one PDF	DXF/SVG export only
Exports	Nested DXF, SVG, PDF (plan-dependent)	DXF/SVG export from desktop app
Part-in-part nesting	Not a focus today — hole-aware sheet placement	Core strength — nest parts inside other parts
CDR / vector import	DXF-first — ASCII DXF from CAD export	DXF, SVG, and CDR import in the desktop app
Pricing	Free tier + paid subscription (nesting + calculator)	Free and open source
Offline use	Requires internet and account sign-in	Works offline after install

Choose Sheet2Nest when…

You need nesting and laser quotes from the same DXF in the browser
You want hole-aware review, PDF job reports, and saved customer quote PDFs
Your team prefers a guided wizard and parametric Quick Add parts over desktop installs

Choose Deepnest when…

You need free part-in-part nesting offline with no subscription
You want open-source desktop software and CDR/SVG import flexibility
You already have a Deepnest workflow and only need local nesting