Learn
Guides for planning sheet-goods cuts with Grainline Layout: preparing a parts list, choosing kerf and grain settings, and reading a layout before you cut.
Getting Started
What Is Grainline Layout? A Plywood Cut List Optimizer for Woodworking
Learn what Grainline Layout does, how it optimizes plywood and sheet cuts, and how it helps woodworkers plan cut lists, layouts, and material usage before cutting.
How to Prepare a Cut List Import File for Grainline Layout (CSV or XLSX)
Learn how to prepare a cut list import file for Grainline Layout using CSV or XLSX, including required columns, board assignment, grain direction, and import preview checks.
How to Make Your First Plywood Cut Plan in Grainline Layout
Create your first plywood cut plan in Grainline Layout by adding parts, assigning boards, setting kerf, and generating a layout you can review before cutting.
How to Read a Plywood Cutting Layout Before You Cut
Learn how to read a plywood cutting layout in Grainline, check board count, review part placement, and verify cut flow before taking the plan into the shop.
Guides
What Kerf Should You Use for a Track Saw or Table Saw Cut List?
Set the right kerf for your track saw or table saw so your cut list and plywood layout reflect the blade width you will actually cut with.
Plywood Grain Direction: Which Way It Runs and When It Actually Matters
Which way the grain runs on a sheet of plywood, why it rarely matters for strength in furniture, when it does, and why solid wood panels are a different story.
How to Edit Parts One by One or in Bulk in Grainline Layout
Learn how to edit parts in Grainline Layout one by one or in bulk so you can quickly correct dimensions, quantities, boards, and other cut list fields.
How to Set Grain Direction for Boards and Parts in Grainline Layout
Tell Grainline Layout which way the grain runs on a board and which parts must follow it, so visible parts keep their grain and hidden parts stay free to rotate.
How to Account for Edge Banding in Finished-Size Cut Layouts
Learn how to account for edge banding in Grainline Layout using finished sizes, edge assignments, and banding materials so net cut sizes are calculated automatically.
Why an Efficient Plywood Layout Can Still Be Awkward to Cut
Understand why a mathematically efficient plywood layout can still create an awkward, unreliable, or inefficient cut flow in a real woodworking shop.
Why a Part Can Fail to Fit Even When the Board Looks Big Enough
Learn why a plywood part may fail to fit even when the board looks large enough, including trim, kerf, grain direction, and board selection issues.
Help
Grainline Layout Pricing, Free Plan, and Usage Limits
Understand Grainline Layout pricing, what stays free, what Plus changes, and which usage limits apply to guests, free accounts, and Plus users.
Grainline Layout FAQ
Quick answers to common Grainline Layout questions about projects, imports, cut layouts, account limits, and everyday woodworking workflow issues.