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NestIQ vs nesting by hand
Many shops arrange parts on the sheet by hand in their CAD program. It works, it costs nothing extra, and a skilled person can do it well. Here is when that is enough, and when software can help.
About Nesting by hand or in CAD
What we know about Nesting by hand or in CAD.
This comparison is about the process, not a specific product. Nesting by hand means dragging and rotating parts in a CAD or drawing program until they fit.
| Feature | NestIQ | Nesting by hand or in CAD |
|---|---|---|
| Extra cost | Free plan, then paid plans in INR | None beyond your CAD software and time |
| Setup | Browser, no install | Whatever you already use |
| Time per layout | A search runs and shows a live preview; you can also place parts by hand | Depends on the person and the job |
| Same result each time | Settings and defaults are saved per workspace | Depends on who does it |
| Layout check | Independent final validation for overlaps and containment | You check by eye |
| Parts inside cutouts | Optional hole nesting | Possible, if you spot the gap |
| Records | Projects saved in the cloud; PDF job report with material saved and cost and time estimates | Files on your computer |
| Full control | Manual mode to place and rotate parts yourself | Total |
Information about other products is from their public pages as of October 2026 and may change.
Choose Nesting by hand or in CAD if...
- You cut a few simple jobs a week and the layouts are quick.
- Your parts are mostly rectangles and the hand layout is already tight.
- Your CAD program already does what you need and the sheet cost is small.
Choose NestIQ if...
- Layouts take you long enough that the time is a real cost.
- Results change depending on who does the nest.
- You cut many different shaped parts, or parts with holes that could hold smaller ones.
- You want a record of material used and estimated cost per job.
- You still want to adjust by hand, without losing the automatic starting point.
Try it on a job you have already nested by hand and compare the two layouts yourself. The Free plan lets you do that without a credit card.
Bring a drawing. Leave with a better layout.
Upload a DXF or SVG, set the sheet size and kerf, and see the first layout in your browser.