Nest
Pack the selection efficiently onto the workspace to minimize material waste.
The Nest dialog runs a packing algorithm on the selected shapes to fit them onto the workspace with as little wasted space as possible. Useful when cutting many parts from a single sheet.
When it opens
Menu: Arrange → Nest Selected, with multiple objects selected.
Fields
| Field | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Spacing | mm, 0+, step 0.25 | Required gap between any two parts. |
| Allow Rotation | toggle | The packer may rotate parts to fit better. |
| Lock Inner Objects | toggle | Preserve child / nested geometry positions. |
| Allow Mirror | toggle | The packer may mirror parts for tighter packing. |
Buttons
- Cancel: dismiss.
- Nest (auto-focused), run the packer.
- Ctrl/Cmd + Enter: apply.
Notes
- Nesting runs asynchronously after the dialog closes. Watch the canvas for the result.
- Larger Minimum Spacing values produce safer cuts (more kerf tolerance) but waste material.
- Allow Mirror only helps for symmetric or mirror-acceptable parts. Turn off when chirality matters.
- Settings persist in app state, next time the defaults match your last use.
Related
- Grid Array and Circular Array, for regular patterns rather than packing
- Nest shapes for material efficiency guide
- Modifiers Toolbar