CutList Optimizer vs PolyBoard: Which Should You Use?
The verdict
CutList Optimizer and PolyBoard are both home & construction design tools, compared here side by side. CutList Optimizer is free, with limits (Paid) and runs in any web browser with nothing to install; PolyBoard is free, with limits (Paid) and is a desktop install with no browser version. The main difference is where they run: CutList Optimizer works in the browser with nothing to install, while PolyBoard is a desktop app.
Free tiers & pricing last verified Jun 23, 2026.
Pick CutList Optimizer if…
Free, with limitsOptimizing sheet-goods cuts for cabinets
Pick PolyBoard if…
Free, with limitsCustom cabinetmakers designing parametric carcasses
Side by side
CutList Optimizer
Free, with limitsFree browser optimizer for panel cutting layouts; a low-cost Pro tier removes limits and ads but the core tool is usable free.
PolyBoard
Free, with limitsFree demo download includes all design functionality; it just cannot output manufacturing documents (cutting lists, plans, CNC files), which require purchase.
Read the full reviews
CutList Optimizer
Free browser optimizer for panel cutting layouts; a low-cost Pro tier removes limits and ads but the core tool is usable free.
PolyBoard
Free demo download includes all design functionality; it just cannot output manufacturing documents (cutting lists, plans, CNC files), which require purchase.
CutList Optimizer vs PolyBoard: questions, answered
What is the main difference between CutList Optimizer and PolyBoard?
The main difference is where they run: CutList Optimizer works in the browser with nothing to install, while PolyBoard is a desktop app.
Is CutList Optimizer or PolyBoard free?
CutList Optimizer is free, with limits and PolyBoard is free, with limits. CutList Optimizer: Free browser optimizer for panel cutting layouts; a low-cost Pro tier removes limits and ads but the core tool is usable free. PolyBoard: Free demo download includes all design functionality; it just cannot output manufacturing documents (cutting lists, plans, CNC files), which require purchase.