> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.opencutlist.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.opencutlist.org/features/parts/parts-list/cutting-diagrams/sheet-goods.md).

# Sheet Goods

## Grain Direction

Materials without grain direction allow a part to be rotated by 90° if a better fit can be found. 

If you are using material with grain direction, but the grain direction is not important for a few parts, because these parts are hidden, let **OpenCutList** know that grain direction shall be ignored. This can be done in the tab [**Axes** ](/features/parts/parts-list/edit-part.md#axes)of the **Properties** of the part. 

## Material Tab

<figure><img src="/files/7qIX2zrZPgd98oLNhxld" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Material of type **Sheet Good** must be configured before a cutting diagram can be computed, see [Materials](/features/applying-materials.md#sheet-good). By convention, length is read on the red axis of your components. If the material has a grain direction, the grain runs along the first dimension. Select a **Standard Panel** size and/or list the **Offcuts** you would like to be considered first.

The standard panel size is assumed to be available in unlimited quantity. If additional space is required, the cutting diagram algorithm will generate a new panel with these dimensions.

{% hint style="info" %}
If the grain direction runs across the panel, swap length and width of the panel dimensions. A panel with dimension `2000mm x 1250mm` and grain running across the width, should be entered as `1250mm x 2000mm`.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="success" %}
Any number of offcuts can be added. These will be considered first when computing the cutting diagram. When standard panels are not available, the parts may not all be placed.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
It is not possible to configure several standard panel sizes and let **OpenCutList** decide which panel is best for you.
{% endhint %}

## Configuration Tab

<figure><img src="/files/6EjfrLjsbrRhuFKLkf36" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Configure the **Blade Thickness** and a **Trimming Size** to be applied around the raw panel.&#x20;

You also need to select an **Optimization Level** (Medium is faster but may sometimes miss a good solution, Advanced makes more computations but may take much more time). Finally, select a **Preferred Direction**, which determines if parts should rather be aligned lengthwise, widthwise, without preference, or ask **OpenCutList** to check for all three possibilities.&#x20;

When multiple panels are required, the last choice may select a different stacking preference per panel; otherwise, the same or no stacking preference is applied to all panels.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Always try different Optimization Levels and Preferred Directions for your particular problem. There is no guarantee that one option combination will always provide a better cutting diagram than another.
{% endhint %}

## Display Tab

<figure><img src="/files/tKukLb0MGi84ztwRLmBp" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The **Display Tab** lets you configure the appearance of the resulting **Cutting Diagram**.

{% hint style="success" %}
Remember to save your preferences using the **Presets**.
{% endhint %}

## Cutting Diagram

At the top of the cutting diagrams, a **Summary** displays the settings in use, the panel sizes, quantity, area, and the number of parts placed onto each panel. At the bottom of each cutting diagram, OpenCutList indicates the **length of all cuts** (excluding the trimming cuts) and the **efficiency** of the placements onto the panel.

<figure><img src="/files/BurOMD4bVLehSo5VoXwd" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>