Use fixed dimensions deliberately
A fixed row keeps its entered width aligned with sheet width and height with sheet height. Decide how the stock grain runs and enter every grain-sensitive part accordingly. The optimizer cannot infer grain direction or face appearance from a part name.
Allow rotation only when acceptable
A free row can rotate by 90 degrees to use space more efficiently. That may be appropriate for isotropic material or hidden components, but not necessarily for visible matching panels. The placement CSV and diagram label every rotated part so the decision remains reviewable.
Account for defects separately
Knots, veneer patches, chipped edges and matching requirements are not represented by a plain rectangle. Mark the physical stock before cutting and revise the plan if a defect lies inside a needed part. Keep a margin appropriate to your actual finishing process.
Enter part rows with a common orientation
Each row follows name | width | height | quantity | fixed-or-free. For example, Side | 600 | 800 | 2 | fixed requests two parts whose 800 mm direction remains aligned with sheet height. Use that convention consistently if grain runs along sheet height. Changing a name to “vertical side” does not alter the optimizer’s orientation rule.
A row such as Shelf | 560 | 380 | 4 | free allows each copy to rotate by 90 degrees when that fits a free region better. Read the rotated flag in the placement CSV and the labeled drawing before marking stock. Repeated parts can occupy different orientations when rotation is permitted.
Try a fit that demonstrates the constraint
A 600 × 400 part can fit a 500 × 700 usable rectangle only after rotating, assuming the remaining cut allowances permit it. Marking it fixed correctly prevents that apparent saving. If a visible grain-sensitive part does not fit, use different stock or revise the design instead of changing the flag merely to obtain a lower sheet count. Bookmatching, face selection and mirrored veneer appearance need additional manual planning.