Alternative to
Lapas vs Deepnest — which should you use?
Deepnest is a free, open-source nesting tool — but it hasn't been maintained since 2021. Here's a head-to-head comparison.
- You want to nest in the browser without installing anything
- You need PDF reports or clean DXF output
- You want to see nesting happen live in real time
- You're on a tablet, Chromebook, or any device
- You need active support and bug fixes
- You want cloud-based project history
- You need a completely free offline tool forever
- You only need DXF or SVG output
- You're comfortable with unmaintained software
- You prefer a native desktop app over a browser
- You don't need project management
Feature comparison
| Feature | Lapas | Deepnest | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Browser-based (no install) | |||
| Free to use | Both free | ||
| No credit card required | Both free | ||
| Actively maintained | Deepnest last updated 2021 | ||
| DXF import | |||
| SVG import | |||
| True-shape irregular nesting | |||
| Live real-time preview | Deepnest shows result after | ||
| PDF report export | |||
| DXF export (CAM-ready) | Lapas DXF is clean & layered | ||
| Multiple nesting engines | Fast heuristic + deep optimizer | ||
| Part-in-part nesting | |||
| Mobile / tablet support | Desktop app only | ||
| Works on Linux | |||
| Project history |
Verdict
Deepnest is an impressive open-source project. When it was released and actively maintained, it was arguably the best free option for true-shape irregular nesting. But its last commit was in 2021 — and the DXF nesting world has moved on. Modern DXF files from current versions of Fusion 360, SolidWorks, and FreeCAD regularly produce geometry Deepnest misreads or fails to import entirely.
If you're already using Deepnest and it works for your files, there's no urgency to switch. It still produces good nesting results on the geometry it handles correctly.
If you're evaluating options for the first time, or if you've hit Deepnest's limitations — file import failures, no browser support, no PDF output — Lapas is a direct upgrade. The free plan covers 5 jobs/month with no credit card required, so you can compare results on your actual files before committing.
Why shops switch from Deepnest
- File import failures
Deepnest struggles with complex DXF geometry — splines, ellipses, and nested INSERT/BLOCK entities from modern CAD tools often fail to import. Lapas handles the full DXF spec.
- No live preview
Deepnest shows you the result only after the run finishes. Lapas shows each part being placed in real time, so you can see utilization building up and stop early if needed.
- Windows only
Deepnest requires installation on Windows. Lapas runs in any browser — Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, iPad.
- No PDF export
Deepnest exports SVG/DXF only. Lapas adds a PDF report with sheet count, utilization stats, and part placement list — useful for job quoting and shop floor communication.
- No support
Deepnest is unmaintained open-source. Lapas has active human support by email and chat from the team who built the product.
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