Sheet layout

Types of layout

• Template-based layout This layout technique sets rules for the arrangement of four layout parts in two rows and two columns. You then select a rule, and the program follows it to populate a selected sheet with layout parts. Using waste area-based statistics, you can control how the program applies the selected layout template onto different sheet sizes. You can choose between using a predefined template for arraying a layout, or defining your own template. In the latter case, the program saves the template, and you can then use it for building new layouts in future jobs or use it in other layout techniques — for example, automatic layout or rectangular array.
• Statistics-based automatic layout The technique offers detailed statistics for all the combinations of the existing layout templates as applied to various sheet sizes. The combinations are ranked by waste area and contrastingly visualized, which helps you select the solution you need for your production needs.
• One-sheet nesting layout The technique nests the layout parts onto a single sheet, taking into account the required production run so that as few sheets are used as possible. You select a sheet and set a production run. The program then produces the optimal distribution of the 1ups for the selected sheet. The one-sheet layout nesting technique is best suited (1) for laying out the same structure but fitted with different graphics or (2) when you need to lay out 1ups with irregular shapes, where using the template-based or automatic layout technique would produce greater waste.
• Display nesting layout A functionality best suited for building layouts out of the components of a multipart structure — for example, displays or furniture items for producing a set quantity with least costs. The program separates the structure's parts automatically into groups by material, and then nests them into the set sheet sizes. The layout results are then ranked by cost, not by waste area. This layout technique is best when the production uses samplemaking machines.
• Manual layout The program opens a blank drawing in which you begin to build you own layout by manually adding the sheet and the layout parts. You can save time by using arraying methods — rectangular array or part connection array.