Grain matching & direction
When grain matters, how to set it per part, and how Cabsmith keeps the figure running the right way across a layout.
On veneered ply, melamine and solid panels, grain direction is the difference between a cabinet that looks built and one that looks assembled. Cabsmith lets you lock grain per part so the optimizer never rotates a panel the wrong way to save a few millimetres.
Three grain rules
- Rotate allowed — the part can turn 90° freely; use it for hidden parts and non-directional sheet.
- Grain along length — the figure must run the long way; the part can’t be rotated.
- Grain along width — the figure must run the short way.
In the diagram, the faint parallel lines inside each part show which way the grain runs after nesting — a quick visual check before you cut.
Locking grain removes the optimizer’s freedom to rotate, so expect slightly lower yield on directional jobs. That’s the right trade — a matched run is worth an extra offcut.
Matching across a cabinet
For a continuous look across doors and drawer fronts, keep those parts on the same sheet and the same orientation. Add them together, give them all the same grain rule, and the optimizer will keep the figure marching in the same direction.
Try it on your next job
Free to download, free to cut with — no account needed.