Quick Overview
- 1#1: Mozaik Software - All-in-one CAD/CAM, nesting, labeling, and shop management platform designed specifically for custom woodworking and cabinetry production.
- 2#2: Microvellum - Comprehensive digital factory management software for millwork, cabinets, and architectural woodwork with integrated design, engineering, and manufacturing.
- 3#3: WoodPro Software - Integrated 3D design, parametric modeling, CNC programming, and business management suite for professional woodworkers and cabinetmakers.
- 4#4: Cabinet Vision - Parametric CAD/CAM software from Hexagon for efficient design, engineering, and CNC manufacturing of cabinets and custom furniture.
- 5#5: KCD NEST Expert - Advanced nesting, labeling, and CNC optimization software tailored for woodworking shops producing cabinets and furniture.
- 6#6: 2020 Design - 3D design and manufacturing software for kitchens, closets, and woodwork with cut lists, BOMs, and production management features.
- 7#7: Polyboard - Parametric 3D design software for cabinets and furniture with automatic cutting lists, nesting, and CNC export for wood shops.
- 8#8: MRPeasy - Cloud MRP/ERP software for small wood shops to manage inventory, production scheduling, BOMs, and shop floor operations.
- 9#9: Katana MRP - Real-time inventory and production planning MRP platform suitable for wood manufacturers tracking materials and assemblies.
- 10#10: Fishbowl Inventory - Robust inventory management and light manufacturing software for wood shops handling stock, orders, and work orders.
Tools were evaluated based on core functionality (design, CNC compatibility, BOM management), user experience (intuitive interfaces, onboarding support), and value proposition (scalability, pricing models), with a focus on delivering robust, reliable solutions across diverse shop sizes and production styles.
Comparison Table
Efficient wood shop management relies on specialized software, and this comparison table evaluates tools like Mozaik Software, Microvellum, WoodPro Software, Cabinet Vision, KCD NEST Expert, and more. By comparing these solutions, readers will gain insights into how each tool addresses unique needs—from design capabilities to production scheduling—to optimize their workflow.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mozaik Software All-in-one CAD/CAM, nesting, labeling, and shop management platform designed specifically for custom woodworking and cabinetry production. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | Microvellum Comprehensive digital factory management software for millwork, cabinets, and architectural woodwork with integrated design, engineering, and manufacturing. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | WoodPro Software Integrated 3D design, parametric modeling, CNC programming, and business management suite for professional woodworkers and cabinetmakers. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 4 | Cabinet Vision Parametric CAD/CAM software from Hexagon for efficient design, engineering, and CNC manufacturing of cabinets and custom furniture. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 6.9/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | KCD NEST Expert Advanced nesting, labeling, and CNC optimization software tailored for woodworking shops producing cabinets and furniture. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 6 | 2020 Design 3D design and manufacturing software for kitchens, closets, and woodwork with cut lists, BOMs, and production management features. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 7 | Polyboard Parametric 3D design software for cabinets and furniture with automatic cutting lists, nesting, and CNC export for wood shops. | specialized | 7.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 8 | MRPeasy Cloud MRP/ERP software for small wood shops to manage inventory, production scheduling, BOMs, and shop floor operations. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | Katana MRP Real-time inventory and production planning MRP platform suitable for wood manufacturers tracking materials and assemblies. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | Fishbowl Inventory Robust inventory management and light manufacturing software for wood shops handling stock, orders, and work orders. | enterprise | 7.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
All-in-one CAD/CAM, nesting, labeling, and shop management platform designed specifically for custom woodworking and cabinetry production.
Comprehensive digital factory management software for millwork, cabinets, and architectural woodwork with integrated design, engineering, and manufacturing.
Integrated 3D design, parametric modeling, CNC programming, and business management suite for professional woodworkers and cabinetmakers.
Parametric CAD/CAM software from Hexagon for efficient design, engineering, and CNC manufacturing of cabinets and custom furniture.
Advanced nesting, labeling, and CNC optimization software tailored for woodworking shops producing cabinets and furniture.
3D design and manufacturing software for kitchens, closets, and woodwork with cut lists, BOMs, and production management features.
Parametric 3D design software for cabinets and furniture with automatic cutting lists, nesting, and CNC export for wood shops.
Cloud MRP/ERP software for small wood shops to manage inventory, production scheduling, BOMs, and shop floor operations.
Real-time inventory and production planning MRP platform suitable for wood manufacturers tracking materials and assemblies.
Robust inventory management and light manufacturing software for wood shops handling stock, orders, and work orders.
Mozaik Software
specializedAll-in-one CAD/CAM, nesting, labeling, and shop management platform designed specifically for custom woodworking and cabinetry production.
Patented Shape Technology for intuitive, constraint-free 3D shape creation and real-time shop drawings.
Mozaik Software is a premier CAD/CAM solution designed specifically for woodworking professionals, enabling seamless 3D design, parametric modeling, and automated production workflows for cabinets, furniture, and millwork. It integrates advanced nesting, optimization, cut lists, and direct CNC machine output to streamline shop operations from concept to fabrication. With extensive material libraries, assemblies, and reporting tools, it minimizes waste and maximizes efficiency in wood shops.
Pros
- Exceptional 3D parametric design tools tailored for cabinetry and woodworking
- Seamless integration with CNC machines and optimizers for production efficiency
- Comprehensive libraries and automation reducing material waste and labor
Cons
- Steep learning curve for users new to CAD/CAM software
- High upfront cost may deter small shops
- Less flexible for non-cabinetry woodworking projects
Best For
Professional custom cabinet shops and mid-to-large woodworkers needing end-to-end design-to-manufacturing integration.
Pricing
One-time licenses start at $4,995 for core design module, with add-ons up to $15,000+ and optional annual maintenance around 15-20%.
Microvellum
enterpriseComprehensive digital factory management software for millwork, cabinets, and architectural woodwork with integrated design, engineering, and manufacturing.
Parametric engineering libraries that automatically generate machine-ready data from high-level designs
Microvellum is a comprehensive CAD/CAM software suite designed specifically for the woodworking industry, enabling seamless design, engineering, manufacturing, and management of custom cabinetry, millwork, and casegoods. It automates parametric modeling, generates precise cutlists and CNC machine outputs, and integrates shop floor data collection for optimized production workflows. Ideal for wood shops seeking end-to-end efficiency, it reduces errors and material waste through advanced nesting and inventory tools.
Pros
- Powerful parametric design libraries for rapid customization
- Seamless CNC integration and nesting optimization to minimize waste
- End-to-end workflow from quoting to shop floor execution
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant training
- High upfront and ongoing costs
- Limited flexibility for non-cabinetry woodworking applications
Best For
Medium to large custom cabinetry and millwork shops needing integrated design-to-manufacturing automation.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise pricing; perpetual licenses start around $15,000+ with annual maintenance, or subscription models from $5,000/year.
WoodPro Software
specializedIntegrated 3D design, parametric modeling, CNC programming, and business management suite for professional woodworkers and cabinetmakers.
Advanced nesting and cut list optimization that minimizes material waste and integrates directly with CNC machines
WoodPro Software is a specialized management platform tailored for woodworking shops, cabinetmakers, and custom furniture businesses. It provides end-to-end tools including estimating, job scheduling, inventory tracking, CRM, production management, and CNC integration for optimized workflows. The software excels in generating precise cut lists, material optimization, and shop floor control to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
Pros
- Highly specialized woodworking features like cut list optimization and CNC export
- Comprehensive job tracking from quote to delivery
- Strong inventory and material management for wood shops
Cons
- Dated user interface requiring training
- Limited third-party integrations
- Higher pricing for smaller shops
Best For
Medium-sized woodworking or cabinetry shops needing industry-specific production and estimating tools.
Pricing
Subscription starts at $149/month for Basic (single user), $299/month for Pro (multi-user), with Enterprise custom pricing.
Cabinet Vision
enterpriseParametric CAD/CAM software from Hexagon for efficient design, engineering, and CNC manufacturing of cabinets and custom furniture.
Shape-to-Machine technology for automated, error-free translation from 3D design to CNC toolpaths
Cabinet Vision by Hexagon is a professional-grade CAD/CAM software designed specifically for cabinetmakers and woodworkers, offering parametric 3D modeling for custom cabinetry and furniture design. It generates precise shop drawings, cut lists, material optimization, and CNC machine outputs, bridging the gap from design to manufacturing. Ideal for complex assemblies, it supports point-to-point machining and nesting to minimize waste in production environments.
Pros
- Powerful parametric design tools for complex cabinet assemblies
- Seamless integration with CNC routers and optimized nesting
- Accurate cut lists and material takeoffs for efficient shop floor production
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant training
- High upfront and ongoing costs
- Less focus on broader shop management like inventory or scheduling
Best For
Professional cabinet shops and custom woodworkers needing precise design-to-CNC manufacturing workflows.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $5,000–$15,000+ per license annually with maintenance fees.
KCD NEST Expert
specializedAdvanced nesting, labeling, and CNC optimization software tailored for woodworking shops producing cabinets and furniture.
True-shape angular nesting engine that optimizes complex, non-rectangular parts with unmatched precision
KCD NEST Expert is a specialized nesting software from KCD Software tailored for woodworking shops, optimizing part layouts on sheets to minimize material waste and streamline CNC cutting processes. It excels in true-shape nesting for complex, irregular, and compound-angled parts common in cabinetry and furniture manufacturing. The tool integrates with CAD/CAM systems and supports features like automatic labeling, defect mapping, and production reporting, making it a powerful addition to woodworking production workflows.
Pros
- Exceptional true-shape nesting algorithms that handle irregular and angled parts for maximum material efficiency
- Seamless integration with CNC routers and KCD's design suite for smooth production workflows
- Advanced tools like defect avoidance and automatic part labeling reduce errors and setup time
Cons
- Narrow focus on nesting optimization lacks broader shop management features like scheduling or inventory tracking
- Steep learning curve requires significant training for non-expert users
- High upfront cost may not suit very small shops with low-volume needs
Best For
Mid-sized woodworking shops focused on high-volume cabinetry or furniture production that need precise CNC nesting to cut material costs.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses starting at approximately $4,995, plus annual maintenance fees around 20% of license cost.
2020 Design
specialized3D design and manufacturing software for kitchens, closets, and woodwork with cut lists, BOMs, and production management features.
Parametric catalog library with drag-and-drop customization and real-time optimization for waste reduction.
2020 Design by Trimble is a specialized CAD/CAM software for woodworking professionals, particularly in cabinetry and millwork, offering advanced 3D modeling, parametric design, and manufacturing optimization. It generates precise cut lists, material takeoffs, and nesting plans for CNC machines, streamlining the transition from design to production. While strong in design and estimating, it integrates with broader shop tools but lacks native full-spectrum management like scheduling or inventory control.
Pros
- Exceptional 3D parametric design for custom cabinetry
- Advanced nesting and material optimization for CNC
- Accurate quoting, cut lists, and rendering capabilities
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Limited built-in shop management beyond design/estimating
- High pricing may not suit very small operations
Best For
Mid-sized wood shops specializing in custom cabinetry and CNC manufacturing that prioritize design precision over general business management.
Pricing
Subscription-based, starting at ~$125/month for basic Designer edition, up to $300+/month for advanced Manufacturing suites with add-ons.
Polyboard
specializedParametric 3D design software for cabinets and furniture with automatic cutting lists, nesting, and CNC export for wood shops.
Dynamic 3D parametric assembly that automatically updates all 2D panels, cuts, and optimizations in real-time
Polyboard is a specialized CAD/CAM software designed for professional woodworkers and cabinetmakers, focusing on parametric 3D design of panel-based furniture like cabinets and shelving. It generates precise cutting lists, nesting optimizations, assembly diagrams, and CNC-ready outputs to streamline production. While excellent for design and manufacturing workflows, it lacks broader shop management tools like inventory tracking or CRM.
Pros
- Powerful parametric design with dynamic constraints for quick modifications
- Advanced nesting and cutting optimization to minimize material waste
- Seamless integration with CNC machines via DXF/DWG exports
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-CAD users
- Limited to panel-based woodworking; not suited for solid wood or full shop ERP
- No built-in inventory, scheduling, or customer management features
Best For
Custom cabinetmakers and panel furniture workshops needing precise design-to-production workflows.
Pricing
Subscription from €125/month (Pro plan); perpetual licenses start at €2,495 with optional annual maintenance.
MRPeasy
specializedCloud MRP/ERP software for small wood shops to manage inventory, production scheduling, BOMs, and shop floor operations.
True shape nesting for automatic optimization of part layouts on wood sheets, minimizing material waste in CNC routing
MRPeasy is a cloud-based MRP (Manufacturing Resource Planning) software tailored for small to medium-sized manufacturers, including wood shops, providing end-to-end tools for production planning, inventory management, and order processing. It features bill of materials (BOM) management, real-time shop floor control, CRM, and purchasing automation to handle custom woodworking projects efficiently. The platform supports multi-level BOMs for complex assemblies and integrates with accounting software like QuickBooks for seamless financial tracking.
Pros
- Powerful production scheduling with Gantt charts and capacity planning
- Real-time inventory and lot tracing ideal for wood material tracking
- True shape nesting module optimizes CNC cutting and reduces waste
Cons
- Lacks deep integration with woodworking-specific CAD/CAM tools
- Steep learning curve for advanced MRP features
- Pricing scales quickly with users and add-ons
Best For
Small to medium wood shops with custom orders needing robust MRP for planning, inventory, and scheduling without ultra-specialized woodworking features.
Pricing
Basic plan at $49/user/month (1-10 users), Production at $59/user/month, Advanced at $79/user/month, with enterprise custom pricing; 14-day free trial available.
Katana MRP
specializedReal-time inventory and production planning MRP platform suitable for wood manufacturers tracking materials and assemblies.
Live multi-location inventory synchronization with traceability for variable wood stocks
Katana MRP is a cloud-based manufacturing resource planning (MRP) software tailored for small to medium-sized manufacturers, including wood shops, to manage inventory, production planning, and order fulfillment. It provides real-time tracking of raw materials like lumber and finishes, supports bill of materials (BOM) for custom woodworking projects, and automates scheduling to handle make-to-order production. The platform integrates with e-commerce and accounting tools, offering end-to-end visibility for wood shop operations from quoting to delivery.
Pros
- Real-time inventory tracking with multi-location support ideal for wood yards
- Intuitive BOM management for custom orders and material variants
- Strong automation for production scheduling and purchasing
Cons
- Lacks woodworking-specific tools like cut list optimization or nesting
- Reporting customization is limited without higher tiers
- Pricing scales quickly for high-volume shops
Best For
Small to medium wood shops needing scalable inventory and production planning for custom furniture or cabinetry without deep industry specialization.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month (Essentials, up to 500 orders/year), $299/month (Professional), $799/month (Business), with enterprise custom pricing; annual discounts available.
Fishbowl Inventory
enterpriseRobust inventory management and light manufacturing software for wood shops handling stock, orders, and work orders.
Seamless, bi-directional QuickBooks integration that syncs inventory, orders, and manufacturing data in real-time
Fishbowl Inventory is a comprehensive inventory management solution designed for manufacturers and distributors, offering tools for tracking stock levels, managing purchase orders, sales orders, and basic manufacturing processes through bills of materials (BOMs) and work orders. For wood shops, it excels in monitoring raw materials like lumber and hardware, handling multi-location inventory, and providing traceability for batches or lots. It integrates deeply with QuickBooks for seamless accounting, making it suitable for shops needing robust backend inventory control alongside light production scheduling.
Pros
- Robust inventory tracking with lot/serial number traceability ideal for wood stock management
- Manufacturing module supports BOMs and work orders for custom woodworking assemblies
- Deep integration with QuickBooks and other ERPs for streamlined financials
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup not beginner-friendly for small wood shops
- Lacks woodworking-specific tools like cut optimization, CNC integration, or shop floor nesting
- On-premise focus (with optional cloud) can require IT overhead
Best For
Small to mid-sized wood shops with established operations needing advanced inventory control and QuickBooks integration over specialized shop management.
Pricing
Perpetual license starts at ~$4,395 for standard edition plus annual maintenance (~20%); subscription from $150/user/month.
Conclusion
The reviewed wood shop management tools vary in focus, but the top three stand out as leaders, with Mozaik Software taking the top spot for its all-in-one CAD/CAM, nesting, and management features tailored to custom woodworking. Mozaik excels in integrated workflows, while Microvellum and WoodPro offer strong alternatives—Microvellum for comprehensive digital factory management and WoodPro for its integrated 3D design and business management suite—each suited to specific operational needs. Together, these tools highlight the range of solutions available to enhance wood shop efficiency.
Don’t miss the chance to elevate your wood shop—start with Mozaik Software to experience its all-in-one power, or explore Microvellum or WoodPro if your needs lean toward specialized workflows.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
