Download

Get GB Nest

Single EXE - no installation, no admin rights, no MSI. Download, unzip, run. Every feature is unlocked in the free demo - explore the whole app on your own files. When you're ready to export your cut-ready nests, buy a licence.

GB Nest - free demo

Windows 10 / 11 · One build, every feature unlocked - Quick Nest, Contour Nest, Genetic Optimiser, Hole Nesting, DWG read, PDF reports. Export is enabled once you activate a licence.

Download GB Nest Get a licence

No sign-up, no email, no credit card - just download and run. A licence is only needed to export.

System requirements

  • OSWindows 10 (1909+) or Windows 11
  • CPUAny modern x86 processor · 4+ cores recommended for the Genetic Optimiser
  • RAM4 GB minimum · 8 GB recommended for large jobs
  • Disk~250 MB for the application folder
  • Display1280×800 minimum · 1080p+ recommended
  • FrameworkNone - native Win32. No .NET, no Java, no Electron, no install
  • InternetRequired for activation and updates only
Get started

Up and running in under a minute

  1. Download the ZIP from the link above and unzip it to a folder on your PC (Desktop, Documents, anywhere you have write access). No sign-up, no email. It'll run from a USB stick too.
  2. Run GBNest.exe and start using it straight away. Every feature is unlocked in the demo - import your own files and run any nesting engine.
  3. Import a DXF from File > Import, set quantities, choose your sheet, and click Nest. You're live.
  4. Ready to export? Grab a licence from the pricing page, then paste your key into Options > Activate. Export unlocks immediately - Pro is required to export jobs that use Pro features (Hole Nesting, DWG/project input, and the rest).

No installer, no service to register, no admin password needed. Delete the folder when you're done and the app is gone.

Release notes

What's new

0.1.4 · Maintenance & feature update

July 2026
  • One-click updates — when a new version is available, GB Nest can download and install it for you at the click of a button, with no need to visit the website to download and extract updates manually.
  • Flexible export options — choose whether to include the sheet boundary in exported files, and optionally save all sheets to a single file.
  • Improved contour detection — more reliable detection of part contours, with new duplicate-line detection to catch overlapping geometry in your source files.
  • Faster caching on fine-rotation jobs — improved cache build speed when using finer rotation steps.
  • Faster refinement — improved refinement speed for quicker optimisation results.
  • Improved UI responsiveness — a smoother, more responsive interface throughout.
  • Performance optimisations — general code optimisations for faster, more efficient operation.
  • Fixed Quick Nest on large jobs — resolved an issue affecting Quick Nest when processing large jobs.
  • Fixed licence expiry date — your licence now stays active for the whole of its final day, rather than expiring at the start of it.

0.1.3 · Maintenance & feature update

July 2026
  • Optional file-open prompt — you can now disable the pop-up that asks whether to open files, for a faster, less interrupted workflow.
  • Update details on demand — Check for updates now lists the improvements and fixes in a newer version, so you can decide whether to upgrade.
  • Smarter optimiser — improved hole filling and handling of concave shapes for tighter packing and better material utilisation.
  • Improved contour nesting — further refinements to placement for more efficient results.
  • Faster preview selection — improved selection speed in the preview window for a more responsive workflow.
  • Adjustable CPU balance — tune how your CPU splits between cache building and nest production to suit your machine.
  • Input file scanning — source files are now scanned for errors before nesting, catching problems early.
  • Fixed PDF export on large nests — resolved an error that could occur when exporting PDF reports for large nests.
  • Fixed exported DXF files — corrected multiple issues affecting the accuracy and integrity of exported DXF files.

0.1.1 · Maintenance & feature update

June 2026
  • Fixed PDF report export — resolved an error that could interrupt exporting PDF reports.
  • Smarter contour nesting — improved placement within concave regions and recesses for tighter, more efficient packing.
  • Optimiser improvements — refinements to the Genetic Optimiser for more consistent results and better material utilisation.
  • Custom shape inserter — add common shapes directly inside GB Nest, with no need to open your CAD package.
  • Cleaner parts list — now shows each part's source folder and filename, preserves your sort order after edits, and supports multi-select with live preview highlighting.
  • Better part grouping — improved auto-grouping for open shapes (e.g. horseshoe / U-shaped parts) and sequential auto-naming.
  • Isolate ungrouped objects — quickly locate stray entities to clean up and repair source files.

0.1.0 · Initial release

May 2026
  • Quick Nest engine (Standard & Pro)
  • Contour Nest engine with NFP placement (Pro)
  • Genetic Optimiser with adaptive rotation and memetic local search (Pro)
  • Hole Nesting for parts inside larger parts (Pro)
  • DXF read & write (Standard & Pro)
  • DWG file read (Pro)
  • PDF report export with material cost (Pro)
  • Multi-sheet auto-fan
  • Live optimiser progress with snapshots
  • Free demo with every feature unlocked - no sign-up; a licence enables export

Want the full changelog or to report a bug? Email [email protected].