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In this article, you’ll learn a few easy ways to resize and locate boards. By using these techniques, you will be able to join boards, fill space with boards, precisely position cabinet shelves, and make any other changes you can imagine.

There are a few main ways to resize or place boards:

• Dragging and connect dots (with exceptions!)
• Copy pasting dot values
• Modifying “the spreadsheet”

• Dragging and connecting dots

By dragging red dots, you can resize boards. By dragging blue dots, you can move boards around in space.

The best way to use the dots is by Shift + Clicking, which snaps the dots to other boards. For example, “Shift + Click” a blue dot to move your board flush with another, or a red dot to increase the size with a snap to another board.

There are some limitations to this method that might leave you with measurements ending in 13/64. This will be updated in the next version of the program.

Usually, it is best to mix and match dragging with other tools:

• Copy pasting dot values

Now that you understand the dot system, you can use dot values to connect board corners to each other.

Instead of dragging the dots, right click the target corner. The location of the point will pop up, represented by a few coordinate values. Clicking Copy will copy those values. Right click the corner on the board you want to move, press Paste, and the corners will snap to each other. 

This method is very quick and easy for connecting corners.

• Modifying the spreadsheet

The spreadsheets operate similarly to the Assembly Calculator (helpful article here). By modifying the dimensions, you can resize the board size and location. 

Keep in mind, the dimensions are basically groups of references for where an object starts, how big it is, and then where it ends. And, when you change one of these values, it needs to change one of the others as well. 

The easiest way to figure this out is to play around with it. Try to make a cabinet just using the general spreadsheet!

This one takes a bit of practice, but it is a very powerful tool when you get the hang of it.

After starting a project, you will see a chart with the Assembly Calculator. Assemblies are explained in the assembly article. We’re not going to get into it quite yet. 

From the top, enter Height of 30, then click green Top. 

Enter Width of 30, then click green Right.

Enter Depth of 30, then click green Back. 

1) To create a board, click on Boards in the left side menu. 

You’ll see two fields that may cause confusion at first: Thickness of Board and Grain Direction.

• Thickness of Board tells SketchList which dimension represents the board’s actual material thickness—essentially, which way the board lies flat. The other two dimensions are the board’s standard Height × Width.
• Grain Direction is used later when generating a cut list so SketchList can determine how the material should be laid out and cut.

For this example, we’re making a side board for a cabinet.

In this case, the Board Thickness = Width, so enter the thickness of material under Width (probably ¾ if you’re using standard Beech).

Then, just enter the board’s Height and Depth as its main dimensions, and you’ve created your first board!

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PS: “Locate Your Board” sets the board’s bottom-left corner within the assembly. It’s optional—many users find it faster to position and resize the board once it appears, using the tools on screen:

• the spreadsheet-style panel (will make more sense after learning about Assemblies)
• draggable dots, (shift click blue to snap to other objects, shift click red to resize)
• or right-clicking dots: right click the dot you want to connect to, copy values, and paste to the dot you want to be connected

Experiment with the different methods to explore the different options.

The Assembly Creation screen may look complex at first, but it becomes intuitive quickly—especially for smart woodworkers like yourself. 

Assemblies are the core building blocks in SketchList. Once you fill them up with boards, they can be cloned, resized, moved around, and saved to your library for future projects.

Also, the same logic is used in the spreadsheet function for boards at the bottom of the screen. 

The Assembly Calculator defines three dimensions: Width, Height, and Depth. Each dimension is further defined by three numbers.

All three numbers are distances measured from the same origin — the left side (for width), the bottom side (for height), or the front side (for depth).

For example, for Width, the three boxes refer to:

• Left = distance from the assembly’s left edge to the board’s left edge.
• Width = how wide the board is.
• Right = distance from the assembly’s left edge to the board’s right edge.

So Left + Width = Right. 

Equivalent rules apply for:

Height: Bottom + Height = Top  

Depth: Front + Depth = Back

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When you change Width, Height, or Depth, SketchList needs to know which side of the object should move. The Assembly Calculator shows this by turning the affected dimensions into green buttons. Clicking one tells SketchList where the adjustment should come from.

Example: Your assembly has Bottom: 10 Height: 20 Top: 30

You change Height from 20 → 30.

Now Bottom and Top turn green—because either the bottom or top must shift to accommodate the new height.

• Click Bottom → SketchList lowers the object:
  Bottom: 0 Height: 30 Top: 30
• Click Top → SketchList raises the top:
  Bottom: 10 Height: 30 Top: 40

Unlocking the Full Potential of SketchList 3D: The Ultimate Woodwork Planner for Designing, Selling, and Building with Ease

Every woodworker, designer, and craftsperson approaches their projects differently. Some begin with broad conceptual designs, others focus on creating compelling proposals to win jobs, while many rely on detailed reports and shop drawings to streamline their building process. Regardless of approach, the right woodwork planner can make all the difference.

SketchList 3D is more than just woodworking design software—it’s a powerful, all-in-one woodwork planner that bridges concept development, sales presentations, and shop preparation seamlessly. Whether you need visualization tools, polished client proposals, or precise cut lists for production, SketchList 3D adapts to your needs without requiring separate processes or software.

Let’s examine the three primary user groups and how SketchList 3D serves as their ultimate woodwork planner.

1. Exploring Design Ideas and Concepts with a Woodwork Planner

Creativity is at the heart of woodworking, whether crafting a custom woodworking, cabinet, designing furniture, or laying out a full interior build. Having an intuitive woodwork planner is essential for users who prioritize brainstorming and exploring ideas.

How SketchList 3D Supports Concept Development:

• 3D Modeling in Real Time: Users can quickly draft designs in a fully interactive 3D space instead of static drawings, adjusting dimensions and materials dynamically.
• Drag-and-Drop Simplicity: Easily manipulate design elements—adjust sizes, swap materials, and reposition components without tedious rework.
• Instant Visual Feedback: Rotate, zoom, and modify designs in a photorealistic environment to assess feasibility and aesthetics before committing to build.
• Material Selection and Experimentation: To refine the final concept, compare various wood types, finishes, and structural layouts.

For those who prefer to refine ideas before moving into detailed planning, SketchList 3D offers the flexibility to experiment without being bogged down by technical specifications too early. As we’ll see, the same conceptual designs can easily transition into sales proposals and shop-ready documents—all within one powerful woodwork planner.

2. Crafting Professional Proposals to Sell Jobs

For many cabinetmakers, furniture designers, and contractors, winning a project depends on their ability to present their ideas effectively. A well-organized woodwork planner allows professionals to create detailed and persuasive proposals easily.

SketchList 3D as a Sales Tool:

• Photorealistic Renderings: Generate high-quality images of proposed designs to present clients with a polished, professional vision.
• Automated Dimensioning: Provide precise measurements in visually appealing layouts, helping clients understand exactly what they’re getting.
• Dynamic Revisions: Quickly adjust designs based on client feedback without starting from scratch.
• Instant Pricing Calculations: Generate estimated material costs based on design parameters, eliminating guesswork and speeding up the sales process.
• Proposal-ready Reports: Export shop drawings, material lists, and other technical documents in a clean, presentable format that reassures potential customers.

For sales-driven users, SketchList 3D transforms rough ideas into convincing proposals that boost credibility and improve conversion rates. The best part? The same files created for design exploration are seamlessly converted into polished client-ready presentations—no rework is needed, thanks to the power of this all-in-one woodwork planner.

3. Generating Detailed Reports and Shop Drawings for Production

Once a project is approved, precision becomes the priority. SketchList 3D is a robust woodwork planner, equipping users with all the documentation needed to build efficiently and accurately, ensuring fewer mistakes and smoother workflows.

SketchList 3D as a Shop Production Tool:

• Precise Cut Lists: Automatically generate lists of required materials with exact measurements, minimizing waste and maximizing efficiency.
• Shop Drawings with Dimensions: Provide detailed technical drawings for manufacturers and builders, ensuring accurate construction.
• Joinery and Assembly Details: Clarify and capture every build component, from joints to fastening methods.
• Interactive 3D Views: Allow shop workers to visualize final assemblies in 3D, improving clarity and reducing confusion.

For builders who rely on technical accuracy, SketchList 3D eliminates uncertainty by providing comprehensive documentation that ensures smooth execution on the shop floor. Just as it helps designers and sales professionals, this advanced woodwork planner supports production teams without requiring extra steps or external software.

SketchList 3D: The Woodwork Planner That Does It All—Simultaneously

What sets SketchList 3D apart is its ability to bridge the gap between these three distinct needs in a single, integrated woodwork planner. Users don’t have to shift between different software or redo their work for each phase. Instead, SketchList 3D builds a connected experience where:

•  Design exploration transitions effortlessly into sales proposals
•  Sales proposals become instantly usable as production documents
•  Production documents retain flexibility for revision and optimization

There’s no separation between designing, selling, and building—it all happens within the same software environment, reducing errors, saving time, and improving efficiency.

Why Every Woodworker Needs a Reliable Woodwork Planner

For new users, there’s no need to master three different workflows—SketchList 3D handles everything intuitively within a single process. Experienced users appreciate the ability to refine their projects fluidly, whether sketching out ideas, perfecting proposals, or setting up shop production.

By eliminating traditional barriers between concept, sales, and execution, SketchList 3D makes it easier than ever to design smarter, sell better, and build faster—all with the support of a powerful woodwork planner.

Now, if you’re ready to experience SketchList 3D’s power, start your free trial today and streamline your entire woodworking workflow.

You may be interested in a logbook for your work.  This looks interesting.