> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://dev-docs.nestapi.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Parts and sheets

> The two things every nest needs: what to cut, and what to cut it from.

Every nesting request is built from two collections:

* **Parts** — the shapes you need to cut, each with a **quantity**.
* **Sheets** — the stock material available to cut from, each with a **size** and often a
  **quantity** or availability.

The nester's job is to place the parts onto the sheets efficiently, honouring your
[settings](/concepts/nesting-settings).

## Parts

A part is a closed outline (optionally with internal features) plus how many you need.
Depending on the endpoint, parts are provided as:

* **DXF** (base64) — `POST /nesting`
* **Encoded geometry** or `SimpleGeometry` — `POST /nesting/geometry`
* **Parametric** definitions — `POST /nesting/parametric`

Quantities let one request produce many placements of the same part. See
[geometry types](/guides/geometry-types) for choosing a format.

## Sheets

A sheet describes a piece of stock: its dimensions and how many are available. Providing
multiple sheet sizes lets the nester choose the best stock for the job. Grain or directional
material is handled through [rotation settings](/concepts/nesting-settings).

## Results

A completed nest reports, per sheet, **which parts were placed where**, along with
material-usage figures (used area, waste, utilisation). Parts that could not be placed on the
supplied stock are reported so you can add stock and re-nest.

<Note>
  For the exact `Parts`, `Sheets`, and quantity fields of each endpoint, see the **Nesting**
  section of the [API Reference](/api-reference) — the shape depends on which geometry format
  you submit.
</Note>