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Shelf Planner Support

Help for Shelf Planner, an offline cabinet shelf planning app for equal spacing, adjustable layouts, 32mm hole positions, sag estimates, saved projects, and shop-ready exports.

App Overview

Shelf Planner helps cabinetmakers, woodworkers, installers, and DIY builders turn finished cabinet interior dimensions into clear shelf positions. Enter the interior size, shelf quantity, thickness, and offsets; then review equal clear openings, adjust shelves visually, prepare 32mm-system positions, and save the plan for workshop use.

CategoryUtilities / Productivity
PlatformiOS (iPhone and iPad)
Version1.0
PrivacyNo account; projects saved on device

Main Features

  • Calculate equal clear openings from the cabinet interior height, shelf count, shelf thickness, and top or bottom offsets.
  • Set the interior width and depth so each saved plan describes the cabinet being built.
  • Tap or drag shelves in the live cabinet diagram, then restore equal spacing at any time.
  • Enable the 32mm cabinet system to snap shelves to the nearest valid hole from a configurable first-hole offset.
  • Review each shelf position from the bottom and top, its centerline, clear opening, and 32mm hole number where applicable.
  • Work in millimeters or fractional inches with configurable fraction precision.
  • Estimate shelf deflection for plywood, MDF, particle board, solid wood, melamine, or a general custom-material value.
  • Save and manage multiple projects with their dimensions, shelf layout, notes, and sag inputs.
  • Copy or share a text measurement list for use at the bench.
  • Create a PDF shelf plan with optional diagram, sag result, and project notes, then share it through iOS.
  • Open built-in references for the 32mm system, spacing, common depths and thicknesses, conversions, and workshop checks.

Quick Start

1. MeasureMeasure the finished cabinet interior at several points and use the smallest usable height, width, and depth.
2. EnterSet the interior height, number of adjustable shelves, shelf thickness, and any required top or bottom offset.
3. AdjustReview the equal spacing, drag shelves if needed, and enable 32mm snapping only when it matches your drilling system.
4. VerifyCheck the measurement list and physical cabinet, then save, copy, share, or export the PDF you need.

Spacing and Position Measurements

Equal spacing subtracts the shelf thicknesses and the selected top and bottom offsets from the interior height, then divides the remaining height among the clear openings. A shelf position is measured to the shelf bottom from the cabinet's interior bottom datum.

If the shelves and offsets exceed the available interior height, Shelf Planner displays a warning. Increase the interior height or reduce the shelf count, thickness, or offsets before relying on the result. After manually moving shelves, check each displayed opening rather than assuming the openings remain equal.

32mm Cabinet System

When the 32mm option is enabled, Shelf Planner uses your first-hole offset as the starting datum and shows the nearest hole on a 32mm pitch. The measurement list preserves the ideal position for comparison and shows the actual snapped position, hole number, and difference.

Before drilling, confirm the real first-hole offset, front and rear row setbacks, panel orientation, matching hole indexes on both cabinet sides, shelf-pin geometry, face-frame clearance, and conflicts with hinges or drawer hardware. The app does not know the setup or tolerances of your drilling jig or machine.

Sag Estimate

The Sag tab estimates deflection from the entered span, depth, thickness, material category, and load. It reports estimated deflection, an allowable reference, a recommended maximum span, and—when applicable—a suggested thickness. The calculation uses representative material stiffness values and a simplified distributed-load model.

Actual shelf performance varies with grade, grain direction, moisture, edging, joinery, support conditions, fasteners, load placement, creep, damage, and installation. Treat the result as a planning comparison, not structural engineering or a load rating.

Projects, Text, and PDF Export

Save a project to keep its cabinet dimensions, shelf positions, notes, and sag inputs together. The Projects tab lets you reopen or delete saved plans. Shelf Planner does not provide developer-operated cloud sync, so confirm your Apple backup settings and export important plans before replacing a device or removing the app.

Copy All places the current measurement list on the system pasteboard. Share opens the iOS share sheet with a text list. PDF export creates a temporary file on the device and can include the cabinet diagram, shelf measurements, 32mm positions, sag estimate, and notes according to your settings.

Before saving, printing, or sending an export, review its content and confirm the intended recipient, printer, storage location, and destination app.

Common Questions

  • Why did the equal opening change? Interior height, shelf count, shelf thickness, and top or bottom offsets all affect the available clear space.
  • Why is a 32mm position different from equal spacing? The ideal position is rounded to the nearest valid hole measured from the configured first-hole offset.
  • Why are my shelves no longer equally spaced? A shelf can be moved in the live diagram. Use Reset Equal to rebuild equal positions from the current inputs.
  • Why do inch values show fractions? Select Inches and set Fraction Precision in Settings. Internally stored measurements are converted for display.
  • Why does the sag estimate differ from a real shelf? Material properties and support conditions vary. Recheck the inputs and use manufacturer or engineering data for safety-critical decisions.
  • Why did my PDF not appear? Verify that the plan is valid, try exporting again, and confirm that the selected iOS destination can accept PDF files.
  • Will projects sync to another device? Shelf Planner does not operate an account or cloud-sync service. Apple-managed backups depend on your device and Apple Account settings.

Privacy and Data Handling

Shelf Planner works offline, requires no account, and stores projects and settings on the device. It has no developer-operated server, analytics, advertising, or social features. Data leaves the app's workflow only when you deliberately copy or share measurements, export a PDF, use an Apple system service, or contact support.

See the Shelf Planner Privacy Policy for details about local storage, exports, the pasteboard, Apple services, retention, deletion, and data handling.

Accuracy and Workshop Safety

Shelf Planner is a general calculation, visualization, estimating, and planning aid. It is not a substitute for verified shop drawings, engineering, code review, manufacturer instructions, or qualified woodworking judgment. Before purchasing material, cutting, drilling, loading, or installing, independently verify all interior dimensions, shelf positions, clearances, stock thicknesses, material properties, 32mm datums, hole indexes, hardware conflicts, spans, loads, support methods, and exported measurements.

Follow tool and material instructions and use suitable guarding, dust control, workholding, training, and personal protective equipment. Do not rely on the app when an error could create an unsafe condition, structural problem, property damage, or injury.

Support Contact

For help, bug reports, privacy questions, or App Review clarification, contact the developer. Include the Shelf Planner version, device model, iOS version, unit system, and a short description of the issue. For a calculation question, include the relevant dimensions, material, load, and 32mm settings, but remove confidential project notes first.