Factorio: Mastering the Inserter – Controlling Which Side Items Go On!

Want to optimize your Factorio factories? Mastering inserters is key, especially controlling which side of the belt they place items on! It's simpler than you might think.

Inserters always prioritize placing items on the *far* side of the belt, relative to their position. Imagine the belt moving away from you; the inserter will try to place items on the lane furthest from you.

However, there's a crucial factor: belt congestion. If the far lane is full, the inserter will smartly place the item on the near lane instead, preventing jams and keeping your production flowing.

**Pro Tip:** Use this behavior strategically! If you *need* items on a specific lane, block the other lane with a small piece of an item or a splitter configured to prioritize that lane. Experiment and observe the flow to fine-tune your inserter placement for peak efficiency! Happy building!