Silhouette Cameo 12" Digital Craft Cutter by Silhouette America

• Silhouette electronic cutting tool
• Silhouette Studio® software for Windows XP/Vista/7 and Mac® OS X 10.5.8 and higher
• 51 exclusive cuttable designs
• Power cable, USB cable
• 12" cutting mat
• Cutting blade
• $10 gift card to the Silhouette Online Store (plus use promotion code FOTOBELLA to get 10% off an annual subscription.)
• basic instruction guide

Silhouette Cameo Machine Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I draw my own images with the Silhouette Cameo?

With the Silhouette Studio software you may draw your own images to cut. The software includes simple line drawing tools that will allow you to create shapes for cutting, printing or drawing within the Silhouette program. If you have another drawing tool like Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape, you can draw in those programs and export GSD or DXF files. The GSD and DXF files can then be imported into Silhouette Studio and used to cut.

You may draw your own images with friendly drawing tools found within the software programs.

If you wish to use Adobe Illustrator, CorelDraw, or other major vector imaging programs with the Silhouette, you may consider upgrading the Silhouette Studio software to the Silhouette Studio Designer Edition (http://www.fotobella.com/Silhouette_Studio_Designer_Edition_license_ke_p/qk-silh-studio-de.htm). This version provides the ability to import SVG files directly which you may have created in another vector imaging program, such as Adobe Illustrator or CorelDraw. Further information on this feature may be found at http://www.silhouetteamerica.com/faq.aspx?solutionid=939.

What file types can the Silhouette Cameo cut?

The Silhouette Studio software included with the Silhouette can cut Silhouette Digital Download files, true type fonts loaded on your computer, STUDIO files, and GSD/GST, DXF files. The software can additionally import a variety of other common image file types (such as JPG and BMP files) and then trace the image using an auto-trace function to create cut lines. Please note, however, that Silhouette does not guarantee the quality of results of images not created by them. You may also draw your own images with friendly drawing tools found within the software programs.

Will the Silhouette Cameo cut SVG files?

The software that is included with the Silhouette does not allow you to cut SVG files (although it does allow you to import and cut GSD and DXF files). That said, there is third party software that allows you to cut SVG files with your Silhouette. Both Make-the-Cut and Sure Cuts A Lot allow you to cut SVG files with your Silhouette.

The Silhouette Studio program included with the Silhouette does not cut SVG files.  However, you may upgrade to the Silhouette Studio Designer Edition (http://www.fotobella.com/Silhouette_Studio_Designer_Edition_license_ke_p/qk-silh-studio-de.htm), which will allow you to open and cut SVG files.

How can I cut thicker cardstock with the Silhouette Cameo?

The Silhouette Cameo includes a ratchet blade with 10 blade settings.  We would recommend following the recommended settings for your blade as outlined in the Silhouette Studio software to obtain optimal results.  If you wish to increase the blade exposure for thicker material types, you may opt to raise the blade’s ratchet level to a higher setting, or use the “double cut” option.  Doing this will have the Silhouette cut your image twice, thus ensuring any problem areas are given an extra pass during the cut job.  The Silhouette Cameo is able to cut a range of materials from thin films (such as vinyl) up to a thicker cardstock, such as a 90lb weight cardstock

If cutting on thicker textured cardstock, you may also opt to flip the paper over and cut on the non-textured side. Doing this may not require as much thickness force and give you a better cut when using textured papers. However, if you are cutting on the non-textured side with this method, you may wish to select your image prior to cutting and right-click to select the Mirror option. Doing a “Horizontal Mirror” will flip your image and make sure that it is usable from the textured side. If you find for any reason there are areas not giving a clean cut, you may also wish to select the "Double Cut" option. Doing this will have the Silhouette cut your image twice, thus ensuring any problem areas are given an extra pass during the cut job.

How long should a Silhouette mat typically last?

The cutting mat for the Silhouette should last for over 100 full 8 ½ x 12 sheets worth of cuts (if you were to cut the same exact job repetitiously in the exact same area). We are unable to provide an exact time-frame for how long the mat should last as this will depend on the types of materials being used. We do recommend keeping your mat well covered when not in use to prevent dust or other particles from collecting on the adhesive surface. This should help the mat retain its adhesive quality. Also, please note that select materials that are more lint-based or fibrous in nature may wear down the adhesive quality faster and degrade the mat. The mat should not need to be replaced unless papers or other materials you are looking to cut are not held firmly in place during the cutting process.

Can the Silhouette cut fabric?

You may cut select fabrics (depending on their thickness of course) with the new fabric interfacing. This product is ironed on to your fabric and then the fabric with the interfacing is placed onto a “Thick Media Mat” with the interfacing side down (fabric side facing up). You would then use the pink cap at a speed of 3 – 5 and cut at a thickness of 25 – 30. Depending on the fabric, you may want to double cut your design. One you have cut your design in the Silhouette, you would then take scissors or a craft knife to quickly trim any threads which may be connecting your cutout design to the rest of the fabric.
The new fabric interfacing is offered in two varieties: Clean Cut and Sewable. Silhouette Clean Cut Interfacing has a thicker adhesive that irons on to fabric allowing you to cleanly cut designs in your Silhouette. Silhouette Sewable Interfacing has a thinner adhesive that irons on to fabric allowing you to sew your cut-out design.

Can the Silhouette cut chipboard?

The Silhouette cannot currently cut chipboard.

Can the Silhouette Cameo cut without being connected to a computer?

The Silhouette Cameo does have the capability to cut without being hooked up to a computer. You may save images in a cut file format to an SD card on your computer (requires an SD reader on your computer) and then insert the SD card into the Silhouette Cameo machine. You may then use the machine's LCD screen to scroll through the file names you have saved and cut your pre-created images. A power outlet would be required for the Silhouette Cameo, but no computer connection would be required to cut directly from the machine once you have your files saved on your SD card.


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