This feature is included in All Editions of Silhouette Studio
PixScan™ technology is a feature of the Silhouette cutting system that provides the ability to capture an image using a scanner or digital camera (including smartphones and tablets) by taking a picture of the printed image on a special PixScan cutting mat.
The captured image can then be imported into Silhouette Studio and used to create cut lines around the image -- in its exact size and location on the cutting mat.
This allows you to cut around any pre-printed or hand-drawn designs.
The PixScan feature requires the use of a PixScan Cutting Mat with a compatible Silhouette cutting machine model (according to the PixScan mat type in use).
PixScan Use Cases
PixScan is ideal for:
- Turning hand-drawn sketches and lettering into cut jobs
- Digitizing printed patterns
- Adding custom-cut borders and frames to professionally printed invitations
- Replicating a pattern at its original size
- Saving material and time using the Nesting feature to place images to be cut within specially shapped materials (Designer Edition and above only)
- Incorporating printed images or patterns into your custom craft projects
- Turning photos and other printed clippings into cut or sketch files
- Cutting precisely around already existing printed or stamped images
NOTE: PixScan is only intended to help digitize your own original artwork and photos
PixScan Compatibility
PixScan mats are compatible with all Portrait, Cameo, and Curio cutting machine models.
PixScan requires Silhouette Studio version 3.1 or higher.
How to Use PixScan
To use the PixScan feature:
- Place your printed image onto the PixScan mat.
IMPORTANT: The material must fit entirely inside the rectangular workspace border on the mat - Capture an image of the entire mat using either a digital camera, such as a smartphone, or a scanner.
- Camera: Set the PixScan mat on a flat surface. Take a digital photo of the entire mat with the printed image on the mat. The photograph must be taken straight-on rather than at an angle. You will need to then save the photo to your computer where you are using Silhouette Studio.
- Scanner: Scan the entire PixScan mat with the printed image on the mat. If necessary, you can perform two scans, one for each end of the mat if you have a smaller scanner that cannot fit the entire scan in one pass. If performing two scans, the software will stitch the scans together for you automatically.
IMPORTANT: Once you have captured your image, do not adjust any object placement on the PixScan mat. If any adjustments are made, you will need to re-capture a new image
- Camera: Set the PixScan mat on a flat surface. Take a digital photo of the entire mat with the printed image on the mat. The photograph must be taken straight-on rather than at an angle. You will need to then save the photo to your computer where you are using Silhouette Studio.
- Click on the 'PixScan' icon (on the right-hand toolbar)
- Photo: Select the Camera icon in the PixScan panel, and click on 'Import PixScan Image from File'
- Scanner: Click on the Scanner icon, then Import PixScan Image from Scanner
Once imported, your cutting mat will display as your PixScan cutting mat in the software
- Photo: Select the Camera icon in the PixScan panel, and click on 'Import PixScan Image from File'
- Add cut lines to your imported image as desired using the Trace feature
- Load the PixScan mat into your machine
- Proceed to cut
PixScan Video