You can use your own images created in other programs with Silhouette Studio using the Trace feature. The Trace panel can be found in the right-hand side toolbar, or by going to the Panels menu and selecting Trace. 

File Types That Can Be Traced


The Silhouette Studio software program is able to use external images that are in a basic raster image format, including 

  1. PNG
  2. JPG
  3. BMP
  4. GIF
  5. TIF


DISCLAIMER:  Not all images are designed in such a way that they can be traced well for cutting purposes. Silhouette cannot support or guarantee results for files not offered by our company.

How to Trace


To open an image and trace it in Silhouette Studio


  1. Open Silhouette Studio
  2. Go to the File > Open option to locate and open the image file
    NOTE: If on a PC, "All Files" may need to be selected from the "file type" selection in the "Open" window in order to locate your files
  3. Click on the Trace icon
  4. Click on the Select 'Trace Area' option

  5. Draw a box around the image that is desired to be traced
    NOTE: The trace filter will show a yellow area covering the image. This yellow area is a preview of where your cut lines would be created.

  6. Adjust the tracing filters to your liking.

    Filter options are as follows:

    • High Pass Filter
      Trace lines are created beginning from the outside of your image. Trace lines move toward the inside of the image as the filter setting is adjusted upward. This is a good option if you are trying to create a basic cutting frame from a more detailed image.
    • Threshold
      Determines how broadly the trace filter is applied beginning with the darkest colors for low settings and light colors for higher settings.
    • Scale
      low-qualityControls the smoothness of edges around the image. This setting is typically only required when using low quality or pixilated images.

  7. Once the trace area has been drawn and the desired filter settings are in place, select the desired tracing method under 'Apply Trace Method'.

    Trace options are as follows:

    • Trace
      Traces all outer and inner lines. This is generally preferable if you are attempting to create a regular cut image with multiple parts and specific details to be cut.
    • Trace Outer Edge
      Creates a cut line only around the outer edges of your image. This is generally preferable if you are attempting to create a Print & Cut image.
    • Trace and Detach 
      Detaches a portion of the print image from its original background. This can be helpful if you need to remove the white background of an imported print image, or just want to work with one smaller part of the imported image. 

Tracing Video