TABLE OF CONTENTS

How to Install Silhouette Studio

Silhouette Studio can be downloaded and installed according to the following steps.

Download


  1. Go to the Silhouette software page (https://www.silhouetteamerica.com/software)
  2. Click on the 'Download' button for Silhouette Studio respective to your computer Operating System
Note: You do not need to Buy Upgrade to use the software. Purchasing an upgrade just gives you access to new tools and features.
  1. Wait for the download to be completed

    PC/Windows

    Mac

Install on PC/Windows


Once the installation program for Silhouette Studio is downloaded, while your browser is open, do the following to install it.

  1. Press CTRL + J on your keyboard
    NOTE: This will open the download history for your web browser

  2. Locate and click on the Silhouette Studio software version that was just downloaded
    NOTE: Microsoft Chrome is shown in the example below. Your download may appear differently if you are using an alternate browser.
  3. Select 'Run' when prompted
  4. Follow the installation prompts to completion
  5. Launch the Silhouette Studio program once the installation program is finished

Install on Mac


Once the installation program for Silhouette Studio is downloaded, do the following to install it.

  1. Locate the downloaded DMG file
    NOTE: This will be located in the Downloads section in the lower right-hand section of the dock
  2. Double-click to open the DMG file
  3. Drag the Silhouette Studio icon into the Applications folder
  4. Allow the program to fun through the installation process
  5. Launch the Silhouette Studio program once the installation program is finished

Software Update Check in Silhouette Studio

Silhouette Studio is defaulted to check for software updates. 


If you would like to adjust the frequency or turn off the default setting to check for software updates, you can do the following:


  1. Open Silhouette Studio
  2. Go to Edit > Preferences > Updates
  3. Adjust the option to check for updates as desired

How to Find Silhouette Studio Version

To locate what version of Silhouette Studio software you are currently running:


  1. Open Silhouette Studio
  2. Go to the Help menu (PC) or Silhouette Studio menu (Mac)
  3. Select 'About Silhouette Studio'
  4. The software version number will be listed as shown below

Software Version


NOTE: The letters after the numbers indicate which edition of the software you are running as follows:

  • ssde - Designer Edition
  • ssae - Designer Edition Plus
  • ssbe - Business Edition

Software Updates


We encourage all to update the software as new versions are released. Updates are higher versions of the software that can introduce new features and/or bug fixes. Updating the software is free.


Updating the software does not affect software upgrades. Updating your software version simply applies updates to the software and moves the program to a higher version. Any upgrade edition applied should not be impacted. However, if your upgrade is lost for any reason, you can recover it.


Moving to a New Computer

Your Silhouette account preferences, purchases, content, and software upgrades are all tied to your Silhouette account email address. If your computer has crashed or you're moving to a new computer, you can do the following:

Download Silhouette Studio


To start, you'll need to download and install Silhouette Studio on your new computer.

Recover Library Content


Next, you can recover your library content. This includes the following:

  • Previously purchased/downloaded content from the Silhouette Design Store
  • Free designs received with your machine
  • Library folder structure
  • Custom library content you have specifically saved and synced in the software library

Click here for instructions on recovering your Silhouette Library.

Recover Silhouette Studio Upgrade (if applicable)


Finally, if you have previously purchased and applied a software upgrade to your Silhouette account (i.e. Designer Edition, Designer Edition Plus, or Business Edition), you can recover this upgrade.


Click here for instructions on recovering your Silhouette Studio upgrade.


Using a Silhouette Machine with Multiple Computers/Devices
Your Silhouette cutting machine can be used on multiple devices. It does not need to be tied to one specific computer only.

You can install the Silhouette Studio software onto multiple computers or laptops that you own, so long as they meet the minimum system requirements.

You will also be able to access the following on multiple computers where you sign in to your Silhouette account:
  • Silhouette account library (all content from the Silhouette Design Store + user-created designs you have synced to your library)
  • Software upgrades owned on your account


Installing Fonts

Fonts can be installed on your computer for use with the Silhouette Studio software program. This allows you to type characters in font styles within Silhouette Studio.

Fonts from the Silhouette Design Store


If you have purchased a font from the Silhouette Design Store, it should be automatically installed in the Silhouette Studio program the next time the library is synced.

 

NOTE: Unless you have specifically adjusted your library settings to prevent automatic syncing, the library should be synced almost immediately after your purchase has been made. Some fonts will not automatically install and you will have to download the file from the order at the design store by clicking download under the font and follow the information provided in the "Fonts from Other Sources" Section. After it has successfully been installed you will have to close and re-open Silhouette Studio to view your font.

 

Fonts are found in Silhouette Studio in both the Library and the Text Style panel.


Library


Text Style Panel



Click here for troubleshooting font installation issues from the Silhouette Design Store.

Fonts from Other Sources


If you have a font that was obtained from another source, please keep in mind that only fonts from the Design Store will be found in your Silhouette software library.

 

Most other fonts you have installed on your computer (TTF and OTF fonts) will be listed in the Text Style panel, or as an option in the font style drop-down list.


NOTE: Fonts managed by font manager programs may not be visible in Silhouette Studio if they are not fully installed on the computer. Fonts must be fully installed on the computer in order to be used with Silhouette Studio.

How to Install Fonts Manually


To manually install a font to your computer for use with Silhouette Studio:


Windows - Click here for official Windows instructions


Mac - Click here for official Apple OS instructions


Foreign Language Support in Silhouette Studio

Software Languages


The Silhouette Studio software program can be set to view in the following languages:

Special Language Characters


Silhouette Studio is only currently capable of supporting Western character fonts.


Many Western character fonts will still contain special characters that are required for certain languages. These will only be available if the font artist specifically designed these characters.

How to Access Special Language Characters

You can use one of the following methods to access special characters:

  • Use a 'Character Map'
    To use a character map, select your operating system below for additional instructions.
  • Type 'Alt Code' values

    To type Alt Code values: 
  1. Open Silhouette Studio
  2. Select your Text cursor
  3. Click in the Design area
  4. Hold down the [Alt] key (on your keyboard)
  5. Enter the Alt Code value on your keyboard
  6. Release the [Alt] key


EXAMPLE: [Alt] + 0209 = Ñ

Changing Units of Measurement

Silhouette Studio is defaulted to display measurements in inches. 


To adjust the unit of measurement displayed in Silhouette Studio:


  1. Open Silhouette Studio
  2. Go to the Edit menu
  3. Select Preferences
  4. Go to General
  5. Select the desired unit type
  6. Click OK

Machine Cutting Order in Silhouette Studio

Silhouette Studio adheres to the following cutting order rules when jobs are sent to be cut:

Rule 1: If Contour A is fully enclosed by closed Contour B, then Contour A is always cut first. This is because cutting an enclosing closed contour first would likely detach it from the cutting mat and the Silhouette would then be unable to cut the interior contour.

Rule 2: The algorithm which computes the distance to the nearest contour is deliberately skewed to bias it toward contours that are near the direction of blade movement. Therefore:

  • A contour that is 5cm blade travel away is selected in favor of a contour that is 10cm blade travel away
  • A contour that is 10cm blade travel away is selected in favor of a contour that is 5cm roller travel away
  • A contour that is 5cm roller travel away is selected in favor of a contour that is 10cm roller travel away

The reason for the rule above is to minimize roller movements which in turn minimizes the chance of a material jam.

Default Cutting Order Overview

The basic cutting order according to the above rules is as follows:

  1. Blade starts at the cutting machine's Origin
  2. Ensuring that Rule 1 above is kept at all times, the cutter looks for the closest contour [see Rule 2] to the current blade position which has not yet been traversed, and cuts it
  3. Cutting returns to step number 2 above to repeat until the entire job is completed

Adjusting Cutting Order


If you would like to adjust the cutting order from the above rules, you can do the following:

  1. Open Silhouette Studio
  2. Go to the SEND panel
  3. Click on the gear icon in the bottom right-hand corner of the SEND panel
  4. Update the 'Cut Sorting Order' options as desired

Material Size Options

Though there are standard pre-defined material sizes in the Silhouette Studio program (such as 8.5 x 11 Letter size and A4 size), you can define custom user material sizes in the software to fit the media type and size you're working with, provided the material size is compatible.

Cameo

The Silhouette Cameo® standard model has adjustable pinch rollers to control the material width allowance with pre-set roller settings for  the following widths:

  • 8.5-inch Lettersize material
  • 8.5-inch Portrait cutting mat
  • 12-inch material
  • 12-inch Cameo cutting mat

It cannot accept materials with a width exceeding a 12 inch path.

When cutting with a mat, you will be able to cut the full width of the mat's gridded cutting area, which is up to 12 inches for the Cameo model. When not using a mat, the cutting width is slightly reduced by about 0.25 inch to accomodate the machine's ability to properly grip the material with the rollers. 

When cutting longer materials that have their own adhesive backing (such as adhesive-backed vinyl), you may bypass the cutting mat so long as the material is wide enough to be gripped by the pinch rollers. In this case, you can cut lengths of up to 10 feet.

Cameo Plus


The Silhouette Cameo® Plus model has adjustable pinch rollers to control the material width allowance with pre-set roller settings for  the following:


  • 8.5-inch Lettersize material
  • 8.5-inch Portrait cutting mat
  • A3 size material
  • 12-inch material
  • 12-inch Cameo cutting mat
  • 15-inch material / 15-inch Cameo Plus cutting mat

It cannot accept materials with a width exceeding a 15 inch path.

When cutting with a mat, you will be able to cut the full width of the mat's gridded cutting area, which is up to 14.75 inches for the Cameo Plus model. When not using a mat, the cutting width is slightly reduced by about 0.25 inch to accomodate the machine's ability to properly grip the material with the rollers.

When cutting longer materials that have their own adhesive backing (such as adhesive-backed vinyl), you may bypass the cutting mat so long as the material is wide enough to be gripped by the pinch rollers. In this case, you can cut lengths of up to 10 feet.

Cameo Pro


The Silhouette Cameo® Pro model has adjustable pinch rollers to control the material width allowance with pre-set roller settings for  the following:


  • 8.5-inch Lettersize material
  • 8.5-inch Portrait cutting mat
  • A3 size
  • 12-inch material
  • 12-inch Cameo cutting mat
  • 15-inch material
  • 15-inch Cameo Plus cutting mat
  • 20-inch material
  • 24-inch material / 24-inch Cameo Pro cutting mat

It cannot accept materials with a width exceeding a 24 inch path.

When cutting with a mat, you will be able to cut the full width of the mat's gridded cutting area, which is up to 24 inches for the Cameo Plus model. When not using a mat, the cutting width is slightly reduced by about 0.25 inch to accomodate the machine's ability to properly grip the material with the rollers.

When cutting longer materials that have their own adhesive backing (such as adhesive-backed vinyl), you may bypass the cutting mat so long as the material is wide enough to be gripped by the pinch rollers. In this case, you can cut lengths of up to 10 feet.

Portrait


The Silhouette Portrait® has pinch rollers set to accept A4 and Letter size materials, as well as the standard Letter size cutting mat (which may be used for A4 size materials as well). The pinch rollers on this model are not adjustable. It cannot accept any materials with a width exceeding a 9 inch path.


When cutting longer materials that have their own adhesive backing (such as adhesive-backed vinyl), you may cut lengths of up to 10 feet so long as the material is wide enough to be gripped by the pinch rollers.

Materials that are smaller than the width of the pinch rollers would require the use of a cutting mat to hold the material in place properly during the cutting process. If such is the case, the maximum length of the material could not exceed the length of the cutting mat (click here to see specific cutting mat sizes).

Curio

The Silhouette Curio™ cannot cut materials without use of the cutting mat and base/platforms. The cutting area is determined by the mat and base in use. The included base and mat have amaximum area of 8.5 x 6 inches. The optional larger base can accommodate a maximum of 8.5 x 12 inches. 

The smallest recommended size of material would be at least 3 inches width by 3 inches length, which would require the use of a mat as they are not wide enough to be gripped by the pinch rollers.

Silhouette Studio Keyboard Shortcuts

Click here to download a copy of keyboard shortcuts for Silhouette Studio


Maximum Print & Cut Job Size

Maximum Print Size


The maximum print size of the possible print area is defined by your printer. Silhouette Studio will technically allow you to define your material size and place registration marks on larger page sizes according to your printer's size restrictions.

Maximum Cutting Size


The maximum cutting size is defined by your Silhouette cutting machine model as follows:


Portrait8.5 x 11 in.
Cameo12 x 12 in.
Cameo Plus15 x 15 in.
Cameo Pro24 x 24 in.
Curio 212 x 12 in.


NOTE: Always use a cutting mat for optimal results.



Printing Designs and Text

Cut lines and print images are different types of information. 


While viewing your job in Silhouette Studio, you will see a mixture of both print and cut information on your screen.


When sent to your printer, only print information will be seen by the printer. This includes printing the registration marks.


When sent to your Silhouette cutting machine, only the cut lines will be seen by the cutting machine.

NOTE: Though the Silhouette cutting machine does read the registration marks, it does not view them to cut.


* The examples shown are only one part of the design #116071076. The fully assembled design includes additional printed parts required to assemble the completed project shown above. 

Printing Filled Designs


To fill the design with print information:


  1. Select the design
  2. Go to the Fill Panel on the right-side toolbar
  3. Select the desired color, gradient, or pattern fill

Printing Lines Only


To print the text lines only:


  1. Select the text
  2. Go to the Line Style panel on the right-side toolbar
  3. Check the box labeled "Print Lines of Selected Shapes"
  4. You can alternately choose to raise the Line Thickness to any number above 0.0pt
  5. With either method, you can adjust the line color with the Line Colors tab found in the Line Style panelNOTE: The line will be printed in the selected color

Disabling Designs from Being Cut


After performing either of the above actions, if you only want to print your design or text, but not cut it:

  1. Go to the SEND menu
  2. Select the design or text in the Preview area 
  3. Select 'No Cut'

This will have the selected objects ignored during the cutting process.

Working Online vs. Offline

Silhouette Studio can be used with an active internet connection, or this connection can be turned off to work offline.


Working online provides the following benefits:

  • Obtain any newly downloaded content from the Silhouette Design Store into your Silhouette library
  • Sync changes made to your Silhouette library from other devices
  • Push changes you've made on your current device onto other devices
  • Upgrade the software with a purchased license key


When working offline, though you will not be able to perform the above actions, all library content that has already been synced to your device will still be accessible. 


Once downloaded, all library content is stored locally on your device and can be used offline.


You will also retain access to software upgrade editions when working offline.

Online/Offline Toggle


To toggle the software between working online and offline:

  1. Open Silhouette Studio
  2. Go to the Library
  3. Click on your username listed in the upper left-hand side of the Library
  4. Check or uncheck the box labeled 'Work Offline'
    NOTE: Checking the box will allow you to work offline while unchecking the box will keep you connected


This feature will force the software to ignore your internet connection, even when your internet connection is still active.

Working Online


When connected, an online connection indicator will be present in the bottom right-hand corner of the software library:


Working Offline


Working office may be preferable if you are concerned about or have an issue with a persistent internet connection.

 

When not connected and working offline, an offline indicator will be present in the bottom right-hand corner of the library:

 


Designs Open as Red Lines


Silhouette Studio defaults to display basic cut designs as red lines with no fill.

Changing Default Appearance


You can update the default opening display appearance of cut lines from red to black, if desired, as follows:

  1. Open Silhouette Studio
  2. Go to Edit > Preferences > Defaults
  3. Select the desired 'Default Fill Style"

Silhouette Studio File Types

Default File Type


Silhouette Studio uses STUDIO and STUDIO3 files as its proprietary file types.

File Import 


Silhouette Studio allows you to open a variety of file types, with additional types supported in upgraded editions.




Basic Edition

The Basic Edition (free version) can open the following file types that are ready to cut:

  • Silhouette Digital Download files obtained from the Silhouette Design Store
  • Fonts installed on your computer in TTF and OTF format
  • STUDIO/STUDIO3
  • GSD/GST
  • DXF


It can also import the following file types that may be traced:

  • JPG
  • PNG
  • BMP
  • GIF
  • TIF


Designer Edition

The Designer Edition (paid upgrade) opens all the above file types plus:

  • SVG
  • PDF

NOTE: When importing PDF, you can select to Import as Image (no cut lines), or Import as Vector (automatically creates cut lines).


Designer Edition Plus


The Designer Edition Plus (paid upgrade) opens all the above file types plus the following embroidery file types: 

  • PES
  • DST
  • EXP
  • JEF
  • XXX


Business Edition

The Business Edition (paid upgrade) opens all the above file types plus the following Adobe Illustrator and CorelDRAW file types:  

  • AI
  • EPS
  • CDR

File Export


Silhouette Studio allows you to export a few different file types, with additional types supported in upgraded editions.



All Editions of Silhouette Studio allow you to save as:

  • STUDIO3


The Business Edition additionally allows you to export as:

  • SVG
  • PDF
  • PNG
  • JPG


NOTES:

  1. SVG files are automatically flattened when exported from Silhouette Studio. You are not able to adjust this option to prevent potential printing concerns.

Making Silhouette Studio the Default Program for SVG Files

If you would like to set up your computer so that Silhouette Studio is the default program to open SVG files, you can do the following according to your computer type.

PC/Windows

  1. Right-click on any SVG file
  2. Select Open With > Choose Default Program
  3. If you do not see Silhouette Studio listed, click on "More Options"
  4. If you still do not see Silhouette Studio listed, click on "Look for another app on this PC"
  5. Navigate to where the Silhouette Studio program is installed
    NOTE: The default location is C:\Program Files\Silhouette America\Silhouette Studio
  6. Select the 'Silhouette Studio' program
  7. Click 'Open'

Mac

Follow instructions to associate file types for your macOS version. 

Silhouette Studio with Other Brand Machines

Silhouette Studio is compatible with the following cutting machines:


Brand
Model
Version
SilhouettePortraitAll
SilhouetteCameo (12", Plus, & Pro)All
SilhouetteCurioAll
Silhouette / QuicKutzSilhouette SD-
QuicKutzSilhouette-
GraphtecCraft ROBOCC100-20, CC200-20, CC300L-30, CC330L-30
GraphtecCraft ROBO LiteCC300-30, CC330-30
GraphtecCE Lite-50-
XyronWishblade-


Other Brand Machine with Silhouette Studio


Silhouette Studio is not compatible with any other brand cutting machines.


However, the Business Edition upgrade for Silhouette Studio can export SVG file types that may be usable with other cutting software programs, depending on their file compatibliity options.


If your purpose is to access Silhouette Studio for Silhouette Design Store access, note that digital files offered from the Silhouette Design Store in SVG format can be used with other select cutting software programs.


How to Clear Silhouette Studio Preferences Folder

In some cases, you may need to or be instructed to clear your Silhouette Studio preferences.


IMPORTANT: This procedure will remove all user-generated cut settings (custom materials settings, updated material settings), as well as any adjustments you have selected in your 'Preferences' settings. Take note of any custom settings or preferences so you can re-create or re-select them after this procedure is completed.

Clearing Through Software


You can clear your Silhouette Studio software preferences if needed through the software as follows:


  1. Open Silhouette Studio
  2. Go to Edit > Preferences > Advanced
  3. Select 'Restore Factory Defaults'
  4. Select 'Apply'

Manually Clearing


Here are steps to manually clear your Silhouette Studio preference folder, if needed.


Mac

  1. Close Silhouette Studio
  2. Open the Finder
  3. Press [Cmd]+[Shift]+G
  4. Type in ~/Library/Preferences
  5. Press Return
  6. Delete the following folder:
    com.aspexsoftware.Silhouette_Studio
    NOTE: If this folder is hidden, you can unhide it
  7. Empty the Trash
  8. Open Silhouette Studio

PC/Windows


  1. Close Silhouette Studio
  2. Press [Windows]+R on your keyboard simultaneously
  3. In Run window type %appdata%
  4. Press Enter
  5. Delete the following folder:
    com.aspexsoftware.Silhouette_Studio
    NOTE: If this folder is hidden, you can unhide it
  6. Empty the Recycle Bin
  7. Open Silhouette Studio

Creating a Library Backup

While there is a recovery process for lost library content, this may not apply to custom content you have created and saved directly into the software library.

As desired, you can create your own library backup to store elsewhere in case your computer crashes and you'd like to recover an exact replica of all current content and library folder structure.

Creating Library Backup

To create a manual backup copy of your library:

  1. Open Silhouette Studio
    NOTE: Update now if you are not already running the latest software version
  2. Go to the Library
  3. Select the user name in the upper-left corner
  4. Select Library Export
  5. Choose the file location to save to your computer

The library export process may take some time depending on the size of the library being exported.

IMPORTANT: Do not close the software or allow your computer to go to sleep during the library export process.

Importing Library Backup


To import a copy of your library that you had previously backed up:

  1. Open Silhouette Studio 
    NOTE: Update now if you are not already running the latest software version
  2. Go to the Library
  3. Select the user name in the upper-left corner
  4. Select Library Import
  5. Locate and select your library backup file
  6. Press Ok when desired library is selected
  7. Enter your Silhouette account email and password

The software will begin to import into your library. 

IMPORTANT: Allow time for this process to complete before using other areas of the software

Export Library Issue (Mac)

If you are on a Mac and your library file is exported as an executable file, you will need to make the following changes to the file before attempting to import it:

  1. Richt-click (CTRL + click) on the exported file
  2. Select 'get info'
  3. In the field labeled file name and extension, add .studio_library

Once adjusted, proceed to import as directed above.


Updating Design Properties in Library

You can change a design name, description, artist, category, or keywords for search terms for designs in your Silhouette Studio library. This can help you better filter your content, and more easily find your designs with attributes that make the most sense to you.

Design Properties

To update your design properties:

  1. Open Silhouette Studio
  2. Go to the Library
  3. Locate the desired design
  4. Right-click and select 'Show Properties'
  5. Edit the desired properies (i.e. name, description, keywords, etc.)
  6. Once changes have been made, click Save