TABLE OF CONTENTS

Barcode Reading Feature

This feature is included in the Business Edition of Silhouette Studio 
OR 
with detection of a connected Auto Sheet Feeder (any edition)

The Barcode Scanning feature allows you to scan specialized barcodes created by Silhouette Studio that are printed on your project.

When a barcode is printed, the Silhouette cutting machine can read the code with its optic scanner, and then proceed to find the project file and cut it out according to the original file setup.

This allows you to pre-print multiple jobs altogether, and then feed them into the Silhouette machine later on without worrying about file setup or cut settings adjustments. Just print now and the barcode will remember what your job needs to do whenever you're ready.

Compatibility


The Barcode Scanning feature Requires Portrait 2 (or higher) or Cameo 3 (or higher) Silhouette cutting machine model. 


Not compatible with other cutting machine systems.

How to Add Barcodes

To add a Silhouette barcodes to your printed project:

  1. Ensure your Silhouette cutting machine is connected to your computer
  2. Make sure you have an active internet connection
  3. Open Silhouette Studio
  4. Open the Page Setup Panel
  5. Select the Registration Marks tab
  6. Turn Registration Marks 'On'
  7. Check 'Enable Barcode on this design'
  8. Print your design
    Note: this will update the barcode with any changes you have made to the design

How to Use Barcodes


Once you have a barcode document:

  1. Load you printed design with the barcode onto your cutting mat
  2. Open Silhouette Studio
  3. Go to the SEND Panel
  4. Click the Barcode button (next to the 'Send' button)

Your Silhouette cutting machine will then scan the barcode and proceed to cut the design. 

Barcode Video



Media Layout View vs. Design Area View

Media Layout View is a feature of the Business Edition

What is Media Layout View?


The Media Layout View provides an alternative view of your job so that the job can be laid out for optimal cutting in order to maximize your ability to use your material size efficiently. It also facilitates the ability to cut larger jobs that are being tiled.


Toggle On/Off


You can toggle between the Media Layout view and the standard default design view as follows:

  1. Open Silhouette Studio
  2. Go to the Media Layout panel
  3. Check or uncheck the "Show Media Layout Split-Screen" option



Using PNG Files in Silhouette Studio

PNG files are raster images that can handle graphics with transparent or semi-transparent backgrounds.

Opening PNG Files (Importing)


All editions of the Silhouette Studio software can open PNG files, including the free Basic Edition.


To open a PNG file:

  1. Open Silhouette Studio
  2. Click on the Open icon
  3. Navigate to the file
  4. Select the file and click "OK"


Some PNG files may have transparent backgrounds. The default behavior of Silhouette Studio will open these images with auto-traced cut lines around the edges of the transparent image.


This auto-trace feature for PNG files can be toggled on/off as follows:

  1. Open Silhouette Studio
  2. Go to Edit > Preferences > Import
  3. Check or uncheck the "Autotrace" box under the PNG section
  4. Click Apply
  5. Click OK


If the auto-trace feature is off or the image does not have a transparent background, then the image will not immediately have cut lines. You can use the Trace feature to create cut lines as needed.

Saving PNG Files (Exporting)


The Business Edition upgrade is required to save files in PNG format.


To export a PNG file:

  1. Open Silhouette Studio
  2. Create your design
  3. When ready to export, select all parts of the design that you want to be included in the PNG file
  4. Go to File > Save Selection > Save to Hard Drive
  5. Navigate to where you'd like to save the file
  6. Click on "Save as type" and select the PNG option
  7. Click on OK
  8. Select your desired export settings
  9. Click on Save


If you are attempting to export a PNG image with a 'Transparent Background', in addition to checking this option, the image will need to be devoid of any white space backing. As needed, you may wish to use the Trace & Detach feature for this purpose.


Using SVG Files in Silhouette Studio

The feature to open SVG files is included in the Designer Edition and above.

The feature to save SVG files is included in the Business Edition.

SVG files can be opened in Silhouette Studio with a Designer Edition or above software upgrade, and additionally exported with a Business Edition upgrade.

Opening SVG Files


To open an SVG file in Silhouette Studio:

  1. Open Silhouette Studio
  2. Go to File > Open
  3. Navigate to your file and select it to open


To adjust the import behavior of SVG files:

  1. Open Silhouette Studio
  2. Go to Edit > Preferences > Import
  3. Review and adjust any desired settings under the "SVG" section

Setting Default Application


If you'd like to have Silhouette Studio be the default application for opening SVG files:
  1. Locate an SVG file on your computer
  2. Right-click on the SVG file
  3. Click on "Open With"
  4. Click on "Choose default program"
  5. Check the box labeled "Use this app for all .svg files"
  6. Select "Silhouette Studio"
    NOTE: If you don't see "Silhouette Studio", click on "More Options"
Going forward, your SVG files will now be opened by Silhouette Studio by double-clicking on them.

Exporting SVG Files


To export an SVG file from Silhouette Studio:


  1. Open Silhouette Studio
  2. Create your design
  3. Select all parts of your design you'd like to export
  4. Go to File > Save Selection > Save to Hard Drive
  5. Navigate to where you want to save your SVG file
  6. Click on "Save as type" and select "SVG"
  7. Click OK


AI Files with SIlhouette Studio

The Silhouette Studio Business Edition upgrade allows you to import/open modern AI file versions.

About AI Files


There are two types of AI files:

  1. PDF style
  2. EPS style


PDF style files are created by Adobe Illustrator version 8 and above. These files can be used and are valid.


EPS style files are created by Adobe Illustrator version 7 and lower. These files may or may not work with Silhouette Studio depending on whether or not they contain "Procsets" (optional elements in older versions of Illustrator). Silhouette Studio requires "Procsets" to be present in order for the file to work properly.


NOTE: Some CorelDRAW versions write AI files into a PDF-style format but lack the PDF drawing portion in the file. Such documents cannot be read by Silhouette Studio and will be displayed as blank files.