Cricut Design Space™ is a companion app that lets you design and wirelessly cut with Cricut Explore and Cricut Maker machines. Create a project from scratch or browse thousands of images, predesigned Make It Now™ projects, and fonts in the Cricut® Image Library. Cricut Cutter, free cricut cutter software downloads. MP3 WMA Cutter supports MP3, WAV, WMA and OGG batch cutting. With MP3 WMA Cutter, you can cut piece from a big audio file and then convert it to a MP3 or WAV or WMA or OGG file. Cricut Maker offers the widest range of tools for cutting, scoring, writing, and adding decorative effects – all so you can take on virtually any project you can imagine. Plus, with more tools coming, Cricut Maker grows with you as you master each new craft. Cutting & Writing Knife Blade. Cutter Software Cricut Design Space. Cutters are usually shipped with software that works with the machine. But not all software is. Brother Canvas Workspace. Some cutter software allows you to open or import files that you or others have created. Silhouette Studio. Some cutters are. Silhouette Cameo 4 with Bluetooth, 12x12 Cutting mat, AutoBlade 2, 100 Designs and Silhouette Studio Software - Black Edition 4.4 out of 5 stars 596 $299.00 $ 299.
Let's check out the vinyl cutting software options.
- SVG importing/exporting
- Incredibly easy to use
- Works offline
- If you design more than cut files, it's a bit pricey ($60) for its functionality
- Due to a lawsuit, doesn't work natively with Cricut machines (check below for workaround)
Sure Cuts A Lot 5 brings a lot of the functionality you're used to in Photoshop into the SCAL workflow (easy to use guidelines, magnetic snapping, masking). If you're looking to use a cutting machine offline, or need a bit more functionality than is available in the software that came with your machine, it's a great option.
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Every machine comes with its own built-in software.
It's only natural to wonder: is this really the best vinyl cutting software?
Should I upgrade?
Can it damage my machine if I use it, or will I be wasting my time learning how to use plotter software that isn't completely compatible with my machine?
I'll go over all of this in a bit.
In this review, I'll go over the best vinyl plotting software you can buy today, along with some free software options.
Whether you're looking to design your own vinyl signs, stickers, or clothing, I'll go over the best choice for you.
What's the best vinyl cutting software?
I'll start with the software that's used the most for vinyl cutters – all of the vinyl design software mentioned here is currently recommended.
These options are completely safe to use and will not damage your machine.
As new updates are released, I'll update this article.
Sure Cuts A Lot 5 review
Sure Cuts A Lot is one of the easiest to use programs for cutting. It supports combining fonts, importing your own shapes, lines, artwork, cut lines, as well as drawing your own.
With Sure Cuts A Lot 5, they've brought a lot of the typical functionality you're used to in Photoshop and other Adobe editing products into the SCAL workflow (easy to use guidelines, magnetic snapping, and masking).
SCAL supports both TrueType and OpenType fonts so you'll have lots of fonts that you can download for free and use.
If you have pre-existing images that aren't vectors, you can use its auto-tracing features to convert any shape into a cut image. This makes it a great option for sign making software.
Knife design software free. If you don't have preexisting shapes, you can either draw them, use their 200+ free built-in images, or download them through their escape store.
Works with both Windows and Mac OS.
Pros
- SVG importing/exporting
- Incredibly easy to use
- Low system requirements
- Works offline
- Great forum and community support
Cons
- Due to a lawsuit, doesn't work natively with Cricut machines (I've posted a workaround here)
- If you design more than cut files, it's a bit pricey ($60) for its functionality
Get the latest version now: Sure Cuts A Lot 5
Site: www.surecutsalot.com
- SVG importing/exporting
- Incredibly easy to use
- Low system requirements
- Works offline
- Great forum and community support
Cons
- Due to a lawsuit, doesn't work natively with Cricut machines (I've posted a workaround here)
- If you design more than cut files, it's a bit pricey ($60) for its functionality
Get the latest version now: Sure Cuts A Lot 5
Site: www.surecutsalot.com
Cricut Cutting Machine Software Download
Easy Cut Studio Review
Easy Cut Studio is a newer contender that I just used for the first time recently. It has one of my favorite interfaces, making it easy to draw your own images directly on your cutting mat.
Easy Cut Studio does what every essential piece of cutter software must do: supports SVG file importing and exporting.
This is so important.
Many cutting machines only work with natively the software they come with (for a variety of reasons). With SVG files you can export from one piece of software and import into the native software that comes with your cutting machine, making the list of compatible machines very long indeed!
Its support for vectorization (turning a regular JPEG/PNG into a cut file that you can use) is the best in the industry.
The cut paths it generates are more accurate than other software I've used and I rarely have to clean them up after, even with complex shapes.
Pros
- Works for MacOS/Windows
- Updated frequently
- SVG import/export
- Great built-in shape library
- Supports scanning directly into the software
- Free trial, so you can test the software before purchasing
Cons
- Like most other software, doesn't work natively work Cricut vinyl cutting machines unless you export SVGs and then re-import (not a huge drawback).
- Smaller support community
Buy the latest version now: Easy Cut Studio for Windows or MacOS
Site: www.easycutstudio.com
More coming soon!
Feel free to leave me a comment with any features you'd like for me to examine, other software that I should look at, or details that I might have left out!
I'll be also updating this review with my favorite free recommendations as well, including the most popular software from Cricut and Silhouette.
I also have a full review of the best vinyl cutters (for both home crafting and business uses). Feel free to check that out if you're interested in an in-depth look at not just the software but the machines themselves.
And if you're looking for heat transfer vinyl, I just finished my review of the best heat transfer vinyl!
I'll go over where it works, falls short, and what the best recommendation is for each use! Stay tuned…
The fact that Cricut vinyl cutting machines are the best ones in the market is true to a greater extent, but they aren't good at everything and might be a bit too expensive for many people.
To counter some of its shortcomings, you might want to try a different cutter. Therefore, we are listing plenty of Cricut alternatives that you can look at
Some of the Cricut alternatives include Sizzix, Silhouette, Brother, and Bira. So, depending upon the designs you want and ease of use of the machine, you have plenty of options.
Cricut Alternative 2021:
Following is the list of the most popular Cricut alternative:
| Product | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sizzix Big Shot Starter Kit | 10 [Editor's Pick] | |
| Bira Craft Die Cutting Machine | 9 | |
| Gemini Go Embossing Machine | 8 | |
| Silhouette Portrait 3 | 9.5 |
You can also check out Best Vinyl Restorer if you're into that! Along with Silhouette Alternative
1.Sizzix Big Shot Starter Kit 661500 Manual Die Cutting and Embossing machine:
Why We Love It:
- Complete kit for beginners
- Die-cut your designs and emboss them through this vinyl cutter.
- Wide compatibility with the Sizzix library
- Have limitless possibilities in designing.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅Cheap vinyl cutter for starters | ❌Instructions are not detailed |
| ✅Easy for you to create your designs |
Circuit Explorer Cutting Machine Software
Read more: Cricut Expression 2 Review
2. Bira Craft Die Cutting & Embossing Machine Combo:
Why We Love It:
- The feeding slot of this cheap vinyl plotter is 3 1/8 inches
- Compact size that makes it convenient to use
- Suction cups that will provide a firm grip.
- Option of die designing and design embossing.
- Easy to carry
Cricut Machine Software Download
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅Can print ceramic and casual material with excellency | ❌Check the size before buying |
| ✅Use variable heat settings depending on printing material | ❌Bit pricy |
| ✅Has an automatic feature of shutting off | |
| ✅The base is isolated |
3. Gemini Go Embossing and Die Cutting Machine:
Why We Love It:
- Convenient to be used at outdoor locations
- Work on paper, cards, and even the fabric materials
- Blades are sharp and also put just the right pressure to give you a crisp and fine cut every time.
- Compatibility with most of the metal dies
- Finely cut design in just some seconds
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅work on cardstocks | ❌runs on batteries |
| ✅get a fine and crisp cut | |
| ✅the metal and plastic shims make the cuts perfectly |
4. Silhouette Portrait 3 Electronic Cutting Tool:
Why We Love It:
- Connect this silhouette portrait 3 with Bluetooth Devices
- Can cut magnet paper
- Lightweight and easy to use the device
- Used in classrooms and for small craft studios
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅Cut a variety of different materials | ❌Expensive |
| ✅won't take much of the space | |
| ✅Bluetooth connectivity |
FAQs:
We have provided you with the best Cricut alternatives that you can try. But you might have some queries in your mind. Therefore, we are providing you with some of the frequently asked questions that most people ask for.
What products are made using die cutting?
You can create different designs and work on different art projects through the die-cutting. For example, you can create everyday items like a tissue box and a cereal box. Moreover, you can also make special preparations in the gift cards and also create stickers.
Can you emboss without a machine?
Yes, it is very much possible to emboss without using any machine. But machines make your life easier. You can die-cut the designs and also emboss them on different materials too.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Cricut?
Considering different features, there are a lot of alternatives to Cricut. Although you might have to compromise on some of the features, the performance is still worthy. For instance, the Sizzix Big Shot. It is quite well-performing in terms of cutting and embossing designs. Moreover, it is quite affordable and cheaper than the Cricut.
What are some of the best Cricut alternatives?
The best Cricut alternative includes the Sizzix Big Shot, Silhouette Portrait 2, Gemini Go, and Bira. You can have varying features in all of them with a varied price tag too. So go for the one that suits your budget.
Is Silhouette Portrait 2 better than Cricut?
The silhouette is a strong competitor to the Cricut, but it is not a cheap vinyl cutter printer. You can enjoy wireless working in this die-cut and embossing machine. Furthermore, the design library is too large. Therefore, you can enjoy working in designing projects. Despite being powerful in performance, it is lightweight and a compact machine.
Cricut Vinyl Cutting Machine
Conclusion:
Cricut Cutting Machine Guide
You can easily find manual and digital die-cutting machines in the market. What you choose is based on your preferences and choices.
You can either go with a manual one that gives you more room for designing. Or you can choose a digital die cutting machine to make your work easier.
All of this is based upon your use and need.
Helen is a freelance writer and editor who enjoys covering lifestyle, home, and DIY topics. She also helps teach clinical skills to medical students as a standardized patient (most people never heard one, but it's a real thing!). When not writing, she's most likely watching comedy videos, reading, knitting, taking ballet class, or trying to get outside.
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