How to correctly use SVG files in your art using plotters such as Cricut and Cameo
We are living in the 21st century, when technologies in different spheres of our life are developing rapidly and intensely every year. Times are changing and as amazing as it may be, needlework is one of them. The amazing resurgence of die-cutting machines (plotters) and digital files (SVG and beyond) for cutting has touched areas such as scrapbooking, handmade cards, cute home decor, journaling, planning, mixed media and many other creative types. With special equipment, you have the opportunity to save yourself time on your handiwork and turn your hobby into a private business.
Don't be scared by so much information! It is in this article that we will help you and tell you how to properly start your way in this creative endeavor.
In this article we will give you all the information you need to know about digital cutting files. Once you understand it, you'll find that everything seems much easier than you think!
Let's start with the most important things
What is a digital die-cutting machine for digital files?
As everyone knows, a digital die-cutting machine is an electronically powered device that the machine uses with your gadget software (computer, smartphone, tablet) anything that is suitable for controlling, cutting or drawing drawings/pictures from the various materials inserted into the machine.
You have probably already tried to find information about die-cutting machines. And most likely have seen or read a lot of information about many well-known models of digital die-cutting machines over the past couple of years.
The way in this field originally began with Cricut Expression and specialized cartridges filled with shapes and patterns. Of course over the years they have progressed considerably and improved their quality. But at the moment a huge number of people are thrilled to enjoy working with machines like the Cricut Explore Air, the Silhouette Cameo line and the Brother ScanNCut.
These devices save you a lot of time and at the same time offer the use of already automated actions for cutting out shapes, lettering and drawings. This means that your plotter becomes a key attribute in your handicraft work!
The meaning of this digital machine is similar to a printer: you have a picture or any design on your gadget and you send it to the machine, but instead of printed text with ink on paper, you get a picture cut out of a special material.
Another advantage of machines like the Cricut and Cameo is also the drawing or writing function. If your machine has a pen stand, you can insert a special pen in the slot and your machine can draw any picture you want in ink. This is a great extra feature so that you have the ability to combine the cut out and the drawn picture! And all from a single machine. Do what you want: unusual shapes with your various notes for scrapbooks, gliders, notebooks, and there's also the option to make a fully cut out and drawn card face!
Also another very interesting question many people have and the answer to it.
Do I have to buy an electronic die-cutting machine?
In this article we will look at the most popular questions that everyone asks themselves when they are considering buying an electronic machine to improve their skills and qualifications. This question is rather peculiar. Asking more than hundreds of craftsmen this question everyone will answer differently about whether this electronic die-cutting machine is really important in your life for future work. Most answer this question positively and say it is the best thing they have purchased for their work. And some say that they have this machine sitting idle and gathering dust.
Before you go shopping, it's important to weigh up and think about what you'll get out of the purchase, all the options you have, how to use the device, and its usefulness in your projects.
Ask yourself a question. What size projects do you work on most often?
Many people live by some imposed stereotype that Cricuts and Cameos are for scrapbooking lovers and only for small size projects. This, of course, is not true and you should not even listen to such "connoisseurs".
The best thing about these machines is that you can change the format, text size, phrases and design to any size your soul desires! While scrapbookers use big, beautiful words in their projects and layouts when they work, cardmakers are everywhere reducing them to the size of greeting cards.
If you are a scrapbooking lover and your job is to create 12 x 12 card layout, pocket pages for diaries, notebooks, planners , then you can easily start using a digital die-cutting machine to bring your creativity to life.
What materials can be used during the work?
Paper and cardboard are not the last materials that can be used in a die-cutting machine. You can use materials such as linen, leather, magnetic sheets, foam plastic, adhesive vinyl, photos, ironing vinyl, denim, cork, parchment, canvas and over 100 other materials. Remember that it is very important to read the instructions for each machine and to use the appropriate settings and knives before working.
In case you didn't know, the Cricut Maker digital die-cutting machine can cut over 125 fabrics and materials 2.4mm thick!
One of the most popular ways to use the Cricut or Silhouette Cameo machines at the moment is to cut adhesive vinyl designs for glasses, wall decor, other ware, iron-on vinyl for making pillows, t-shirts, blankets and other types of clothing.
If you need to use foil for your digital die-cutting machine, here's how to add it to the machine.
The very famous company We R Memory Keepers, which everyone is used to seeing as a company that loves to create new and innovative tools, has recently provided a thermal foiling device for special electronic cutting machines called Foil Quill. This allows you to start adding beautiful and professional-looking foil designs to your material. This system works with machines like Cricut, Silhouette, Brother and Sizzix.
This allows you to combine the function of your die-cutting machine with high concentrated heat, thermoset foil and the material of your choice to transfer any design to foil in almost a couple of minutes.
Also, for your comfort and convenience while you work, they created a magnetic Foil Quill mat with strip magnets! Once you try the Foil Quill in use, you'll be surprised at the very good results and ease of use.
What is an SVG or PNG file to work with?
Different types of files surround our lives every day, everyone knows that for photography we use JPG format, and music in MP4 format. Then in this craft we use formats like SVG and PNG! You may be wondering what these formats mean and why they are the right ones, but we can easily answer that question. An SVG file is a scalable vector graphic and PNG is a portable network graphic, they are the most commonly used formats because they allow the software to figure out where to cut so that the result is done correctly.
Where can I get cut files?
The well-known svgocean.com platform is always available for everyone. Everything of course depends on your software on the machine, most often the files are at your hand. On the site you can find a huge amount of fun fonts, lettering, ready-made cards, projects and weekly free gifts all at your disposal for a very nice price. If you just want to try your hand at it, you can use the free SVG files.
For digital machine users, Cricut have access to Cricut Design Space, which has several thousand free daily images to work with.
Both of these companies offer free designs and drawings, and you can buy most of the materials you might need while working for anywhere from $0.99 to a few dollars. In addition to these sites, there are many other good stores with similar files for cutting.
Where can I get free cutting files?
Many businessmen or creative hobbyists wonder about this. You don't have to worry about that, because svgocean.com has a large number of free cutting files that you can download for your cutting machine use without any problem.
You have the opportunity to plunge into a multitude of possibilities available to you absolutely free of charge, any digital files for cutting - everything is at your disposal.
At svgocean.com you can find plenty of designs for scrapbook layouts, traveler's notebook pages, planner panels, postcards and more! Create something amazing by combining several free files into one.
How do I use the cut files correctly? Where is the best place to start?
First, you need to upload whatever file you choose to cut. It all depends on what model your cutter is, what device you are using, and what software you need in the process.
Once you've uploaded the PNG or SVG file, you need to open the program and upload the previously uploaded file there. Once you have uploaded to the program all you have to do is choose the right size, design and place it all correctly. Then send the almost finished file to the machine for cutting or drawing.
All that remains is to select the material you want to cut or draw before you load it into the machine for the work itself to happen! Also, don't forget to use a specialized mat for your machine.
Where should I work with a digital clipping machine?
If you own a machine like the Sizzix Big Shot Foldaway, Spellbinders Platinum 6, or a similar machine, you know that their advantage is portability and convenience. Some of them can even fold up to save space! You can fold them up and grab them by the handle before putting them away for storage or moving them around.
Other digital die-cutters will definitely take up significantly more space in your workshop.
What are the dimensions of the die-cutting machines?
The Cricut Explore Air 2 is a 14 pound machine that measures 24" x 9.5" x 9.5".
The Silhouette Cameo 4 is 24" x 10" x 8" and weighs about 15 pounds.
Both of these art machines are huge, heavy, but very high quality and many people are happy with them after purchasing them!
It's important to remember that you need a clear space around the machine to move it. Unlike a printer that gives out pages from the front, these creative beasts cannot be placed against walls or cabinets. So if you want your machine to make you money in the future, do the right thing, as much as possible, and allow enough space to accommodate it.
How to install the machine correctly? What options are available?
Just like for a home printer, the various electronic machines have a couple of options for connecting them. If you need to install machines like the Cricut or Silhouette next to a laptop or computer, you can get by with just a single USB cord. This is to connect the computer and the machine together, thereby transferring all the data.This is a great option for a large room or workshop.
But what should you do if your machine is in another room away from your computer?
We all know that we use Bluetooth for that. It's a great indispensable thing that makes our lives easier. Many Cricut machine models are so technologically advanced that they allow you to connect to any device without wires.
The new Cricut machines use a special app that you can download to your computer, laptop, Android smartphone or iPhone, and Bluetooth to connect and transfer information from your device to your Cricut machine!
This is a great way to create something new for your Cricut in the app, sitting or lying on the couch. Then use Bluetooth to send it to your Cricut machine in another room. That's really cool and convenient.
What can you make with a digital die-cutting machine?
On our sites, we'll show you the amazing and unusual things you can do by going digital - 3D Layered SVG, Sublimation, Freebies SVG! The files combined with your machine and creativity will really create some incredibly cool projects for you to work on! Also, in addition to our collection, you can be inspired by the work of other craftsmen who put their work online!
How to use SVG files properly - a short plan for every beginner!
- The first thing to do is to get your Cricut, Cameo, or other digital cutting machine and of course turn it on.
- Then connect the machine to your laptop, computer or other device with a cord or Bluetooth.
- Open up your software that you use for your machine, for example take Cricut Design Space or Silhouette Studio.If you're using Silhouette Studio, you can access this through your laptop. And if you're using Cricut Design Space, you can access this program on any computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone.
- Upload your picture, design or shape ( known as an SVG or PNG file) to your device.
- Find the file you have already downloaded in your smart device's Files folder or other specified download location, then download it to your program!
- Use the full capabilities of your machine software in your work. Change the format, font size, unfold, change the design of your image to suit your supplied project.
- Decide exactly what you want to do. Draw or cut, or maybe both). Start loading your materials (could be vinyl, leather, any fabric, cardstock) on a special cutting mat and feed that material into your machine.
- Press the "Go" or "Start" button and watch the process unfold! The blade of the machine will start cutting your design out of the SVG file.
We hope this article was helpful and informative to you! Don't forget to also save projects for Cricut, Cameo or other machines to the gallery so you don't accidentally lose anything. Inspire yourself with something new and inspire others with your magical work. svgocean.com wishes you the best of luck!