Silhouette Studio is a much more robust design software than Cricut Design Space and that, along with not needing Wifi to use the software, has a lot of Cricut users swapping software programs.
With the ability for Silhouette Studio to export as SVG, Cricut users can do all of the designing in Silhouette Studio and then cut on their Cricut Maker or Cricut Explore Air 2.
How to Download Silhouette Studio Software Without a Silhouette Machine
Silhouette Studio is free for anyone to download. You don't even need a Silhouette machine to download the free Silhouette software. To download go to the Silhouette America website.
Select the PC or MAC version of the software to download and then follow the steps to install the software on your computer. Remember, unlike Cricut Design Space, Silhouette Studio does not require Wifi to use so once it's downloaded on your computer you do not need to be connected to the Internet to use the Silhouette software.
How to Use Silhouette Studio for Cricut
The free Silhouette Studio basic software is very powerful and includes a lot of design tools and functionality. The biggest thing the basic Silhouette software lacks for Cricut users, is the ability to export as anything other .studio3 file. The .Studio file type is only useful within Silhouette Studio and of course a Cricut Maker or Cricut Explore isn't compatible for cutting from Silhouette Studio.That means after you do all your designing in Silhouette Studio you'll need to export a file type - such as an SVG - that can then be opened in Cricut Design Space and cut with a Cricut machine.
Exporting Cricut Compatible Files from Silhouette Studio
Fortunately with just a one time paid software upgrade of about $60, you can unlock additional features with Silhouette Studio Business Edition. Among those software upgrade features is the ability to Save As an SVG (and JPEG, PDF, and PNG) from Silhouette Studio. The ability to export SVGs easily makes Silhouette Studio compatible with Cricut!
Exporting or saving designs from Silhouette Studio as SVG is as easy as File > Save As > Save to Hard Drive > (File type) SVG.
Then head over to Cricut Design Space and open the SVG.
How to Learn Silhouette Studio for Beginners...Fast!
Now that you know how to make Silhouette Studio compatible with Cricut you'll need to learn how to use Silhouette Studio. The Ultimate Silhouette Guide Second Edition for V4 (the current software) is the #1 resource with almost 200 digital pages and more than 100 minutes of Silhouette video tutorials.
Note: This post may contain affiliate links. By clicking on them and purchasing products through my links, I receive a small commission. That's what helps fund Silhouette School so I can keep buying new Silhouette-related products to show you how to get the most out of your machine!
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can this be done in reverse? the cricut design space software on a silhouette machine?
ReplyDeleteHi, I am not familiar with Cricut Design Space so I am not sure.
DeleteSadly no. Cricut Design Space does not let you save files as anything other than their proprietary file type. It's beyond frustrating.
DeleteHi Melissa, can the files that are in library be exported as SVG if they are purchased before upgrading to Business Edition?
ReplyDeleteThank,
Michelle
Yes!
DeleteThank you!
ReplyDeleteI bought the cricut maker before the new silhouette came out I have tons of things in my library this is such a great day that I can use these again lots of money spent sitting around I just upgrade to business cant way to work its magic thank you for all your great help. hugs
ReplyDeleteis this program still available to use with cricut maker, or cricut explore ?
ReplyDeleteHello there! If you have Silhouette Studio: Business Edition, you can export as an SVG that can be used with Cricut. You can find Business Edition here: https://shrsl.com/2p5va
DeleteIf I have a cricut eplore air 2 and use silhouette software how big can you do a print and cut ? Can you print and cut up to 12x12 ?
ReplyDeleteYou can print and cut as big as your printer will allow! If you have a wide format printer, you'd be able to use the full mat. https://www.silhouetteschoolblog.com/2020/03/how-to-print-and-cut-on-wide-format.html
DeleteCan you use Shiluette Studio free edition for making designs for commercial purposes? Or do you have to get some kind of commercial licence? I have cricut maker but the software that commes with it is pretty limited...
ReplyDeleteYou would want Business Edition so you can export as an SVG and PNG. You can find an upgrade here: https://shrsl.com/2p5va
DeleteI have the cricut maker...I have a lot of designs that I created in design space. Can I export these files to use with Silhoutte business edition if I purchase it?
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately it is only going to work the other way around: create designs in Silhouette Studio and then import to Cricut. Cricut does not give you any options for exporting.
DeleteDoes Silhouette Studio work with the Cricut Expression 2 machine?
ReplyDeleteIf you have Business Edition, you can export as SVG and then use in Cricut Design Space.
Delete