Silhouette Studio V5 Send Panel: Tool 2 Incompatible Error

If you've upgraded to Silhouette Studio V5 and are now struggling with controlling cut lines for Tool 1 vs Tool 2 in the Send panel - you're not alone.

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The cut line controls are probably the biggest change in Silhouette Studio from V4 - and for really no good reason.

So if you're getting an incompatible error - read on for how to easily fix this common issue.

Cut Lines Setting Changes

In Silhouette Studio V4 and all prior versions the cut lines controls in the Send panel were with all of the other settings - on the right panel. There's a drop down menu for "No Cut", "Cut Edge", and Cut.

But in Silhouette Studio V5- this all changed and those settings were not only renamed, they were moved from the right settings panel to below the preview panel.

What didn't change is that red cut lines indicate Tool 1 (left) and blue cut lines are associated with Tool 2 (right).

Tool 1 vs Tool 2 Settings

Tool 1 (red cut lines) is the left carriage. This is where your auto blade goes, your manual blade, your sketch pens — basically everything you use 95% of the time.

Tool 2 (blue cut lines) is the right carriage. This is only used for specialty tools like the rotary blade or 2mm kraft blade. Unless you're cutting fabric or using one of those specific tools, you should never be in Tool 2.

If you accidently select the the cut control for the wrong tool you're going to get an incompatible error.

Silhouette Studio Tool Incompatible Errors

For example if you select Tool 2: Use Outline of Selection (indicated by blue cut lines), but you only have an autoblade in your machine OR you are in the "Tool 1" settings (these are only for red cut lines) - you'll get an error.

The error message is - quite honestly - not helpful: "incompatible — select an action and tool compatible with tool two."

The problem is - that's NOT how you fix this issue and clear the error.

To fix this issue you don't actually need to select a different material or a different tool.

The only thing you need to do is select the design in the work area and re-select the correct cut line control at the bottom: Tool 1: Use All Selected Lines. Now the Tool 1setting at the bottom, will match the tool 1 settings in the right side panel.

If you're looking for even more on the Silhouette Studio V5 send panel and what all the different cut controls mean and when to use them, I have a video exclusively available for Silhouette U members.

Members get 650+ in-depth tutorial videos, same-day personalized support directly from me, and live Office Hours where you can get help in real time. Stop wasting time troubleshooting alone — come join us.

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