SCAL lesson 1 - the basics (Sure Cuts a Lot)

[@julieschexnayder8739]

As a SCAL user for the last 3 years, I can't believe how much I learned from this video. Thank you so much for the simple to follow directions. I am looking forward to watching the next video.

[@suesmith4681]

Thank you - as a brand new owner of the scal5 - and a person who learns easier by visual - these lesson was marvelous - thank you so much it will certainly get me started on my journey of learning.

[@sharonmckay9935]

Thank you very much for this tutorial. I just purchased SCAL5. Wow, tons of features and this was very helpful, clear and concise.

[@evandagreenwood7028]

Sharon, I also bought this 2 days ago.....trying to find any tutorials that are helpful and hopefully easily explained lol! Have fun!

[@courtneylouie1125]

This is the best tutorial I have seen. Thank you so much for this. I haven’t purchased SCAL yet, but I am almost ready thanks to your detailed instruction.

[@SDIVADesigns]

Thank you so much. Join my group in case you have questions facebook.com/groups/vinyladdictions/

[@ladiediver]

You have the most enjoyable videos in the land! I've watched some that made me a nervous wreck trying to keep up. You are AWESOME! Thank you so much for all that you do to help everyone.

[@SDIVADesigns]

ladiediver Thank you so much!!

[@Honeybee1975..]

Just downloaded scal today and am excited to get started. Thank goodness for your tutorials! I felt a bit lost. Look forward to learning more about this program!

[@SDIVADesigns]

Thank you! Let me know if you need tutorials on anything else.

[@ShoshiPlatypus]

Thank you so much for this. I have had a Black Cat Cougar for several years and have always struggled with Signcut, and especially with the mat orientation. I wish I had known about this program years ago... I bought SCAL yesterday and did my first successful cut - it cut exactly where I wanted, and where I expected!! I love the virtual mat, and being able to work in “portrait” mode so you know exactly what you are doing. I can see myself using my cutter a great deal more, now that I’ve got SCAL and can see exactly what’s going on. I shall probably continue to use Inkscape for designing because it’s on all my platforms but I do look forward to exploring all SCAL’s options too. One thing I liked about Signcut was being able to cut different parts of a design separately but I see that the pro option of SCAL will do this. One day I may upgrade. In the meantime, I can see new vistas opening before me and a LOT of fun ahead!! You teach in such a clear manner, and show everything so well. I am looking forward to exploring all the other lessons in this series and saving them for future reference. You are a star!! Thanks again!

[@littlen44]

Thank you. You get to the point and make things very clear. I'm considering getting this program and your tutorials are helpful.

[@cwalker9309]

Thank you very much. I see this is going to be very good because you explain things so clearly!

[@SDIVADesigns]

NOTE: I checked this for someone and the "crayons" and eyedropper are not available in Windows. This is a Windows limitation. The additional colour screens are not available in Windows either. These elements are standard on Macs in all programs -- I guess this is one of the reasons Macs are known to be the best choice for design work.

[@SDIVADesigns]

+Sharon Bode You don't say which features you are looking for. I have never used the tablet version myself, but others have told me that they were disappointed with it.

[@lesleydickson7746]

Thank you. I have been looking for tutorials that start at the beginning of SCAL. Most helpful.

[@dianebonner701]

Excellent Video. You explain everything so well. Thank you. I like the fact you go slowly with the video.

[@SDIVADesigns]

Thank you so much!

[@tracystevens2594]

Thanks! What a great video. I want to start rhinestine projects and am considering purchasing this software to create rhinestone svg templates. I think I'm convinced!!!

[@shereentimmerman4164]

Awesome tutorial, after buying the KNK force I needed to get SCAL and have always used MTC.

[@michellesilverberg8108]

This is great... contemplating switching to this versus using Cricut software.. Thanks!

[@kathyhanusa8956]

Thank you so much Karen, this has been so helpful and I am looking forward to next weeks lesson. :)

[@SDIVADesigns]

More information on SCAL (Sure Cuts a Lot) is available here facebook.com/groups/SCALusers/

[@yourlocalclown6061]

Thanks!! Trying to make a decision on a new cutter. I'm so familiar with, and LOVE my Silhouette!

[@SDIVADesigns]

What do you need in your new cutter?

[@imacraftysoul]

Thanks so much for this video. I am really looking forward to the rest of the series! I really want to learn how to manipulate layered SVGs such as from Lettering Delights in SCAL.

[@SDIVADesigns]

Patricia Bowman Thanks Patricia. I have added your request to my planned classes.

[@scrapper6928]

I already like the fact that you can drag & drop!!! Theresa

[@scrapper6928]

This is wonderful Karin! I appreciate you doing the videos for us! :) Theresa

[@ONOMAEEVEREST]

**karen**

[@Sebastian-dk7ol]

Hello, I have a GCC plotter, and it pulls the slide completely if it is to cut, what can I do there?

[@dlanahitt4289]

How compatible is SCAL with brother canvas and converting to rhinestone projects?

[@SDIVADesigns]

SCAL5 can create FCM and SVG files, both of which can be read by Canvas. I have not used SCAL much for rhinestone projects as I use CorelDRAW and the macro from Rhinestone World for these types of projects. Join my SCAL group to ask your question there. There is bound to be someone who has experience with this.

[@ThatsJustKarin]

Thank you so much for creating this video. That was all I needed to know, what's what.

[@tamiroland5366]

Very helpful easy to understand !!

[@maureenadderley3981]

how to emboss. is there a video

[@alexperezgomez7868]

donde puedo conseguir este software

[@Oakydokes]

Thanks for the video. I know it's a bit older, but should still help this me learning SCAL 5. My first question is when I choose Preset, as you had, I only get the choice of Pen or Cut, not vinyl or any other choice aside from Custom Cut... or Custom Draw... How can I get the other options like Vinyl, etc.?

[@SDIVADesigns]

Vinyl is a material whereas Pen or Cut are actions. The action you would choose for the material vinyl is probably Cut.

[@doxiedonna]

You are amazing teacher!! Thank you for all the time you give to create these videos. I always learn so much from you. Question: I know you showed how to export SVG files, can you also import svg files?

[@SDIVADesigns]

+Doxie C (Doxie Donna) Oh yes, just click File, Import to import SVG files.

[@Debbie-hj3dg]

Is sure cuts a lot available for iPad

[@natzy5]

Thanks so much for these lessons. Im watching all these. I just got an SC2 cutter, and this program as well, got some practice and wasted some vinyl because the measuring threw me off. Its okay though because its practice. I wanted to ask when cutting you explained where to place it so that the cutter begins to cut in the beginning of the page where you placed your imagine. When in cut settings mine shows a purple box to where im assuming is the cartridge, Do I start my design right next to it? as oppose to placing the image right under the purple box where the cartridge is? So I can waste as less vinyl as possible, don't know if this makes sense. Thank You!

[@SDIVADesigns]

You will have to test because different machines have different options. I have a Puma GCC cutter and it allows me to choose "from origin" or WYSIWYG. I use from origin which starts cutting at the point of my blade. Click the cutter button and the program will preview how it will cut.

[@nickyy2k326]

what if the screen stays blank when i open sure cuts lot lol

[@LynnGtx]

I'm really tempted to buy the SCAL program to use with my KNK Zing cutter as Make the Cut doesn't have great metric capabilities. However, having read the comments here, I'm a little surprised that the eye dropper isn't available with Windows and yet this isn't a problem for other programs - any idea why this feature isn't there?

[@ssergeant9682]

is there a comparison chart of pro vs standard version of SCAL 5 or possible earlier versions? things that are NOT in the standard versions.

[@SDIVADesigns]

There is a link to it in my Facebook group (see my description below the video).

[@honestjason7854]

Any idea why my cutter is making horizontal cuts through my words?

[@SDIVADesigns]

Have you registered (paid for) the software? Try adjusting the blade depth.

[@honestjason7854]

@@SDIVADesigns it was water marks from not registering. I couldn't register because that computer is in a remote location so i registered it via registration code from the site. Im all good now thanks for responding :-)

[@bethgarrett1119]

How do I load my mat?

[@reginascraftingandmore713]

Well, I just installed SCAL 4 and I just started learning SCAL (this is my first lesson) and already I have messed up - my preview window for the fonts, where you can see all the characters at the 1:37 part of the video) has disappeared. How do I get it back?

[@SDIVADesigns]

Click the Library icon at the top of the screen.

[@reginascraftingandmore713]

Well I did that and it never wld come back to I cld see all the individual letters. I had to close out the program and restart and it kept shutting down. I restarted my Pc and reopened program and now all is well

[@rolandclark918]

HOw do I change margin in sure cuts a lot?

[@SDIVADesigns]

Margins for the mat or something else?

[@DawnAdventures5678]

Great lesson!! Thanks!

[@amsebring1]

I know this was done in 2015, but there is no font of Samantha or Desire. Where did they go? Or did they update it and leave them out? How do I get them back?also....I have a cricut expression and I get SCAL to connect with my cricut and cut, but I cant get it to unload my mat. Any suggestions?Thanks,Amber

[@SDIVADesigns]

Those are paid fonts. You have to purchase them. You can get Samantha here bit.ly/SamanthaFont ... Desire is $99. Sorry, I am using SCAL 5 and it no longer works directlyw ith Cricut machines.

[@sharonarmstrong4578]

I am new to this software and I have a cricut maker. I find the work area on my screen too small to see what I am doing. When I use DS, the workspace is a lot larger. Can this be adjusted in the software.?

[@SDIVADesigns]

For sure, just zoom in.

[@artebee905]

How can I create an egg shape for making easter egg projects please?

[@tru2no184]

I just purchased scal, I dont have the crayonn option, nor the dropper option to match colors. Was I ripped off?

[@SDIVADesigns]

That’s just how colours are displayed on a Mac. I presume you are on a Windows computer. My comment below from 7 years ago covers this.

[@ShaDi_DFW_TX]

How can I add my Cricut Essential?

[@SDIVADesigns]

What is a Cricut Essential and where do you want to add it?

[@kristysmith9355]

How did you get the crayon box to show up?

[@SDIVADesigns]

I’m on a Mac

[@twins548512]

This video is so informative! I’m hoping your still receiving messages... I got my US Cutter for Mother’s Day, prior over always used a Silhouette.... will any of my files work with this new cutter and software? Thanks in advance!

[@SDIVADesigns]

Thank you so much! Yes, I'm still receiving messages and I have always planned to continue making tutorials -- I will again. Do you mean "studio" files? No, other cutters are not able to use that file format. If you saved your files in SVG format, you can use them with any cutter.

[@twins548512]

SDIVADesigns thank you so much for your reply..., most of my designs are mine or ones I’ve purchased off of other svg sites etc... now I ha e saved them as a studio file. I’d there a way if I ever needed to that I could convert those files to an svg?

[@SDIVADesigns]

@@twins548512 If you designed them from scratch, you can upgrade to the Business edition of Silhouette Studio and open the files and then save them in SVG format one by one. If any part was created from a studio file, that won't work. Join my Silhouette group here where we can help you more easily facebook.com/groups/silhouettecameo

[@dalewalkey8269]

I have looked everywhere for the font DESIRE that you have loaded on your SCAL program. Please tell me where you found it. I would really appreciate it. Thanks, Dale Yuma, AZ

[@SDIVADesigns]

You're lucky, it's on sale at 40% off at this time, plus they now have lite versions. In the past, the only purchase option was for $99. Here you go crmrkt.com/g0QA0d

[@dalewalkey8269]

@@SDIVADesigns thanks very much. I am working my way thru your SCAL tutorials. I have used this program since Version 2 and have never used all tools so it's time to learn about them from your tuts.

[@vickiedoyle9321]

Thank you for your videos. I hear you mention a manual. Is there a printed manual for SCAL and if so, where can I obtain one?

[@SDIVADesigns]

No, there is no printed manual. In the Help menu, click Help to display the PDF version of the manual. You can print this if you wanted a printed version.

[@inspiringminds6822]

Does anyone know how to print a image for screen printing on sure cuts a lot?

[@letigre4923]

I just received SCAL 4 with my new Bosskut for Mac and am starting from scratch. When I try to select a color from the color pallet, my crayons don't look like yours. They are much smaller and there is no eye dropper at the bottom of the crayon panel with which to select a color. There is an eyedropper in the tool panel on the left side of the screen but I can not use it to select colors when the color pallet is open. What am I doing wrong?

[@kimscraftycorner8361]

I just got SCAL 3 Pro with a new machine I bought from US Cutter....I just clicked to join the group..I need as much help as I can.

[@devenhammondowneroperator9177]

I am currently using snell rounded font, as the letters lay over each other my cutter is cutting into the letters. How can I get my letters to just flow together and not cut the letter it overlays on?

[@SDIVADesigns]

+DEVEN HAMMOND You need to weld the letters if they are overlapping. You can either use the Weld command (temporary) or the Path, Union command (permanent). If you need more information, please join my SCAL group at facebook.com/groups/SCALusers/

[@sqal06]

Can some help me with how to contour cutting, cant find any video.

[@sqal06]

Mac user.

[@toddswenddal6573]

Hey thanks for all the help! I was wondering if you could help me I'm new to SCAL. How do you open two projects at the same time. Every time I want to open a new one it makes me close the one I have open. I need to use an image I designed in one project for another project. Thanks!

[@dacuda70]

I am loving your video so far. I am using the demo Scal 4 right now to see if I want to buy it. My screen doesnt have the same options you show in the video. Will I have the same options when I purchase it? thanks

[@SDIVADesigns]

I am on a Mac and I use the Pro version.

[@dacuda70]

Thanks, that explains the difference..

[@jimmysimpson7724]

Can I cut directly from scal 4 pro to a gcc jaguar iv with out having to save it and bring it over

[@SDIVADesigns]

+Jimmy Simpson Yes you can. I have a GCC Puma and do this all the time.

[@debrayfreemanmcdowell7987]

Is Scal 5 just as the one you have here? I am trying to follow but I am not sure as to where to find the jpeg when you got to that to import. Can you help me with that?

[@SDIVADesigns]

At what time in the video?

[@debrayfreemanmcdowell7987]

When you are working on changing the color about 5:35 are so

[@SDIVADesigns]

@@debrayfreemanmcdowell7987 That was a JPG file from my computer. You would just use one you have if you want to match colours to something you have in a file. The eyedropper is only available on a Mac. If you are on a PC., you won't have this. Also, this was SCAL Pro version 4 as it says in the description -- it was recorded in June 2015.

[@sherylolinger]

how and were do i find that desire font. i absolutely have to have it and i cannot find it anywhere. Thank you so much. and thank you for the tutorials

[@SDIVADesigns]

You can get it here crmrkt.com/gbkRb0 ... it is currently on sale at 40% off

[@fr4nkthet4nk86]

what a great lesson. Than you!!!

[@marythomas5594]

Hope you receive this message as you video is 2 years old. I just purchased scal 4, I actually upgraded from version 2. I was wondering why the library, font etc table wont stay open when I click on or try to scroll it disappears. i want it to stay open like in version 2. I am using a windows 8 laptop no mouse. Can you help me here.

[@SDIVADesigns]

I don't know why that is happening for you. Mine stays open. I am on a Mac, but I also use Windows 10. It stays open on both. This is something you would have to contact the developer about.

[@marybethkondilas11]

My firm ware is not updated, if I update to 1.45, will it still work?

[@SDIVADesigns]

I don't think you need to update your firmware on any machine (you don't say which machine) for SCAL4 to work on it.

[@inezjorgensen7252]

I have SCAL 4 but not Pro. Are some of the features shown not available to me. Example: eyedropper for color selection. My colors also don't show crayons. Thanks!

[@inezjorgensen7252]

Never mind, I see they're only available on the MAC?

[@SDIVADesigns]

The crayons are the standard way to display colour choices on a Mac. Whenever I use a feature that is in the Pro version only, I mention it in the video.

[@marygarrett1861]

can I use the new sure cuts a lot on the Cricket Air 2

[@SDIVADesigns]

You can use any version of SCAL to create an SVG file that can be uploaded into Design Space and cut with any of the Cricut Explore or Maker machines. The one you are asking about is actually called the Cricut Explore Air 2.

[@SDIVADesigns]

You can get more info in my group at bit.ly/CricutLoveGroup

[@vickimeyer3959]

Will the brother scan n cut work as a cutter?

[@SDIVADesigns]

Vicki Meyers No, the Brother Scan N Cut is not listed as one of the cutters you can choose, but SCAL4 can export FCM files which are the SNC file formats. It can also export SVG files, which the SNC can use.

[@sarawalden3873]

Karin which SCAL program do I need to use with my Silhouette Cameo is it the Pro 4 > Thanks after watching your videos I do believe I will purchase the program in the near future. Forgot to add I have windows 7. So I just read your comment aboutthe crayons and eye dropper things. So is there a vodeo that shows what you would have on a lap top with windows 7 Thanks Sara

[@SDIVADesigns]

+Sara Walden SCAL4 is the version that is selling now and both basic and pro will work with your Cameo. As for the crayons, in Windows, you usual colour selection dialog box is displayed.

[@VictoriasCraftyRoom]

I have SCAL on my pc, now I have a MAC. How do I transfer the program to the new PC?

[@SDIVADesigns]

You need to purchase the Mac version. The files created by the two programs are completely compatible, but the programs are completely different because they are developed on very different platforms.

[@VictoriasCraftyRoom]

Thanks!!

[@JenuineAirbrushTan]

This is amazing! I was looking online on etsy as I want to scan a full sheet of Avery labels and choose to cut a circle inside each sticker to create a donut shape. I have a cricut expression the large one and the mini cricut. I am hoping the SCal original version would allow me to do that more easily. I have the original Design Studio Software on PC but it was challenging to cut the shapes. I also have an older MAC if that might be better for design. I really like your videos on learning new things. Any tips on scanning and cutting labels to make custom shapes on older machines?

[@SDIVADesigns]

Sorry, no. I don't have any of the old machines anymore.

[@Scrapia27]

Thank you for the video. Just a little suggestion for the title "SCAL lesson 1". It would be easier to find if you name it "SCAL 4 lesson 1". Otherwise it gets lost in the beginners guitar lesson section ...;-)

[@SDIVADesigns]

Pia C. Thanks for the suggestion Pia. I do want to keep the titles a bit generic so that the lessons can be found by searching for "scal lesson), but I have added (Sure Cuts a Lot) to the end of the title. As additional lessons are added, this will make more sense. Also, KZbin will display more relevant titles over time based on the keywords I entered for the video.

[@brumblebuffin11]

Do you know if the Fonts selection is the same in the Pro version as the regular 4 version? Thanks!

[@SDIVADesigns]

Fonts are not dependent on the version. Which fonts are available to you depend on which fonts you have installed on your computer.

[@creativediva52]

Hi - I'm having problems getting SCAL to do a test cut with my Black Cat Cougar. Is this because I'm using demo software? Thanks.

[@SDIVADesigns]

The demo software will cut a diagonal line across your project.

[@creativediva52]

Mmmm.... it's not even doing that... so I suspect a connection problem maybe... Thanks!

[@creativediva52]

Fixed it, thanks!

[@jimmysimpson7724]

Do you have a video on this

[@SDIVADesigns]

+Jimmy Simpson Don't know what you mean by "this"

[@jimmysimpson7724]

I was asking about using scal and you're gcc puma iii

[@SDIVADesigns]

Sorry. No, I don't have a video on this, but all you do is choose your GCC cutter and then cut to it. SCAL has drivers for all the GCC cutters.

[@ginagallagher2118]

hello, I am in UK and have scan n cut 900. I am keen to use SCAL but I am a newbeee, is there a possibility of obtaining a free trial download for this product, many thanks, Gina.

[@SDIVADesigns]

Yes, you can download it from this link bit.ly/1GtcqVN

[@lesliemunday]

Did you get CD in the mail? Any issues with installing? Is this program user friendly?

[@SDIVADesigns]

No, companies don't do this anymore. When you purchase, you get a link to an instant download. Installing was no problem and yes, I find the program very user friendly.

[@MrXaresx]

IT IS NOT WORKS BY CRICUT MAKER ((

[@SDIVADesigns]

I am not sure what you want to say, but you can definitely open files saved in SVG format with SCAL in Design Space and then cut with a Cricut Maker.

[@MrXaresx]

@@SDIVADesigns DESIGN SPACE IS HORRIBLE IT S NOT ALLOWING PRINT AND CUT BIGGER THEN HAND SIZE I NEED CONTROL EVERYTHING DIRECTLY FROM PROGRAM NOT ONLINE BLA BLA , I BOUGHT THAT MACHINE THAT WEEK BUT I COULD USE IT I KEEP USE MY USCUTTER IS 100 TIMES BETTER THN CRICUT EVEN IT S MOST BASIC ONE IN THE MARKET

[@Mastermonogram]

Thank you this is very helpful

[@ladybea67]

This no longer works with cricut. don’t waste your money

[@SDIVADesigns]

Actually it does, but it also works with many, many other machines so it is very worthwhile software.

[@ladybea67]

@@SDIVADesigns this is why I specified and not made a blanket comment

[@mjmartin2398]

@@ladybea67 How is that not a blanket comment when you tell people not to waste their money and diss an entire software program just because you think it doesn't work with one system, which is the most awful system out there anyway. People shouldn't waste their money on Cricut!

[@ladybea67]

@@mjmartin2398 because i specified which machine. So it’s not a blanket statement.

[@ladybea67]

@@SDIVADesigns it doesn’t work with older or newer cricut machines