Silhouette Portrait 4 Unboxing, Setup, and Print and Cut With & Without A Mat

[@lisaedwards9124]

Thank you so much! Learned not only important new features - but what to do in the Design software (and what to ignore!) you are the best! 😀

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

@@lisaedwards9124 yay! You are welcome!

[@annabellealaine]

this was such a good and helpful video! the online setup did not show all of this. Thank you!

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

@@annabellealaine you are welcome!

[@gail-gmac6871]

Great demonstration - you are such a great teacher! I have the original Portrait and this may have to be a Christmas gift to me!

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

Thank you!

[@flippysticky]

Such a great video because not only you explained the new features, but you also explained kiss-cutting stickers without a mat! I've been looking for this everywhere and you were the only one who explained that the reg marks are different! Or maybe someone else said it before but I this is the only video I found explaining that feature and specifically mentioning kiss cutting. Thank you!

[@cris.sandman4599]

When I do print and cut the colors become very dull and I never had this issue with cricut machines :/

[@vspartner]

Enjoy your channel. I understand I’ll have to update Silhouette Studio to the latest version for Portrait 4. Will the latest version work with my older Cameo 3? Thanks in advance.

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

@@vspartner yes. It works with all the Silhouette machines.

[@miracles1234]

Thank you very much for a great tutorial! Do you know if there will be an electrostatic mat for the Portrait?

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

You are welcome! Yes, it's coming in 2024, just delayed in transit.

[@miracles1234]

Great! Thank you!

[@elleal111]

Where do we purchase portrait 4 cutting mats? I wanted to get extra ones in case I need them, but I can't find them in any website.

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

They have not been released yet and are in transit.

[@leahdavis6330]

I bought this machine because I thought it was best. Wrong. Should have went with Cricut. The first 4 times i used it to make stickers, the cuts with my portrait 4 were almost perfect. But after that, I am lucky to get 3 stickers out of a whole sheet that are a decent cut. Almost all the cut lines are way off and it appears to drift down the page. I have changed nothing. I didn’t even move the machine. I didn’t adjust any settings. I’ve double and triple checked everything they tell you to check. This is so frustrating. I guess I’m gonna have to manually adjust the cut lines? This machine has cost me money in sticker paper and time. I’m seriously about to throw it in the trash and buy a Cricut. I don’t even expect it to be perfect, but the cut lines for my stickers are way off and I cannot sell them that way. It seems this is a huge issue for a lot of people. Does silhouette plan on addressing this or fixing this? Is it a software issue?

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

I've had no issues with print and cut with the Portrait 4. Here is what I'd recommend even if you have tried other things - I'd recommend doing this in this exact order step-by-step and then how are the cuts... 1. Unplug the machine and then carefully move the blade housing all the way to the right and all the way to the left. Do this 3 more times and leave it on the right side. Plug it back in and turn it on. 2. Follow this tutorial and set everything back up at all the defaults for the Portrait 4. silhouette-secrets.com/2020/01/28/lets-explore-v4-print-cut-basics/ 3. Use the Portrait 4 cutting mat that came with the machine. Do not use any other cutting mats. Do not use an old Portrait cutting mat. It is not the same size. I show exactly the difference here silhouette-secrets.com/2023/12/02/silhouette-portrait-4-unboxing-tips-for-success/ 4. Hold the mat completely level as the machine is reading the marks. How does the cut look with the test cut?

[@Leah-m3d]

Thank you for your reply! I will try these steps in order.

[@MsAlice9966]

How do I print my design with the registration marks?

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

Here is how to set up a print and cut - silhouette-secrets.com/2020/01/28/lets-explore-v4-print-cut-basics/

[@Thecraftyroom]

Hi can I cut rhinestones with the portrait like I can with the cameo ?

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

You can cut rhinestone templates with the Portrait model, yes. The Portrait 4 has a cutting width of 8.5" wide.

[@Thecraftyroom]

@SilhouetteSecrets ok great I think I need to get this one. Having so many problems with my cameo guess it's old. Lol Thanks

[@pico0322]

The cut line is misaligned. I have checked the paper size and backing paper. Is there any solution for the slight misalignment of the cut line?

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

Follow this step by step and do a test print silhouette-secrets.com/2020/01/28/lets-explore-v4-print-cut-basics/ How does it cut with everything set at defaults?

[@pico0322]

@@SilhouetteSecrets The problem seemed to be that the media was inserted incorrectly into the machine.Thank you very much for your kindness.

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

@@pico0322 you are welcome! Glad you were able to identify it.

[@rachelphillips3786]

I'm looking in to the Portrait 4 and can't find an answer to (probably a stupid) question, but can sketch pens be used with the portrait 4? I can't seem to find an answer to this question, I know there's only one tool holder but can pens be used in it with the adapter? Thanks!

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

Yes. It's just like all the older models. The blue adapter can be used with the black bodied Silhouette sketch pens or the Type B pen holder for regular pens.

[@rachelphillips3786]

@@SilhouetteSecrets thank you so much for the info!

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

@@rachelphillips3786 You are welcome!

[@patriciatamayo-vasquez2913]

I had trouble installing my premium blade and its adapter to the machine and I’m afraid I pushed it too much. Will that affect my blade or its cutting? 😢

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

Did you pull the lock out on the front of the machine? It should slide right in if using the proper adapter. I can't say yes or no on if it will affect it. The only way to know is to try it out. I would recommend giving the autoblade a chance too. The most common reason Autoblades have issues is because they weren't installed & locked in properly.

[@emmaturner2558]

The new software for Mac is unusable. 4.5 has issues with software stating image is low res (even when it is not) so print and cut impossible. Silhouette told me this is a known bug but it’s still not been fixed.

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

Yes, it's been reported. They are working on it. The Beta version is actually supposed to improve the graphics, but there are still issues with Sonoma OS that are outside their control. But they are working to find a way around it. It does not affect all MAC users, though.

[@patriciatamayo-vasquez2913]

Hi! Can I use the premium blade normally used in Portrait 3 and older models to the latest Portrait 4?

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

With the black adapter, yes, or the 1 mm blade is the exact same blade, but no adapter is needed.

[@patriciatamayo-vasquez2913]

Great! Thank you ☺️

[@athenamay30]

EllyMae, I really appreciate this video. I'm also a member of your FB group and it's so neat to get my newbie questions answered there. God bless!

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

@@athenamay30 so glad it helps!

[@santiagoHollmann]

Thanks for sharing

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

I don't have any issues with any of the Silhouette machines reading registration marks. In most troubleshooting cases that we deal with, it's usually something in the setup that is causing it or a dirty machine. Going back to the basics of the print and cut and using all the defaults with a Silhouette cutting mat can eliminate a lot of the reasons a print and cut fails. If you are having issues, please set it up step-by-step following this and do a test print with a Silhouette cutting mat. silhouette-secrets.com/2020/01/28/lets-explore-v4-print-cut-basics/

[@sallybowles2781]

what do you use for printing?

[@doraemonblue]

Can the Cameo 4 autoblade work with the Portrait 4? If not, which one works?

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

Yes. It is the same blade - Type B Autoblade.

[@Da.nish.k]

I'm having trouble keeping my portrait 4 connected. Everytime I turn it on I have to re pair it through bluetooth. Sometime 3-4x before it ever connects.I never had any connectivity issues with my cameo 4. I'm wondering if you've experienced this issue as well.

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

You don't have to pair anything..... in fact, having it paired in your computer settings can interfere with the connection entirely. The only place the bluetooth needs to be connected in on the Send tab in the Silhouette software. Click on the little machine icon with the red number on it and that is where the connections show. If it is taking longer than you want to connect, swap it to a new connection in that menu and swap it back.... it usually connects within a few seconds.

[@Da.nish.k]

@@SilhouetteSecrets hmmn. If I don't pair it just sits there and flashes, even if I try to click on it through the software. I don't know it also won't do print and cut registration half of the time. It just says nah. I'm wondering if mine is defective 😭 my cameo never gave me any trouble at all.

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

@danaking8930 I'd recommend reaching out to Silhouette Support with a complete description of what it's doing, photos, and video for both issues. For print and cut, make sure you are using all the default registration marks, nothing is in the crosshatched area, you are using the Silhouette mat that it came with or the one specific for Portrait 4, and loading it next to the load line but not over top of it.

[@vickiep3641]

THANK YOU! My iMac couldn't download the SS software/do a firmware update via Bluetooth. Luckily, you suggested the printer to USB cable. So glad I didn’t throw that old cable away!!!

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

Yay! You are welcome! So glad it helped!

[@esprawbeads]

Please is it just any printer cable?

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

@@esprawbeads yes, a usb printer cable.

[@life_as_linda3997]

Great video! I am new to Silhouette and am so impressed already.

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

Thank you! Happy cutting!

[@yanyanjay]

Can you compare the noise from old machine to new machine? I want to know how much quieter the new machine is. Thx~

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

That is very difficult to do. Microphones amplify everything, so it's not an accurate sound level on any video that's done. And don't have an older Portrait to compare it to. It is quieter. The loudest part is the blade adjusting.

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

I did try the mic thing in this Cameo 5, but again.... videos are not going to be accurate on the real-life audio. kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4vXfJ6Kdpp5Y68

[@emilyschiebel114]

Would you recommend the Portrait 3 or Portrait 4 for someone who has never had a vinyl cutter?

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

Either one would work, but personally, I'd go with the Portrait 4.... only because it cuts 8.5" wide and the rollers don't roll over the material.

[@emilyschiebel114]

@@SilhouetteSecrets from your video, the Portrait 4 looked more user friendly and easier to use!

[@amyb2593]

I updated my software last week or so ago to 4.5.735ssbe. When I go to your link and try to update, it wants to "Modify", "Repair", or "Uninstall". So I assume I have the updated version? I don't have my new machine yet, but when I go to the Page Setup in the program, none of the new machines show up in the drop-down menu. Do they show up once you connect your machine? I'm seriously thinking about the Cameo 5, but enjoyed watching this video, as I have the Portrait 3.

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

Yes. Sounds like you have the currently version and you do need to connect for those models to show up.

[@amyb2593]

@@SilhouetteSecrets thank you so much. Can I use the pen holder than I currently have for my Portrait 3 for the Cameo 5?

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

@amyb2593 in the Tool 1 housing, yes. There is a new Tool 2 pen holder being released as well, so the option to sketch and cut without swapping tools will be back.

[@amyb2593]

@@SilhouetteSecrets oh, that's great to know! It would be nice not to have to swap tools. I enjoy your videos. I'm going to transition from Cricut to Cameo. I have had the Silhouette Business Edition for a few years, but I'm finding out more and more things I can do with it! It's really great. Thank you for all your expertise. I subscribed to your channel, so I'm sure I'll learn much more.

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

@amyb2593 Yay! I'm so glad it helps!

[@AnyaTara-l7k]

Is there auto load on portrait 4 like in cameo 5?

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

No. It does not have the auto load sensor on the Portrait. The Autoload is designed for the larger machines where it is more difficult to hold the mat up to the rollers and press the load button with 2 hands.

[@JoanneM0116]

Hi does the portrait 4 foil on sticker paper? i have a minx machine and it's v hit and miss if the toner has set properly. If the portrait did foil on sticker paper i would definitely buy one.

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

You would have to test on sticker paper. It would depend on the actual sticker paper and foil used. Regular matte sticker paper should be no problem as it's paper.

[@JoanneM0116]

thank you for your reply@@SilhouetteSecrets

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

@@JoanneM0116 you are welcome!

[@roslynjoy]

When the ES cutting mat comes, will it be compatible with Print and Cut? It seems like that would give you the bigger area and be much quicker than peeling individual stickers off a sticky mat.

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

Yes, the Electrostatic Beds are compatible with print and cut. Here is an example showing the ES bed with the Curio 2. The ES bed functions the same on all of the machines. kzbin.info/www/bejne/amPUqKV6r6iIodUsi=vxa7R4hoYxTbGAsi

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

And here is a 12" x 12" print and cut on the Curio 2 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4XIaH2Kp9Fqi9ksi=oQp5qaptwNIsDEcq

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

The Portrait 4 Electrostatic Bed will be the same cutting width and size as the cutting mat. This is 8.5" x 12". However, with the Electrostatic Bed, you cannot cut edge to edge or the electrostatic charge is broken. That isn't an issue with print and cut since you don't cut edge to edge because of the registration marks.

[@roslynjoy]

Thanks for your replies! I’m mainly interested in cutting paper and cardstock (up to about 250gsm) at A4 size. Is the Portrait 4 equivalent to the Cameo 5 for those tasks or does the Cameo 5 have anything that makes it a more capable machine? I’m also interested in using the PixScan mat and possibly the sheet feeder (using the pop out cutting method).

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

@@roslynjoy from what you describe, you may want the Cameo 5 - it does have additional tools and dual tool housing. 250 gsm might be a bit thick for use with the ES bed, but you never know until you try!

[@PaulaYvetteCreates]

Great video. Do you know if they have new software enhancements?

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

What kind of software enhancements are you looking for? The new machine models and the Silhouette Go App improvements were the main focus at this years Silhouette Summit. Software enhancements occur all the time with updates. If you have something specific you are looking for I may be able to advise better.

[@vidaencristo1857]

Which is better cameo 4 or new portrait 4, in your opinion?

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

They don't really compare ... one cuts 8.5" wide and the other cuts 12" wide. Do you mean the new Cameo 5 or the Portrait 4? It really depends on what you would be using it for.

[@vidaencristo1857]

thanks for your answer 🙏🙏 If you only compared the work of both in letter size, which of the two would do it better? Cameo 4 or portrait 4? Which one would you recommend?🙏

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

@@vidaencristo1857 They are both great and do the same things, but you'll have more options with the Cameo 4/5 due to the wider cutting width.

[@vidaencristo1857]

Thank you very much 🙏👍👍👍

[@SchwankyStudios]

Can I cut vinyl sticker paper and laminated sticker paper with it? 😊

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

Yes. All materials will vary in what needs to be done for cut settings and what you would need to do for a clean cut. It will take time and practice to get to know the machine and what settings work for the materials you are using.