Trace & Print and Cut Tutorial Silhouette Studio Basics & Beyond #3

This Silhouette Studio Version 3 tutorial covers the Trace function and the Print and Cut function in their entirety, including common errors and problems and correcting a common error in the process. In this tutorial, I show you how to select a good quality free clip art image from the internet, how to remove unwanted areas from the cut lines, and how to set up the Silhouette Studio software to get great results using the Print and Cut feature.

[@darlene2861]

C Montgomery thank you sooooo much. When I finally found your video and after waisting so many papers, I just had to “close the lid”! Wow, you are such an excellent instructor ❤. Much love from Canada

[@MrldCtyGrl]

thank you so much! Four years later you have saved me from pulling my hair out over my new to me cutting tool!

[@joycegeleynse7560]

VERY helpful!!! Love that you are so clear and concise and talk fast enough to not drive me crazy .... so many tutorials prattle on about unimportant details, but you get right to the point; I am bookmarking this tutorial ... one of the best I've seen!!!

[@salmapurvis3483]

OMG! i have been all day trying to figure the whole outline trace deal... and i was frustrated!! you made my day!! did step by step and it came out perfect!!! THANK YOU!

[@cindyoard5196]

This was the first ever project I've done on my new Cameo! You did great explaining and not talking to fast. I feel so proud! Thank you!

[@KathyGwosdz]

Definitely one of the best videos on Trace, Print and Cut... extremely helpful and easy to follow.. Thanks!

[@audreykit1]

The tip you shared about closing the lid has made a HUGE difference in the accuracy of my print and cut!!!!! Thank you so much!

[@ceemostudio]

Audrey Yeager I'm glad you found it helpful! It made a huge difference for me, too, I just wish I would have discovered it earlier!

[@kathyyung5403]

Oh my goodness, I have barely started working with my Cameo and just decided that print and cut was way beyond what I was capable of. I watched your video and tried it right away. I had your tutorial side by side with my open mat and followed your instructions to the letter. I came out with a beautiful image of mums in a pot. I love it!! You were very detailed in your tutorial, showing everything from start to stop. Thank you so much!

[@rebeccafrazer6738]

That was an AWESOME video-well planned out, very articulate. Thank you!

[@JustEya]

Thank you for the refresh and you have such a very clear instructions on how to re-learn it again.

[@ceemostudio]

Thanks for watching and stopping by my channel!

[@szabs22]

Thank you for this fabulous video, I am quite a newbie and you just explained it perfectly. Thanks ever so much for taking the time to do this, it is much appreciated!!

[@luckyXtwo]

Great tutorial. Thank you. It's nice to see a "how to" that doesn't come out perfect first time- because that's reality for most people. To show how to troubleshoot the issue is very helpful and beneficial. Now I not only feel comfortable about with print and cut but I am not going to be lost if it doesn't work out perfectly and I encounter the same problem that you did. Thanks, again.

[@ChrisMeech28]

Excellent tutorial, your speed is perfect! Great info!

[@AScrapOfKindness]

I watched this twice back-to-back, and not because I didn't understand what you were trying to do. It's just that you did such an amazing job of instructing without leaving anything out, that I wanted to make sure I got every bit of detail (and I also dropped it into my Favorites). Thank you so much! I'm off to browse through your channel and see what else you have to offer.

[@Cherry_editz7]

Thank you so much for this!! I feel like I learned a ton in a short amount of time. My efforts of teaching myself the software to date have been unsuccessful - this is the first video I've watched that describes the functions to make an outside cut line clearly. Thank you again!

[@rusticsouthern6871]

this is an awesome video! watched on tablet followed along in my Silhouette software, even googled same image. Thank you for clear and concise directions with the troubleshooting info too. I'm unstoppable now!

[@seburns1210]

Best tutorial out there for print and cut. Thank you!!

[@clarrissia002]

Thank you, your video was the first one I watched to learn print and cut!! I was intimidated at first but you helped me a lot. Thank you

[@PamJonesProduction]

This was timely! I wasted 5 sheets over the weekend trying to figure out WHY my cuts were off! Thank you for sharing👏🏽

[@chomsky72]

Great tutorial. Thanks for the info. I think leaving the lid open allows light from the outside to interfere with the sensor. since the sensor reading the registration marks are optical, light can mess with them.

[@rachealpalmer6606]

Thank you SO much for this tutorial; you have saved my life! LOL Additionally, your step by step instructions and video demonstration were so easy to follow and understand, as opposed to others that I have watched where they go so fast I can't follow because I am new to using the Silhouette! I look forward to learning more from you! :)

[@anneholland7431]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! This has been extremely helpful, and has definitely solved my printing/cutting problems.

[@lindagarcia4596]

Your video is so helpful! The lid trick has been mind blowing! Now I might want to go print and cut another try. Thanks for taking the time to make this tutorial 😀

[@michelleswindell4448]

thank you so much for the detailed tutorial. I received silhouette 3 for christmas so excited to start projects. thanks for using highlight on mouse so it was easy to follow the mouse. Thanks again much apprrciated!

[@2848Adriana]

Thank you so much for your video, I have a Silhouette Portrait coming in the next few days, and just watching different videos on the silhouette studio is a great help, can't wait to start playing!!! Cheers Anna.

[@alexmontram2925]

YOU ARE A LIFESAVER!! I've always wondered if it was "user (ME)-problem" THANK YOU SO MUCH!

[@melissarotondaro5163]

Thankyou so much for this video!!! It has been the only video I have found that goes through EVERYTHING step by step and actually makes sense!!! Was able to cut something out and it worked the first go. Thankyou so much!!!! Mel x

[@ceemostudio]

You're so welcome! Thanks for stopping by!

[@elsamanriquez2754]

Thank you so much. This is my first time owning a machine like this and I was like clueless. This has helped me a ton !!!!!!!!

[@Planetnerdling]

Thanks so much! This was an extremely helpful tutorial. And well produced too!

[@JulieBarneson]

Finally! I have had your same problem & tried every possible tip I found on the internet to solve it. Like you, I had figured out the machine needed a certain type of light at certain times of day. I never closed the lid because I thought the sensor needed as much light as possible. Thank you soooo much for sharing your solution!

[@ceemostudio]

Julie Barneson I'm so glad it was helpful to you!

[@ina1128]

And 5 years later a huge, huge thank you, for still being one of the most concise, well made and helpful tutorials that are out there! I have a Cameo 4(my first cutting machine) and believe it or not, this still applies and helps a lot! I tried to look at so many boring, time consuming (pp that have a 20-40 min video and in the end they don't actually say anything that helps or is in the video description), with absolutely no outcome. I rarely leave a comment, but this was so good, that I just had to say a big Thank You. Liked and subscribed.

[@ceemostudio]

And 5 months later, I finally remembered to stop in and say thanks for watching my video and stopping by my channel! I'm so glad you continue to find it helpful.

[@realworldmom]

I really appreciate your video. I got given a cameo 2 and knew nothing about it. After muddling around with 3 other videos I got something printed. Then I found your video lol.. wish I would have found it first! So now its saved on my watch list so I have it as I do more. Thanks for recording this and please leave it up for forever lol.

[@Aljobritt]

Thank you so much for the GREAT TIP of closing the lid when Print n Cutting. I have a new Cricut that I NO LONGER use to print n cut because I too couldn’t get the right cut with all the right settings. I not only closed the lid on my Cricut but turned off the overhead light (I am cutting in the morning) used the “bleed” feature and I too was delighted with the results! Thank you so much for sharing this TIP!!! So valuable!

[@TheJoshea]

You saved me! Thank you so much. This was the EASIEST Tutorial. I feel so accomplished lol thanks again

[@Clonyxl8]

The best video ever...congratulations and thank you very much for this info !

[@monicaruffin2352]

Best video yet!!! So helpful !!

[@tamarakennard4731]

I’ve only had my Cameo 3 for four days. Most of the tutorials (even the ones on Silhouette America) ramble leaving me more confused than I was before starting. Your video is very informative...still a bit much to take in...but it was clear enough for me to understand. I’m subscribing to your channel. 😊

[@siowowo]

Thank you SO much for the thorough explanation! I have just purchased my first Silhouette Cameo and have no idea what I'm doing. Your wonderful tutorial was really helpful, and now I can't wait to start making crafts with my Cameo!

[@ceemostudio]

Nancy Chiu Glad you found it helpful. I would love to see your first projects!

[@eyupchuck1235]

Wow! Wish I’d have known the lid trick a long time ago. It’s driven me silly. Thank you very useful and informative x

[@beverleyd1882]

Thank you so much, have had so many issues with Cameo 4 not registering, not even manually, iv'e just seen this video, did the same closed the lid and wow...its perfect...its nightime and full bright light on...even tried the torch as thats all that worked on portrait 2...go figure so thumbs up from me and will watch out for your vids again.

[@hollywhitelow3080]

Wow this is the best video I've seen on this! I just bought my cameo & have not found any good tutorials yet. Thank you!! & cute cover!

[@danielreed5500]

Just a tip: You can adjust your registration marks to include just your image by closing in the bottom mark and the right side mark so that when you print and cut your image, you have a good size scrap left over to reuse for another print and cut image. Saves your paper. Another thing I wondered, is when you had your giraffe and you used the trace icon. Why did you not use the trace and detach. That would have cleaned up all the black dots around your image before using your offset. I like to use the offset to cut a solid piece of card stock, maybe in this case black, and layer the giraffe on top. I see this video was in 2015, so this may all be things you have learned since then. I have had my Silhouette for several years and have learned a lot on my own through trial and error. I'm still learning things that can make what i do so much simpler.

[@cindy19712010]

Thanks for the tip! I did learn about resizing the registration marks shortly after this video. Until then, I just used scraps for stamping or other projects. As for the little black marks, I'm not sure. I really don't remember. I either liked the detail or wasn't going to use it in an actual project.

[@creativedesign7729]

i have looked at many videos on this subject and because of your video i was able to cut my project perfect, thanks

[@kag3723]

Thank you you were a pleasure to watch and so informative. I have not been able to ever do a registration mark successfully. I hope my next try will work with your help. you were awesome and such a pleasure to listen to!!!! ;)

[@krzybutifl]

THIS VIDEO JUST SAVED MY STRESS LEVEL! I am new at using my portrait to create and cut stickers and you covered everything .. thank you so so so so much!!

[@ceemostudio]

+Vanessa Schmelzer So happy it helped!

[@terridufresne7059]

Wow! Fantastic video as I learned so much. Thank you.

[@rDinx]

I'm new to the Silhouette software and machines. I've watched so many videos recently, but I have to say I've learned more from this one (24 mins) than I have from the last two weeks. I can't believe how easy you made everything seem. I'm so glad I found this video, I just watched one where the girl was showing how you had to zoom in trying to select all the tiny pieces to delete after tracing an image, you've saved me all that hard work. Thank you. How long have you been using the Silhouette?

[@deboconnor5232]

I have yet to be able to successfully do a print and cut dt to bad cutting w correct settings. I am excited to try your solve of closing the lid. Thanks for a great explanation.

[@aprillialexinne]

This is absolutely helpful. Thank you so so so much!

[@pastda3]

Very good tutorial and video. Thank you for taking the time to shoot and share. :)

[@lynnesimmons7187]

Thanks so much for your lesson and tips!

[@bevryan175]

Hi there I have (had) this issue ... and you are a genius, closed the lid of the cameo and Like magic perfect cut .THANK YOU, was about to throw out this machine . So happy I watched your tutorial.

[@brendasmith3797]

Brenda Smith Fantastic video,love to see more

[@red-dymadecreations]

Great video! Thanks for doing it and giving out the tip

[@alekcxaxashutkin5727]

искал на ютубе как печатать и резать в Silhouette Studio . нашел только ваше видео. спасибо за урок!

[@delancye12]

I just purchased a silhouette portrait a couple of weeks ago. This information was helpful indeed. Thank you for being so methodical and clear in your explanations My only "complaint", if you can call it that, is that your volume was low. I had my speakers up to 100% and I still felt like I was straining to hear. Other than that truly awesome tutorial. Consider me a subscriber.

[@melissapowell7372]

I am so glad I watched this and sad to say, im glad yours screwed up too. I learned more today than all others today. And you just saved me a ton of money. THANK YOU

[@margrethai]

Great tut. Clear and informative. Thankyou

[@mixinmagic5995]

Great video. I use a portrait machine and have had a few issues with print and cut. Will certainly remember the lidissue I future. Thanks for posting.

[@thomashanson6607]

I was about to ditch plans to buy a Silhouette for lack of good information. It's back on now thanks to you. I worked in a sign shop years ago and the plotter made the same sound as yours.

[@nosmith4821]

I learned a lot and here we are 5 years later. Thank you!

[@ceemostudio]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for stopping by my channel!

[@kimberlyl9205]

Thank you! Awesome video and instructions!

[@wiccanmoon2010]

Thank you , thank you , thank you!!!! I have been struggling sooooo much with this!!! I followed your video and it worked perfectly!!!! You’re a life saver !!! ♥️

[@ceemostudio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@inekevandenhondel7259]

Thank you very much for this tutorial👍👍

[@lalee439]

OMG! This video helped me so much and I thank you. Today is my first ever using version 3. TY TY TY!!!

[@cindy19712010]

lalee439 I'm so glad it helped you!

[@matoskan]

Thank you for this. Very helpful.

[@stacietate8336]

Oh wow, I'm new to silhouette and have had this problem over and over. I can not believe it was just as easy as closing the lid..

[@ceemostudio]

I was soo happy when I figured it out!

[@Friths1]

Thank you so much for this amazingly helpful video. I am a complete newbie to this and I found this so useful. Great tip re the lid open/shut I hope I remember that when I get round to using my machine.

[@MinbebeWrites]

I just got the Cameo 4 and I am having the same issue with the cuts being off. I am so glad you addressed that because I was going crazy! I will give this a try on my next piece. Thank you!!

[@officiallxve_xoxj6825]

Ma’ammmmm please helppppp!!! Lol I’m about to lose it!!! 😭😭😭😭The cut being off JUST started... and I don’t know why??? I didn’t change anything... move anything?? So I can’t figure this out... and I’m ready to scream!! I watched the video and thought you were a genius to just simplify the trouble shooting... So... I normally cut with the cover up... and now the registration marks aren’t reading!! I closed the cover.. and bangg!! It took!! But the cut is offset like your ??? What the heck!!??? Smh... and now.... every time I cut... it’s off and cuts to the left!! Pleaseeeeeee help!!!

[@MinbebeWrites]

@@officiallxve_xoxj6825 I don't think you meant to reply to my comment!

[@68utb]

Thank you for the video - you did a fab job!

[@cynthiawilson0416]

Love your video!

[@colemyst]

A FYI-- My Cameo was really, really loud when I first had it. Silhouette support told my to oil the bar, they said my sewing machine oil would work fine, then to slide the head back and forth a few times. It quieted down immediately. It needs a few drops every so often but not much.

[@sunney1184]

This was super helpful! Thank you!

[@ceemostudio]

You're so welcome! Thanks for stopping by my channel.

[@billbryson4892]

Super tutorial. I want more!!!

[@condition215]

thanks for the info yes i too have problems in this area, now i will try this, and hope it works for me.

[@tywannaluckey7086]

😊thank you! You explained it perfectly❤

[@Stacy-ul7ms]

Thanks so much for the great tutorial!

[@joanaribeirorosa]

Stacy270

[@Dentinvent]

OK, that was a pretty damn good tutorial! I think my Silhouette Studio Basic program is different to yours though so hopefully I can work out what you are doing on my edition. Great help thanks.

[@evilafrench3373]

HAPPY DANCE. Great tutorial. I could actually understand and follow you :). U r now n my favorites. Thx u sooooo much.

[@ceemostudio]

Thank you! That's awesome to hear.

[@tiffanyroseboro7085]

absolutely loved the video and thank you for literally taking it step by step it helped a lot. My only question I have is when you offset it and the the cut process started is that what the white space is around the giraffe the offset?

[@goddess3274]

OMG! I've been looking high n low for help on the cutting off the edge. I'm going to try the closed lid idea and if if it works.. I'll love you forever. 😁

[@ceemostudio]

Let me know if it worked out for you!

[@MrKfordson]

The light gave it a different shadow perhaps, and it seems like that’s what it actually cut. But otherwise love the detail. 👍🏾 New user of the Silhouette program.

[@ceemostudio]

I think closing the lid keeps glare from other lighting from interfering with the laser. But that's just my very un-technical conclusion. Thanks for watching!

[@mariegilbert8766]

Great tutorial. Thank you.

[@suerice862]

Thumbs up. I'll be trying this. Also gave up trying to print & cut. I'll come back and let you know how it goes.

[@cindy19712010]

Sue Rice Definitely let me know and if there's something more I could add!

[@joanlabelle5904]

I have had my Cameo for several years and was about to buy a new one when I stumbled on your video today. My cuts were always off, or the bottom was correct but the top was cut off or it wouldn't read the registration marks. After watching your video I cut several images and each were perfect. I called everyone I knew with the same problem and told them how amazed I was at your simple solution. Thank you so much! Now if you could just find a solution for cutting small intricate images I'd be over the top happy. Slowing down the speed helps some but only when the image is a larger size.

[@ceemostudio]

+Joan LaBelle - I cut very small designs often. If you go the So Stinkin' Crafty Facebook page and scroll through the photos, you'll see a few vintage windows I did with vinyl designs. The windows are about 12"x18", give or take, so the letters are small and the details, particularly the vines, etc. on the Roots and Wings window, are quite small. Some of the glass blocks also have intricate details. The trick is to have a mat that isn't too sticky and test, test, test before you cut. I keep scraps of paper for this very reason. When I find a setting that works perfect on a particular type of paper - Bazzill Basic, Neenah Classic Crest, American Crafts, Doodlebug, Stampin' Up! - I write it down in a notebook for later reference. I know it's the correct setting for my machine when I can cut a very intricate flourish with no errors. But it does take the patience to do a series of test cuts for different types and brands of paper.

[@joanlabelle5904]

+So Stinkin' Crafty Thank you so much for your advice. I am heading over to your Facebook page shortly. The flourish I have been trying to cut since day one is called Bird Corner Flourish #51373 If I can get it to cut I'll be singing your praises all over Minnesota!

[@ceemostudio]

+Joan LaBelle I found that file and I'll let you know what settings I use if I get it to cut correctly!

[@joanlabelle5904]

+So Stinkin' Crafty Thanks...you're awesome. I can't wait to hear if you were able to cut it smaller than the original file size.

[@lilystitch6848]

I know this was a very long time ago so I am sure you have heard talk of the "holy grail" blade that isnt silhouette's brand but fits in the cameo and can cut VERY intricate designs. If you're still using a silhouette machine but haven't heard about it, a few people show amazing examples on here; I saw one person cutting a 2"x2" mandala (spelling?). I also saw a 2"x2" dream catcher, including the tiny netting part flawlessly. I ended up purchasing the set that was recommended. I dont use my silhouette blades at all anymore. That includes the deep cut blade because the set has a blade that can cut more materials and with an excellent result every time. It is called the CB09 blade that is made for a different machine by Graphtec.

[@sriharir1]

THANKYOU...... VERY USEFUL ...AND HELPED ME

[@Carleencoulter]

Very helpful! Thanks!!!

[@yesyoucanwithMarilynn]

Thank you so much, I am having a problem that it would cut the top part of a print and cut way off, but the bottom half would cut perfectly. Am going to try putting the lid down and see what happens. Question - should the lid be down when it is looking for the registration marks or after it starts printing. Also, would love a tutorial on how you jazzed up your Cameo, that would be fun and interesting to do. If you decide to do one, please include how you did your measurements. Thanks for a great, tutorial, you did a fantastic job.

[@MaggieMadeCards]

I've had that problem for so long, I was about to guy buy a new Cameo and sell the one I have. You have saved my sanity. Thank you so much!

[@dianepfister9891]

The guidance black arrow was not pointing front on the first, was in the second. Not sure if that is part of the registration reading or not, but might try it...

[@JohnPhelyno]

Thank you!!!!!! That saves me a lot!

[@vioverocreativestudio4326]

Thanks you for sharing

[@elinstengrimssen9566]

Thank you my lady You have helpt me a lot :D

[@waltercampbell5566]

Thanks very helpful.

[@mayadaalnaimi]

dear, don't apologize coz u help me a lot, I am new to the silhouette and i have the same problem thanks a lot i have silhouette cameo 3 . how can use both cutter in same time. thanks a lot 4 ur help

[@deborahmitchell1137]

Thank you so much for this info. This video plainly explains what you said it would in the title. :-) I must admit I have been a little scared to use the P&C feature. How about the PicScan feature? I got the mat but have been a little weary of that too. Two questions: Where do you buy your Neenah cardstock? How did you go about upgrading to the new Silhouette? Did you sell your old one?

[@karendeye8218]

Your video was extremely helpful. The one problem I am having is being unable to group the original image and the traced image. I have no option to treat the two images as one, so I cannot move the image once I put it into the traced image. Is there a fix for this? The group/ungroup selection in the menu is gray. I would like to be able to duplicate the images after I have them together, but I can't figure out how to do that.

[@scrappinana]

What a GREAT video! I have struggled with P&C since I got my Cameo and this is the best video I've seen. Thank You. One question...I looked as though you placed the edge of your paper against the edge of the mat. I have always tried to align mine with the top and side lines. Which is correct?

[@ceemostudio]

If my paper is oversized or an odd size or has smudges or wrinkles around the edges, I'll put those outside the cut lines. The machine will always still cut in the space where you align the image in the software. It is technically probably better to place it on the right lines because there's no adhesive outside the cut lines but I occasionally ignore that and hope for the best.

[@MrRetired62]

Thank you very much

[@MrRetired62]

Maybe i can explain it this way. I went to the designs in my library click on an image went to the design page and box came up and says design has low resolution causing graininess and pixilation in printed artwork. Is there a scale could be used to raise the resolution or i'm doing something else totaly wrong. Hope this is a better explaintion. Thank Ray