We decided to go into the SCAL forum last night and ask the following question: 

Can UNWELDED elements be ungrouped and grouped within the SCAL software, without using Inkscape?

This is the response we we received:

Under Objects in the menu across the top is Group and Ungroup, but whether the element is unwelded or welded, I don't know....I generally use two other software (won't say here!!) for my designing and than export to SCAL2 and cut out there. Put the element on the page and making sure it's selected, click on Object and than ungroup.

HERE is the thread if you'd want to follow or ask further questions related to the topic.

We are pleased to announce the completion of several new craft cutter tutorials.  We have taken great care to include every tip and how-to imaginable, and provide links to outside forums and groups to help you be successful in each software.  All of our designs are available in AI, EPS, GSD, and Cricut-compatible SVG formats.  Enjoy!  (more coming soon)

::  TUTORIAL:  Sure Cuts A Lot (Cricut)

::  TUTORIAL:  Make the Cut (Cricut)

::  TUTORIAL:  Fairy Cut (Cricut)

::  TUTORIAL:  Studio (Silohuette SD)

::  TUTORIAL:  Robo Master Pro (Craft Robo)

::  TUTORIAL:  eCraftshop (eCraft)

::  TUTORIAL:  Create & Cut (Wishblade)

::  TUTORIAL:  FunTime (Gazelle)

::  TUTORIAL:  Inspiration Design (Pazzles)

::  TUTORIAL:  KNK (Klik N Kut Maxx or Groove)

::  TUTORIAL:  LXi Expert (VinylExpress)

Are you getting error messages saying that our files will not open in your Graphtec Craft Robo Master?  Then, it is most likely because our GSD files are requiring a newer version of your software which is the 5.1v instead of the original version that came with your machine.  Please click on the following link and download the applicable upgrade of your software from the Graptec website:

http://www.graphteccorp.com/craftrobo/support/

This upgrade should solve the problem.

Are you getting error messages saying that our files will not open in your Graphtec Wishblade?  Then, it is most likely because our GSD files are requiring a newer version of your software to open.  Please click on the following link and follow all the installation prompts:

http://www.claneev.net/zeph/graphtec/GSD_Converter_v1.1_Setup.zip   

It should solve the problem! :)

To cut our SVG designs using a Cricut^TM , a third-party software called Sure Cuts A Lot (SCAL) is required. 

"Sure Cuts A Lot" is an easy-to-use program that allows you to cut premade custom artwork (SVG files) on your Cricut^TM machine and to use the True Type fonts from your computer to create a endless array of vinyl designs.  No special cartridges are required, and it is available for Windows and Macintosh computers. 

Features

• :: Works with the Cricut Personal and Cricut Expression Machines^TM
• :: Works with all the installed True Type fonts on your computer
• :: Works with thousands of free True Type fonts
• :: Works with hundreds of free True Type Dingbat fonts
• :: Allows you to import SVG files to create custom artwork
• :: Welds overlapping letters and shapes together
• :: Allows you to select styles, including Shadow and Blackout, to change the look of your letters and shapes
• :: No special cartridges are required 
• :: Has the WYSIWYG Interface - which means that what you see is what you cut
• :: Allows you to save your design layouts, so you can make changes over time
• :: Offers free 1.x updates

How many fonts are in this software?  The SCAL software is not meant to give you fonts.  It is a software that allows you to use the fonts on your computer.  If you wish to add more fonts to your computer, google or dogpile such words as "free fonts", "script fonts", etc.  There are thousands of fun fonts online ... many of them are free for personal projects.  There is no need to buy special cartridges to obtain more fonts for your computer.

How does this work with the MyVinylDesigner designs?  A Cricut^TM machine, on its own, can only use the cartridges created for it.  This third-party software called Sure Cuts A Lot (SCAL), connects your Cricut^TM machine and computer to the online world, and allows you access to thousands of fonts and SVG images.  It saves you a ton of money over time, and gives you limitless options for creativity.  Sure Cuts A Lot (SCAL) offers a trial version for those wishing to see how it works beforehand.  

To visit the Sure Cuts A Lot (SCAL) website ... click here 

MY VINYL DESIGNER sells the premade, ready-to-cut SVG designs that you import into this software.  Once you "import" the design, simply resize it to the dimensions you need and cut.   It's really quite easy and fun.  The designs are like patterns that can be used again and again.  All you need to do is purchase the vinyl, and voila, get ready for fun!

To learn more about My Vinyl Designer ... click here!

For more Cricut-related information ... click here!

To try a sampling of our artwork ... click here!

* "Cricut" is a trademark of Provo Craft & Novelty Inc.  This site is not affiliated with ProvoCraft™ CraftEdge™ Cricut™,  or their subsidiaries.
** In order to cut with this software, you must have Firmware version 1.1 on your Cricut* Personal machine or version 2.1 on your Cricut* Expression machine. For more information on checking your firmware version, or updating your firmware version, please see Sure Cuts A Lot FAQ.

*** You may also need to install a driver for your computer.

"I'm using a Cricut and the Sure Cuts A Lot program to cut my vinyl.  So far everything I've cut fits onto my mat.  I'm interesting in cutting some of your designs larger than a 12 X 24 size to showcase on a wall.  How can I do that?" 

Cricuts are great for cutting smaller projects, but limited in their ability to cut larger designs for the wall.  The 24"-36" floor standing vinyl cutters are best for cutting home decor vinyl.  Then you can work with rolls of vinyl, instead of sheets of vinyl, and have unlimited possibility for home decor wall art.

However, Cricut users can separate the unwelded parts of our designs through Inkscape, a free downloadable software.  Then save each separated part as an individual SVG file and go from there.  The process is quite time consuming, but it is possible.

*** Please note that the growth charts are an example of some designs that won't easily cut on a Cricut.  The finished size that they need to cut at, is larger than the Cricut's mat board. 

CLICK HERE to learn more about traditional floor standing vinyl cutters

CLICK HERE to learn more info about vinyl cutter softwares

Will these designs work on the smaller Cricut^TM models, like the Bug?  Yes, our smaller, less-intricate designs can cut on the personal Cricut^TM Machine.  It just needs to have the latest upgrade, and of course, the SCAL software.  Our designs are single, unlayered formats that can be separated as needed.  (Even our new layered art patterns come in single, unlayered formats.  The layered designs are only layered manually after the vinyl is cut and weeded.)  The only parts that will NOT separate are the parts that have been welded together.  For example, when loopy letters overlap other letters, the intersections are welded or joined together so that it can cut a professional finished vinyl design.

To determine which smaller, less-intricate designs cut best on this machine, imagine the finished vinyl size.  If you think that letters will size below a 1/2" or so on the finished vinyl project, or have too thin of a line at a smaller size, it probably won't cut well.  It's just the nature of vinyl.  However, you can use the design for card making and printed projects.  You can also contact us beforehand to see if a particular design will work.

Can I use the designs in other projects?  Absolutely!  Our designs can be printed, etched, engraved, routed, embroidered, and much, much more.  Just be sure to review our copyrights for all the details.

For cutting vinyl, where do I get vinyl?  What kind of vinyl do I use?  There are a number of great suppliers that sell the Oracal 631 vinyl and appropriate transfer tape ... CLICK HERE for more info

Is cutting vinyl like cutting a die-cut, cutting through the vinyl and its backing?  No.  Cutting vinyl is very, very different than cutting out die-cuts because the blade should only lightly score the glossy side of the backing paper.  Your cutter blade should NEVER EVER cut through the backing of vinyl!  Once the image is cut, and the backing remains as one solid sheet, remove the vinyl and it's backing paper from the cutter.  You are now ready to "weed", or remove the negative spaces from your vinyl design.

What is transfer tape and why should I use it?  Transfer tape helps you apply vinyl more easily and quickly, especially when several letters and fonts are involved.  Imagine your finished vinyl lettering like a sandwich: the glossy backing is one layer, the actual vinyl is a second layer, and the transfer tape is a third layer.  Once the glossy backing is removed, it exposes the sticky side of the vinyl so that you can place it on a clean, flat surface.  Once you press the sticky side down, remove the top layer of transfer tape.  What remains is the beautiful, matte vinyl design you created!

CLICK HERE for more info related to transfer tape

CLICK HERE for more info related to how small you can cut vinyl designs

CLICK HERE to view other Cricut-related how-to videos

To visit the Sure Cuts A Lot (SCAL) website ... click here 

"I am new to this site and would love to make things with these designs.  I understand that I have to purchase the SCAL software.  Once I do so, how would I get the design on my actual machine?  I don't think my Cricut came with any cords or computer hook ups."

Once you have the SCAL software, you will need to connect your Cricut to the computer with a standard USB cable.  Just take your Cricut machine into a local store that sells computer hardware and ask for help in matching a USB cable to the little port on your Cricut machine.  Your cord should have a standard USB connection on one end, and a little Cricut-matching connection on the other end.  The computer hookup should be somewhere just under or behind your Cricut.

Then, once you download our designs onto your computer, simply IMPORT, NOT OPEN, them in your SCAL software.  Then resize and cut.  You're almost there!

CLICK HERE for more info related to Cricut users

... to see a brief tutorial introducing the SCAL software (2:03min)

... to watch how how text is designed and created within the SCAL software (2:26min)

... to view how vinyl is cut on a Cricut (2:58min)

... to learn how to apply vinyl to a flat surface (3:41min)

For other Cricut-related information ... click here!

"My alphabet monograms look messed up in Sure Cuts A Lot.  Some of the letters have a diagonal line off to the right or left of the letter, some look crooked, and others have a line across the middle of the monogram.  When I press the VIEW button, it looks like these lines will cut across the design.  Can you help?"

We are stumped as to what causes our monogram vectors to appear this way, but most customers have been able to resolve the issue by upgrading their software to the latest version of SCAL.  Others are able to cut the monogram with no problem, even though the design looked crooked on the screen.  Please try both of these solutions, and if neither works, let us know.  Something quirky may have happened with the download.