To cut our .SVG designs using a CricutTM , 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 CricutTM 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.
(To see our most commonly asked questions, scroll down toward the bottom of this page.)
To visit the Sure Cuts A Lot (SCAL) website ... click here
- Works with the Cricut Personal and Cricut Expression MachinesTM
- 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
System Requirements
Macintosh
Power PC or Intel based Macintosh
Macintosh OSX 10.4 and up
512 MB of RAM
At least 50 MB of available hard disk space
USB Port 1.1 or 2.x
CricutTM Personal - Firmware v1.1 **
CricutTM Expression - Firmware v2.1 **
Windows
Pentium processor-based PC or compatible computer
Windows 2000/XP/Vista
512 MB of RAM
At least 50 MB of available hard disk space
USB Port 1.1 or 2.x
CricutTM Personal - Firmware v1.1 **
CricutTM Expression - Firmware v2.1 **
* "Cricut" is a trademark of Provo Craft & Novelty Inc. The site is not affiliated with Provo Craft & Novely Inc.
** 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.
FAQ:
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! There is no need to buy special cartridges to obtain more fonts for your computer.
How does this work with your designs? A CricutTM machine, on its own, can only use the cartridges created for it. This third-party software called Sure Cuts A Lot (SCAL), connects your CricutTM 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.
We sell the premade designs that you import into this software. Once you "import" the design, you simply resize it to the size you need, and cut it out in vinyl. 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 whola, get ready for fun!
Where do I get the 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 ... to obtain more vinyl supply/supplier 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 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 ... to see a quick video demonstrating how to "weed" vinyl and apply transfer tape.
