Cricut Design Space vs Silhouette Studio - A Software Comparison

Cricut Design Space or Silhouette Studio? 

As many of you know, I have written a few blog posts comparing the Cricut and Silhouette machines’ ability to cut materials.  You can find my Silhouette Cameo vs. CricutExplore post here, or my Silhouette Cameo 2 vs Cricut Explore One here, and even aSilhouette Cameo 2 vs Cricut Explore One here.  It’s no secret, I simply feel the Cricut Explore series of machines cut sharper, cleaner and have the ability to cut through more materials than the Silhouette.

The most common feedback I have received from those comparison videos is what about the software?  Without a doubt, there is a vast difference between the software.  I will do my best to outline the differences, list what I feel are the pros and cons to each software package, and finally, offer a few alternatives to both software packages.

What are the differences?

Now that I have listed the main differences between the software, I want to share with you my experience with each. 

Let me begin with the Silhouette Studio software.  I was an avid Silhouette user for a few years.  I consider myself tech savvy.  I know how to use Adobe Illustrator and Lightroom,  I am certified in Photoshop, I know how to use Inkscape, Ecal, Scal, Sure Cuts A Lot and many other image manipulating software packages.  It’s safe to say, I’m pretty comfortable on the computer and have a bit more than a general knowledge of graphic software.  Silhouette Studio works with many of the same features, terminology and logic as the programs I’ve mentioned, so for me, it’s user friendly.   However, a new user with no background in graphic software will find quite a learning curve with the Silhouette Studio Software.   

The Silhouette Studio software allows you to use outside images such as JPG, PNG, Tiff, GIF and BMP images.  In order to convert those files to a cut file in Studio, one must “Trace” those images.  Tracing an image involves a series of steps which includes manipulation of a high pass filter and the options of a few sliders to get the desired effect.  It can be intimidating to someone not familiar with the procedure. 

As I stated in the above chart, the basic version of Silhouette Studio does not allow you use SVG files.  You must either convert your SVG files or pay for one of the upgraded versions of Silhouette Studio.

Silhouette Studio recently introduced the “cloud” storage, which allows you to save any of your purchased images and/or projects to the clouds for access in the app.

The Silhouette Studio mobile app is clunky.  It has very limited use and is not user friendly.  I struggled just to find the basic features.  The app allows you to view only images which you have purchased and saved to the cloud.  It is currently rated at 1.5 stars in the IOS app store. 

On the upside,  Silhouette Studio offers quite a few more options than Cricut Design Space.  Options such as node editing, offsets/insets, rhinestone patterns, scissors, eraser (though it is sporatic at working), manipulating compound paths, text/shape on a path are a few of the options that are a part of Silhouette Studio that Design Space simply does not have.   

Silhouette Studio does not require an internet connection.  You do need internet to download their Silhouette Store images, but once you have downloaded them, or if you use your own images, you do not need an internet connection.

Silhouette Studio offers Ready, Set, Make projects which are predesigned projects which you can purchase from the Studio library, download to your computer and use as you would any other library image.  Instructions, materials are viewable after you purchase and download.

Silhouette Studio updates are often filled with bugs.  I have quite often had to revert to a legacy version while the bugs were worked out.  I recently bought the Cameo 3, however the software which allows you to use the Bluetooth has yet to be released. 

Cricut Design Space, in my opinion, is very user friendly.  I feel a person with little to no knowledge of graphic programs could navigate the software with a very little training.  The software is intuitive, the terminology used is basic and the tools/buttons are easily identifiable.  As a designer, I find I can do most of what I need to do in Design Space.

The Design Space software allows you to use outside images such as JPG, PNG, Tiff, GIF and BMP images.  In order to use those images, one simply has to upload them and click through one screen where you have the option to delete any area that you do not want to cut, such as a white background.  Once this procedure is completed, it’s simply a matter of choosing either print or cut. 

Design Space allows you to use SVG files.  No upgrade needed. 

Design Space also separates your images into color coordinated mats.  Simply design your image and send them to the Cricut Explore and Design Space will figure out everything that needs to go on each mat based on the colors in the image.

Design Space’s cloud feature allows you to open and use the software from ANY computer and have access to your entire library.  You may also use multiple Cricuts at the same time by opening another browser tab.

Design Space app is very much like Design Space for the desktop.  The flow is seamless from one to the other.  The buttons are easily identifiable.  The app can be used with or without being online.  Users are allowed to download their images to their mobile device, which can then be used offline.   You have the ability to download the entire 30,000 plus Cricut Image library to your device to play with offline or online, however, if you want to cut, you will need to purchase the image and/or have the subscription.  You can design on the app offline, then save and open the same project on any desktop.  It is currently rated at 3.4 stars in the IOS app store.

Cricut Design Space has “Make it Now” projects which includes the ability to use a project that has already been designed for you and allows you to start cutting it in one click.  You also have the option to customize the project if you like.    You can view instructions,  materials before you buy.

Cricut Design Space allows users to share projects by simply sharing a URL (link) to their project.  This works with any project(s) created using basic shapes or Cricut Images.

On the downside, Design Space is lacking in features.  It’s missing basic functions such as offsets/insets and curved text.  While you can achieve these features with a work around, it’s tedious and cumbersome.  I, personally, go to other software to perform these functions.

Cricut Design Space updates are made behind the scenes via the web.  You mostly don’t know when they happen.  I have found most updates to be well tested and not “buggy”. 

Cricut Design Space is a web based program built on flash player.  You have to be online to use Cricut Design Space’s desktop program.  A slow internet speed or less than good signal can hinder your experience in Design Space.  However, I personally have not experienced any problems, I know there are those who have.  Cricut has announced that they are currently working on a new and improved faster Design Space, however, as of this date, it has not yet been released. 

The Cricut Explore has Bluetooth wireless capability which allows you to put the Explore anywhere within Bluetooth range of your computer.  I have mine behind me so as to allow more desktop space.  The Bluetooth ability also allows your mobile device to talk to the Cricut.

So, which do I prefer?  I use my Cricut 99% of the time.  Why?  Because it simply cuts better.  As I stated before, I consider myself an advanced user and a designer.  I often design SVGs in Illustrator and then open them in Design Space.  However, for basic cutting, printing and to use the Cricut library images, there is no need to go outside of Design Space.  I really can do everything I need in Design Space, but because I can use other programs, I do.   Design Space works.  It is very user friendly.  It’s easy to open the box, set up the machine and get cutting.  I timed it from setup to my first cut and it took me a little over 6 minutes, you can watch the videohere.

I think Silhouette Studio gets honorable mention.  It is a mini Illustrator.  It has far more features from a designer standpoint, but my guess is that a lot of people will never use those features. 

In summary, I think the best machine is the machine that works for you.  I have been an avid user of both machines and have owned every version of both machines as well as a few other machines.  When it boils down to the software, if you want more features Silhouette offers more features.  If you want easier to use,  go with the Cricut.  If you want the machine that cuts the best (in my opinion) and more features, go with the Cricut and Illustrator, Inkscape, Scal, Ecal, SCAL or Photoshop.

Cricut Explore One vs Silhouette Cameo 2

Hello everyone!

Recently I received a Silhouette Cameo 2.  Naturally, I wanted to put it to the test with my Cricut Explore One.   You may remember my story from this post, if not please feel free to click the link and check out my review of the Cricut Explore vs Cameo 1.  Basically, I was a Cricut Girl, Turned Silhouette Girl and with the Release of the Cricut Explore line of machines I have made the switch back to Cricut.

I should note that I am well versed in both the Silhouette and Cricut machines and software.  I'm certified in Adobe Photoshop and I also am quite efficient in Illustrator, Scal, Ecal, etc.  I know digital cutters/software and I know how to use them.   The results I'm about to show you are my opinion based on hands on experience.  The photos have not been altered in any way.

This is part 1 of a 2 part review.  In this review we will be focusing strictly on cutting.  When purchasing a digital die cutting machine the #1 thing I'm looking for is precise, detailed cuts as well as the ability to cut a variety of materials.  In part 2 we will compare the software of Silhouette Studio and Cricut Design Space.

Allow me to show you my results.   If you prefer to see the video version click here or watch the video at the end of this post.

First I started with the American Crafts white textured cardstock.  This cardstock is known for cutting quite well in almost all die cutting machines.

I used the preset cardstock settings on both the Silhouette and the Cricut.  Clearly the Silhouette lost a  lot of detail and a few of the small pieces were not all the way cut out.  Notice the detail in the center of the doily as well as the scallops.  I should note the doily is cut at 2" so it's pretty small.

Next up, I tried watercolor paper.

 

To be completely honest here (and I always will be), both machines cut the watercolor paper very cleanly.  The Silhouette did lose some detail.  I found that the Silhouette consistently "chunks" up the designs rather than cut them in fine detail.  The corners are all a little rounder and the cut lines a little wider.  The Cricut cut the file as it appears in the SVG.  The Cricut Explore one provided a more detailed cut.  I used the watercolor preset on the Cricut and Cardstock setting (with the blade on 4) for the Silhouette.

DCWV Smooth Glitter Cardstock:

 Much like the results of the watercolor paper, both were nice clean cuts.  However, the Silhouette once again lost some detail and made much softer rounded edges.  The Cricut provided much more detail.  I used the preset glitter paper settings on both machines.

Craft Foam

Next I tried to cut craft fun foam.  The Cricut Explore One cut the craft foam on the craft foam preset without problem.  You do have to sort of peel the cut away from the negative on both the Explore Cut and the Silhouette Cut.  The problem with the Silhouette cut, and I tried it two different times, is on the double cut, the second cut did not cut in the same place as the first.  I watched the foam to make sure it wasn't shifting.  The Silhouette simply did not retrace in the same place twice. 

.30 Chipboard

This is a very thick chipboard from the back of a nice legal pad.  Not the normal back of a notebook chipboard.   I have a caliper and measured the chipboard to be .30.  Simply put, the Silhouette could not cut it with it's blade set at 10, double cut and 33 pressure.  The Silhouette did cut out a few of the letters, but the remaining letters are not cut all the way through.  The Cricut Explore had no problem cutting the chipboard using it's Heavy Chipboard setting.  I will say at this setting the Cricut double cut and it really didn't need to.  Some of the letters were popping up before the second pass so I had to remove them as it was cutting.  I did use the deep blade for the Cricut, which is not an option with the Cameo 2.  The letters were cut at 1.0" high.

Grafix .007 Acetate/Acrylic

The Silhouette could not cut all the way through the Grafix with the machine set at double cut, blade at 8, pressure 33.   I have cut the Grafix with the Cameo 1 in simple shapes, but as you can see in my previous review, it cannot cut any detailed cuts.  The Cricut cut very well.  This is a 3 x 4 template.

Bazzill .20 Acrylic

This is a very thick Acrylic plastic.  I used the Bazzill .20 preset on the Cricut Explore and it cut the butterfly nicely.  I did have to sort of "wiggle" the acrylic back and forth to release the butterfly.  It did not just pop out of the negative.    The Silhouette did not cut all the way through.  I did try to "wiggle" it and actually cracked the acrylic.  Once the acrylic cracked I could see that it did cut partially, but for the most part the Butterfly was still intact and could not be moved from the negative.  I did use 6 passes on the Silhouette (3 times at double cut), blade set at 10 and pressure at 33.

Lastly, print then cut:

I used a Lori Whitock png file for this cut.  I traced the Silhouette version using the Silhouette Studio software.  You can see the results are not acceptable.  The cut is shifted too far left and low.   This has been a consistent problem with both of my Cameos.  The Cameo 2 is actually worse than my Original Cameo.   The Cricut Explore One is dead on.  Perfect Print Then Cut. 

I would like to add that all the files were cut using SVG files (with the exception of the print then cut).  Silhouette Studio requires an additional purchase of the Design Version of the software in order to use SVG files.

In summary, the Cricut Explore quite clearly out cuts the Silhouette Cameo, especially on the thick materials.  My experience with the Cameos is that they are just inconsistent from machine to machine and cut to cut.  I can use the exact same settings with a brand new blade and brand new mat as a friend who has the same machine and hers will cut, mine won't.  My Cameo 1 and Cameo 2 cut totally different from one another.  I used the suggested presets when available.  Paper cuts were clean, but they were not as detailed as the Explore One.  

Silhouette Cameo vs. Cricut Explore

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A few years ago, I wrote this review “Silhouette Cameo Vs.Cricut Expression”.  At that time, I had just gotten rid of all of my Cricut products and purchased a Sihouette Cameo.  I was happy.  The Silhouette did everything I wanted it to do and better than the Expression.  Fast forward to a few months ago.  The Cricut Explore entered my world.  My first thought was “Cricut?, yeah right, been there, done that”.  However, being the investigator that I am and out of curiosity I gave it a try, fully expecting to be unimpressed.  I couldn’t have been more wrong!  Not only has Cricut totally revamped the digital cutter itself, but the entire Cricut experience is a whole new ballgame and a whole “New Cricut”.

Let me explain.  Please note, the following is my opinion based on actual use, research and various tests which I personally performed with both machines.  I am in no way a paid employee or compensated for my opinion by either Silhouette or Cricut.

First and foremost, a digital cutter must cut well.  I thought my Silhouette did UNTIL I cut the exact same files, in the exact same size with the Explore.  Here are some of the comparisons.  I used a new blade and new mat for both machines as well as the same media to perform the comparisons.  In most every cut, The Explore cut with more precision, sharper edges and through more materials than the Silhouette.  A few of the simple cuts were equally good cuts, but in no case did the Silhouette cut better than the Explore. I should also note I used .png and svg files so that the comparisons would be fair.  No Silhouette or Cricut Files or materials, with the exception of the french fry boxes which illustrate score lines - I used a Cricut store file for the Explore and a Silhouette file for the Silhouette.  I should also note that weeding the files was almost non-existent on the Cricut Explore.  The Silhouette did require punching out many of the holes, especially the smaller holes.

Now, let’s talk about what the Explore can cut vs the Cameo.  Cricut offers a deep blade accessory (additional cost), which opens up a world of possibilities that the Cameo simply cannot match.  Both machines have the ability cut through the traditional cardstock, vellum, acetate,  vinyl and cereal box weight chipboard.  The Explore goes beyond.  The Cricut Explore has enough power to cut through leather, stencil material, chipboard, fun foam, balsa wood, Graffix plastic sheets.  The Silhouette simply cannot handle thicker materials with the same precision and, in most cases, not at all.

The first photo is a thicker chipboard.  I do not have a means of measuring it, but it's about the thickness of two cereal boxes glued together in my estimate.  I did Double cut on the Silhouette and the Explore, both with regular blades.

This Grafix .007 was cut on both machines double cut, regular blades.  The Silhouette blade was on 8 (I've read several who can cut it set on lower numbers, however, I have only been able to cut basic shapes with the Silhouette using Grafix)

This is a very thick plastic.  I had doubts the Cricut could even cut it.  The Explore cut it beautifully with the deep blade and 5 passes.  I used the deepest blade setting on the Silhouette (10), the highest pressure 33 and I cut it with 6 passes.  It only etched the surface.  

Let’s discuss the software.   My first reaction to the Explore software was not positive.  I am very proficient in Photoshop and tend to understand the technical side of software easily.  I was used to the Silhouette software, which has a lot of similar ways to accomplish tasks that Photoshop does, but in a much more simplified manner.  However, the Silhouette software updates from the Legacy Version 2 were a complete disaster.  I have 3 versions of Silhouette software running on my Macs because as each version was released it was filled with bugs such as misaligned cuts, missing font families and tools which would randomly freeze up, just to mention a few. I was constantly reverting back to the Legacy version if it had to be done in one shot and correctly.   The Explore software grew on me the more I used it.  It is very user friendly and most tasks are very simple to accomplish.  There are a few features I hope to see added in future updates and from the way the New Cricut team is listening to their customers, I am confident most of these features will be added in the near future. 

Speaking of software, Cricut recently added a few new features which included the “Print then Cut”, slice and flatten/unflatten abilities  The update happened over the course of two different evenings and worked without any hiccups.  The updates were apparently well prepared and beta tested saving a lot of users unnecessary headaches and lost production time.

The Explore software, known as Design Space,  has a few features which are worth mentioning.  Layered images from the Cricut store/subscription come in stacked as they would be assembled and  fully colored ( you can change the colors) and it is a nice feature when you’re trying to paper piece.   The color of the layers also correlate to the layering system, which in turns lays out each mat by color.  Design Space determines the best layout for the images on the cutting mat, however, you are given the opportunity to change the layout based on your paper size, preference, etc.  You can also “attach” a group of images should you prefer to have them cut in the exact way that you have them laid out.

The software for both machines allow the use of SVG files, however with the Silhouette Software this requires an additional upgrade purchase.  The free edition of the Silhouette Software does not allow the use of SVGs, and it has a lighter set of tools than the full designer edition.  Design  Space software is free and all tools and available to all users.

A major difference between the two software packages is the fact that the Explore Design Space is web-based, the Silhouette is computer based.  What does that mean?  It means that with the Design Space you are able to work in the software anywhere you have access to a computer and internet.  You also have access to your files.  Silhouette Designer Software is allowed only on two computers, after which you must purchase additional licenses.  Silhouette software does not allow you to work on one computer and finish on another unless you transmit your file via email or some other method to another computer.   I, personally, don’t mind the internet connection and love the fact that at any given time I can pull up a work in progress and work on it, save it and when I return home or travel, I can open the same file and continue where I left off.  The Silhouette software does require an internet connection to download images from their online store, which will have to be downloaded to any additional computer you may use.  It does not download to all of your computers at one time.

The Design Space software for the Explore allows for a true score line in lieu of the dashed cut line offered with Silhouette Software.  This does require an additional accessory purchase of the scoring tool, which is placed in the accessory pen/scoring carriage holder.

Both software packages offer the ability to trace an image such as a jpg, png or other type of outside image.  The Design Space does it with a little less effort, but I think the Silhouette Software offers a bit more control. 

I want to expand on the Print Then Cut feature of the Explore vs. the Print and Cut feature of the Silhouette.  I can honestly say, the Explore Print then Cut images are by far the best Print/Cut images I’ve seen on any machine.   They really took the time to get this one right.  There are literally no white edges on the image.  Silhouette Print and Cut images are pretty good, but I have never been able to get a PERFECT no white edge with the Silhouette.  Again, I used a 3rd party digital image for the compaison, I did not use a Silhouette Store file, nor a Cricut store file.

I’ve mentioned a few of the accessories available such as the scoring tool and the deep blade which are additional purchase items with the Explore. In addition, the Explore offers a blue tooth connection which allows wireless connection to your computer, as well as access to the Make it Now projects via a Cricut Application on your IPAD.  The Explore also offers a variety of sizes and mats with different “stickiness” levels for a wider variety of material use.  Silhouette does not offer a scoring tool, nor do they offer a deep blade.  Both machines offer a set of markers/pens. 

I bet you’re wondering about the subscriptions.  There are lots of comparisons out there, but, in my opinion, it’s a pretty tight race.  The biggest difference in subscriptions is with the Silhouette online store, you own every image you purchase with your subscription credits.  It’s yours to use as long as you want even if you do not renew your year-long subscription.  Cricut subscription works a bit differently.  You have use of over 25,000 images, but only as long as you are subscribed.  There is the option of purchasing most images for $0.99 which would then belong to you even if you are not subscribed.  Beyond that, I think the packages are fairly comparable.  You can check out Cricut Cartridges and the Silhouette online store to get a better idea of the exact content.

One last subject I wanted to touch on since my last review and that is customer service.  The New Cricut customer service is a far cry from the old.  I belong to a facebook group for both the Silhouette Cameo users as well as a Design Space facebook group.  I see comments all the time from both sides as far as customer service.  I, know, that I am not alone in saying the New Cricut customer service is efficient, they know their machine and they are quick to help.  I have personally had very good interactions with the Cricut team.  Silhouette customer service has never let me down either, however, with the update disaster, there was nothing they could do to help.  I can’t hold Silhouette customer service responsible for the update failure.

Oh, and one more thing.  The Explore is QUIET!  It's nothing like the screeching irritating sound of the Cameo.  My "better half" hated it when I ran the Cameo, he always said something is wrong with that, it shouldn't sound like that.  First time I used the Explore, he said, "wow! that's quiet!".

In summary, I’m sure you can tell.  I think the Explore is a better machine than the Silhouette.  Even as I write this, I can’t believe I’m saying it.  It truly is a New Cricut and, I can say in all honesty, I haven’t touched my Cameo since I got the Explore.  

I also wanted to add, I have been an avid user of the Silhouette Cameo.  I used the best settings and in many cases several different tries to get the best cut possible for the above comparisons.  The Cricut Explore cuts were cut on the recommended Cricut Explore settings with the exception of the Bazzill Acrylic paper which was not available in the presets.

Disclaimer:  The opinions expressed above are my own opinions, I am in no way compensated by Cricut, nor SIlhouette for my opinion.