Vinyl & Die-Cutters

The Silhouette Cameo Pro (sometimes also referred to as the Silhouette Cameo 4 Pro) is a DIY machine that uses a small blade and markers to electronically cut and sketch on various material types including vinyl, cardstock, and paper. It is compatible with materials that are up to 24" wide. 

Silhouette Studio is the software used to create and send files to the Cameo Pro.

What materials can it cut?

Vinyl, heat transfer material, cardstock, photo paper, corrugated paper, chipboard, fabric, and more.

What is the maximum material size?

• With a cutting mat: 24" x 24“
• Without a cutting mat: 23.6" x 60ft

Silhouette offers the Basic Edition of its Silhouette Studio software for free, equipped with all the tools necessary for file setup and compatibility with the Silhouette Cameo Pro. This edition is accessible on multiple computers within the makerspaces at East Library, Library 21c, and Sand Creek Library.

Additionally, each of the makerspaces at East, Library 21c, and Sand Creek features a dedicated laptop with the upgraded Business Edition of the software. The Business Edition offers access to numerous additional features that enhance the software's functionality and customization capabilities.

Explore the complete list of features in both editions and access helpful video tutorials by visiting the link below.

1. Turn on the laptop and connect it to the internet.
2. Plug the power cord into the right side of the cameo and press the power button.
3. Connect the Cameo to the laptop via a USB 2 Type B cord (you will need an adapter if the laptop only has USB-C ports).
4. Open the Silhouette Studio software.

Once the software is open, click on Design to get to the main workspace. Click on Page Setup and then Page Setup Guide. It will walk you through setting up the workspace for your material, the machine, and the mat you are going to use. 

The workspace is sized to match the material you set it for. Any shapes will be cut on the material exactly how they are in the workspace. There are a variety of menus that will give you options for creating new shapes or modifying existing ones.

• Document Tools - The top menu with options for saving, undo, zooming, printing and other options that control the entire project.
• Quick Access - Under the Document Tools are common options for the currently selected tool, such as positioning, grouping, and alignment.
• Drawing Tools - The left side menu with tools for creating polygons, lines, curves, and freehand drawings.
• Panels - The right side menu with options for manipulating an existing object by altering the colors, fonts, and so on, as well as options to customize how a shape is cut. Selecting these will open up small panel.
• Preferences & Themes - The small icons below the panels menu will open the system preferences and theming screens.

• Remove the cover and place your material face up on the sticky side of the mat.
• Position it according to the preview in Silhouette Studio.
• Try to get the material into the corner as tightly and even with the lines as possible.
• Load the mat into the machine.
  • If using a mat: Align the edge of the cutting mat with the leftmost gray line on the Silhouette.
  • If not using a mat: Align the edge of the material with the gray line second from the left.
• Press the Load button on the Cameo Pro. The machine will immediately grip your cutting mat or material and move it into position underneath the roller bar.

Once you’re ready to send the project to the Silhouette, click the Send tab on the top left.

• First, under Material, select the material you are using. This is very important as it will calibrate the AutoBlade..
• Tool and Action will auto populate if using the AutoBlade. “Cut” cuts every line, while “Cut Edge” only cuts exterior lines. What lines will be cut are bolded on the preview.
• You can also adjust the speed and force of the blade. However, if you are using the AutoBlade and chose the proper material from the list, you will generally not need to make any adjustments to this section.
• When everything set up, click Send on the bottom to start the process.