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Editors’ Review

Download.com staff

Silhouette Studio is a free design software created for use with Silhouette cutting machines. It allows users to create, edit, and send designs to their devices. Whether you're working on vinyl, heat transfer, paper, or other materials, the program offers a range of tools to help you achieve precise and professional results.

This software is ideal for hobbyists and small business owners alike. Silhouette Studio supports custom fonts, vector editing, and layered designs, making it flexible for both beginners and advanced users. It also offers advanced features through paid upgrades. The program is compatible with Windows and macOS operating systems.

Comprehensive tools for creative control

Silhouette Studio includes a wide set of tools such as drawing shapes, tracing images, and creating text-based designs. It supports SVG imports and has flexible grid settings, alignment tools, and weld/offset functions. These features are useful for designing complex patterns or layouts for cutting, printing, or sketching. However, the interface can feel cluttered, and the steeper learning curve for beginners can make it less accessible to those new to design software.

The software is regularly updated. However, the free version offers limited file type support, which can restrict design flexibility for many users. Also, some key features such as Designer, Designer Plus, and Business Editions require paid upgrades, which can be frustrating for users expecting full functionality out of the box. These premium tiers unlock additional features, including advanced rhinestone tools, nesting, and support for other file formats like DXF, PDF, and EPS

While the program is tailored for Silhouette machines, alternatives such as Cricut Design Space and Brother CanvasWorkspace exist. However, this software is often preferred for its offline functionality, over 60 built-in design tools, and detailed editing features. It offers more creative control, making it ideal for users who want precision in their projects, especially those working on complex or layered designs that require customization beyond basic templates or online-only platforms.

Enlarged image for Silhouette Studio
Silhouette Studio 0/2
  • Pros

    • Free to use with optional upgrades
    • Works offline
    • Offers advanced design tools
    • Regular updates and support
  • Cons

    • Interface can feel cluttered
    • Steeper learning curve for beginners
    • Limited file type support in the free version
    • Some key features require paid upgrades

Bottom Line

A dependable tool for crafters

Silhouette Studio is a reliable and versatile software for users who want full control over their cutting machine projects. Though it requires time to learn, the program provides a solid foundation for crafting and design work. Whether you stick with the free version or opt for an upgrade, it remains a capable and feature-rich tool for producing detailed, polished, and professional-quality designs with ease.

What’s new in version 5.0.219

  • Added new user manuals
  • Fixed an issue where upgrading Windows will prevent opening Studio files by double-clicking
  • The titles of the panels no longer disappear after opening the panel in starter mode
  • Prevented the ES Mat from being selected for the CAMEO PRO MKII
  • When using the 4-point registration marks, the bottom area is now greyed out
  • Removed the Portrait (8x12 inch) from the CAMEO 5 / CAMEO 5 PLUS
  • The "Upgrade" button on the Home screen now works as expected
  • Added the Leather Keychain template
  • Added the Leather Earring template
  • Added the Emboss sticker template
  • Improved the Embossed Card template
  • Reworked the Guided send slides for the leather carving knife
  • When using the CURIO 2 in guided send, fixed an issue where the force was limited to 26
  • The Pause and Cancel buttons in Guided send now work
  • You can now search through all materials when a filter is applied
  • Slides now update correctly after sending a design using the Leather Carving Tool
  • Fixed an issue where all materials are displayed briefly after applying a material filter
  • Heat pen slides now display the current status of the Heat Pen heating
  • Resolved an issue when using a Sketch pen with the CAMEO 5 series, the maximum force applied was 33
  • The thickness detection for CURIO 2 is now shown in Japanese
  • Fixed an issue where the command to scan registration marks would not be sent to the CAMEO PRO MKII


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Full Specifications

GENERAL
Release
Latest update
Version
5.0.219
OPERATING SYSTEMS
Platform
Mac
Operating System
Mac OS X
POPULARITY
Total Downloads
26,934
Downloads Last Week
18

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Developer’s Description

Design projects to send to Silhouette electronic cutting machines.
Silhouette Studio gives you the ability to create Silhouette projects. You can download Silhouette Studio even if you don't have a Silhouette electronic cutting machine yet. That way you can practice creating projects using the software's design tools and the fonts on your computer. You can also build up your library and take advantage of Silhouette Online Store sales and promotions. You can even begin collecting the weekly free shapes to use once you finally get your Silhouette.

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