Hi, I found some really helpful information about the Sure Cuts A Lot software and thought I’d share it with you…If you are thinking about purchasing SCAL…you can read more about it here, then click on the link listed and it will take you right to where you can buy it. Don’t forget to try the 10% off code I posted.
http://www.craftedge.com/index.php?rfid=3778599&ref=1552f95ee4a0e594b9c6ef701af5544d
Features
Works with your existing True Type fonts
Works with thousands of free True Type fonts (or create your own)
Works with thousands of free True Type Dingbat fonts (or create your own)
Import SVG artwork found on the internet, convert your existing artwork, or use your own custom artwork
Weld overlapping letters and shapes together
Select styles, including Shadow and Blackout, to change the look of your letters and shapes
No special cartridges required
Cut additional shapes from the “Sure Cuts A Lot” Library.
WYSIWYG Interface – What you see is what you cut
New ways to manipulate and organize objects including Select All, Group and Ungrouping
Add multiple pages
Use layers to organize objects within a page
Auto tracing feature to automatically convert images
Show rulers using inches or centimeters
Save your design layouts, so you can save your work to allow you to make changes over time
All 2.x updates are free
Even though no specific cartridge is required, a cartridge has to be installed in the Cricut in order to use
System Requirements
Pentium processor-based PC or compatible computer
Windows XP/Vista
512 MB of RAM
At least 50 MB of available hard disk space
USB Port 1.1 or 2.x
Cricut Personal – Firmware v1.1 or 1.3 **
Cricut Expression – Firmware v2.1 or 2.3 **
Cricut Create – Firmware v1.51 **
** In order to cut with this software, you must have Firmware version 1.1 or 1.3 on your Cricut Personal machine; version 2.1 or 2.3 on your Cricut Expression machine’ version 1.51 on your Cricut Create machine.
A Mac version will be available later this year
Your Cricut’s Firmware
Checking your Cricut’s firmware version: Turn on your Cricut and the firmware version will be displayed on it’s screen.
Updating your Cricut’s firmware: If your Cricut’s firmware version does not match one of the supported versions for SCAL, you may need to update your Cricut’s firmware (view the firmware version requirements above to check). If your Cricut requires a firmware update, all you have to do is connect your Cricut to your Windows computer via a USB cable, turn on your Cricut, and download and install a free trial version of Cricut Design Studio. It’s that simple.
Creative Uses for Sure Cuts A Lot
Your Cricut can do so much more than cut paper. Combined with Sure Cuts A Lot, you can create and cut any design you can think of.
1.Cut your company logo, web site, and phone number (in your company’s font) on vinyl and advertise on your vehicle.
2.Cut your children’s team mascot on transferable paper and make custom jerseys for the team!
3.Decorate your home with custom wall art using any font or any design you want.
4.Etch glass to create keepsakes or personalize unique gifts.
5.Make your own stencils and magnets.
6.Create your own acrylic stamps.
Material thicker than paper may require a special deep-cut blade in order to be cut.
Sure Cuts A Lot vs. Cricut Design Studio
What are the differences between Sure Cuts A Lot (SCAL) and Cricut Design Studio (CDS)?
1.SCAL costs less (if purchased from us). CDS is $89.95 from Provo Craft.
2.SCAL has no future costs when you want to expand your cutting library, as you can download or create TrueType fonts and SVG images for free. CDS requires you to purchase another $50-$80 cartridge every time you want to cut something new.
3.SCAL can cut ANY TrueType and Dingbat font, as well as ANY SVG image. CDS can only cut what is on your Cricut cartridge.
4.SCAL can be installed on two computers (for example: your desktop at home and laptop for shows/events/work/etc). CDS is limited to one computer installation.
5.SCAL customer support is excellent and typically respond within 24 hours. CDS customer support can take 2-3 days or more to respond to inquiries (based on our experiences).
What are the similarities with SCAL and CDS?
1.Both can weld, shear, flip, and kern characters.
2.Both install onto your computer just like any other software. You can have both installed on the same computer and use both – you don’t have to give up CDS!
SCAL Myth Busters
Q.I heard installing and/or using Sure Cuts A Lot (SCAL) will void my Cricut’s warranty.
A.This is simply not true. Using Sure Cuts A Lot does not modify your Cricut in any way, nor does it the Cricut beyond it’s capability. SCAL is a piece of software that is installed onto your computer, which communicates with your Cricut. Sure Cuts A Lot does not directly interface with your Cricut. Your Cricut has no clue that it receiving cut instructions from your computer instead of a cartridge. Also, if you use or are familiar with Cricut Design Studio (Cricut’s own computer software), you know that it is quite similar to SCAL in it’s installation and use.
Q.SCAL doesn’t work with Vista (32 or 64 bit).
A.SCAL does work with the Vista 32 bit OS and is fully supported. It is suggested that if you are using Vista that you run SCAL in XP compatibility mode for best results.
Vista 64 bit OS is not officially supported, however, some of our customers are using Vista 64 bit and have explicitly told us that they have had no issues at all with using SCAL. If you need any assistance with your purchase, we will help you regardless of what version of Vista you are using.
Q.I need to purchase Cricut Design Studio to use SCAL or to update my Cricut’s firmware.
A.SCAL is completely independent of Cricut Design Studio, and one can run without the other. And if you need to update your Cricut’s firmware to meet SCAL’s requirements, you can download the trial version of Design Studio for free.
Q.I can’t use Cricut Design Studio and/or my cartridges anymore if I install SCAL.
A.You can continue to use Design Studio after you install SCAL, and all your cartridges will continue to work as they did before. SCAL is very unobtrusive and does not conflict with Design Studio in any way.
Q.It is too difficult to update my Cricut’s firmware.
A.Depending on what version your Cricut’s firmware is, you may need to update your Cricut’s firmware (view the requirements to check). If your Cricut requires a firmware update, all you have to do is connect your Cricut to your Windows computer via a USB cable, turn on your Cricut, and download and install a free trial version of Cricut Design Studio. It’s that simple.
It is a great product. You can try the coupon code listed above and use this link to buy SCAL.
http://www.craftedge.com/index.php?rfid=3778599&ref=1552f95ee4a0e594b9c6ef701af5544d
Thanks for reading!