Cricut Design Studio
From LoveToKnow Scrapbooking
Cricut owners have a wide variety of accessories available for their die cutting machine, including the Cricut Design Studio. This unique software program allows people interested in creating detailed Cricut projects to have more control over their cutting options.
About Design Studio
When the Cricut was first released, one of the biggest appeals of the machine was that you did not need a computer to operate it. You simply inserted the cartridge, inputted your design choice into the keyboard, and cut out the embellishment for your page. While this is certainly fast and convenient, it doesn't allow for the customization options advanced scrapbookers find appealing for their projects.
The Cricut Design Studio seeks to extend the functionality of the Cricut machine by allowing you more freedom in personalizing your die cuts. Key features of this software include:
- You can see the entire mat before cutting. This allows you to minimize paper waste and save time by making sure your design is correct before you begin the project.
- You no longer have to guess what a design will look like before you cut it out, since you'll be able to see the exact size and level of detail right on your screen.
- By rotating and resizing images from any Cricut cartridge available, you can create a completely unique embellishment for your layout.
- Welding together letters eliminates the need to painstakingly apply individual letters to your layouts in order to make a complete title.
- You can preview the options available with every cartridge, so you can better determine if a particular cartridge is suitable for your needs before you make your purchase.
- If you create a design you like, you can save the .cut file and share it with other Design Studio software users.
However, keep in mind that the Design Studio software only allows you to cut with the cartridges you already own that are made specifically for the Cricut. The Cricut is a cartridge-based die cutting system and does not work with True Type Fonts.
As of April 2009, the Design Studio software is only compatible with PCs. However, the company does state that they are working on a Mac version of the product to meet customer demand.
Is the Cricut Design Studio a Wise Investment?
If you're interested in purchasing the Cricut Design Studio, you may be wondering if it's a good investment for your scrapbook craft room. The answer to this question depends on your personal scrapbooking style and how often you use your Cricut.
The Cricut software may be useful if:
- You use your Cricut for almost every scrapbooking layout you make, as well as creating handmade greeting cards and other paper crafting projects.
- You already own several different Cricut cartridges.
- You like to make elaborate, customized die cut embellishments for your projects.
- Even though you're not a digital scrapbooker, you're very comfortable using your computer as a tool for creating traditional paper scrapbook layouts.
The Cricut software is probably not worth the money if:
- You generally use your Cricut only to cut out very basic titles or simple shapes.
- You don't enjoy using your computer as a scrapbook tool and have little patience for learning new software programs.
- Your scrapbooking area is located in a different part of your home than your computer.
- The Cricut is not your primary die cut machine for scrapbooking.
If you're still undecided as to whether or not you want to purchase the Cricut Design Studio, you can download a free trial version of the program on the Cricut Web site. If you have questions about using the Design Studio software, there is also a message board available for crafters to share their ideas and project suggestions.
Learn More
This page has been accessed 1,842 times. This page was last modified 14:52, 23 April 2009.
© 2006-2009 LoveToKnow Corp.
Print this page
Follow ltk on twitter
Visit us on facebook