Posted on April 10, 2022September 21, 2023 by silhouettesecretsplus — 4 Comments

Let’s Explore v4 – Text to Path

How do you place text around a circle? This is the question I see most often. It’s a very neat feature called Text to Path and it’s pretty simple to use.

I have updated this tutorial to include a video that is available on my
YouTube channel HERE.

Check out the full written tutorial below showing all the different aspects of Text to Path.

Text to path

*original post written 3/2019 created in version 4.2 of the Silhouette software – all features are still current and up to day for 3/2022 v4.4

Let’s explore how to take ordinary text and make it more interesting by adding it onto a path. The most common way I see this used is when you want the text to form to a circle or oval shape.
But why stop there? You can add text onto so many other paths.

Let’s take a look at how to do this.

Click on the Text tool on the left side, then click on the mat to get a text cursor and type out the text.

Next, I fill my text with color using the Fill Color Panel on the right side. This helps to see the text better and select the object easier.

Then, click on the Text Style Panel on the right side and change the text style.

Now, draw the shape that you want the text to snap to. Let’s start with an oval, since this is the most common shape I see users try to use.
Note: I have increased the Line thickness so that you can see my shape easier.

Double click on the text and a control point will appear in the bottom left corner.
Note: if the text has been changed in any way, such as welding or converting to path, it is no longer editable text and this will not appear.

Grab the control point and drag it to the object you want it to conform to.

When the text snaps to the shape, a slider bar will appear on the left side and the text can be adjusted.

Moving the slider up on the bar, moves the text out away from the shape.

Moving the slider down on the bar, moves the text inside of the line of the shape.

Make any additional changes to the text, such as increasing the character spacing, etc.

If you have a script text, right click and choose Weld.

This will weld any overlapping letters and then release the font from the shape.
Now, keep in mind that the text is no longer editable once it is welded. Make a copy and pull it to the side if you want to keep the original text to go back to.

Each font style is going to look different and you may need to adjust the character spacing on the Text Style Panel to make it overlap so it welds.

If the text is not overlapping, right click on the text and choose Convert to Path.

This will release the font from the shape.
Now, the text is a design and no longer editable text.

This is an important step, especially if you are cutting the design from HTV and need to flip the image before you cut. If the text is not converted to a path, it will not flip correctly.

Now, if that ever happens, you know why and how to fix it.
Make sure to convert to path or weld before you flip the design.

Now, let’s play with some shapes.

Flexi-Shapes are a great option to play with. This is a Designer Edition Plus or Business Edition upgrade feature only. Flexi-shapes are found on the left side.
More details on Flexi-Shapes can be found HERE.
I chose the star and then changed the points to 5.

I have increased the Line thickness again, so it can be seen better.

Now, type out the text.

If the text does not fit on one line, grab the teal slider bar on the right side and move it farther right, until all the text is on one line.

Now, grab the control point that appears in the bottom left corner of the text box and drag it to the shape. Move it around the shape until you have it how you like.

Each font and shape will vary in what looks better or if it splits words, etc. Play with the character spacing, the text size, and more until the desired look is achieved.

Want the text on a wave?

Use the Draw Curve Shape found under the Line tools on the left side and draw your wave.

Type out the text, grab the control point in the bottom left, and drag to the wavy line.

When it’s positioned how you like, right click and choose Convert to Path. Now, the line can moved away.

Now, what can you think of to create with the Text to Path feature?

What about adding to a pre-made design to personalize it?

Or inside a banner?

A design for a card or a sign on a wall?

Each one of these shapes works a bit differently and you will need to play with it to see how the Text to Path snaps to the image.

Don’t forget to make a copy of the design before right clicking on the image and choosing Convert to Path.

I would love to see what you create with this feature!

Affiliate links may be present in the following blog post and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Here are some of the designs used in the examples above:
Heart Arrow by Sophie Gallo – Design #177769
Hot Air Balloon by Rhonna Farrer – Design #182992
Banner by American Crafts – Design #19529
Banner by Skyla Design – Design #267349
Basic Banner by Silhouette – Design #141887
Baby Footprint Heart by Studio Illustrado – Design #198883

I would love to see what you are creating with your Silhouette software or machines!
Or if you have any questions, feel free to post photos or questions on my Facebook group at
Silhouette Secrets with EllyMae.

Save this for future reference by pinning the image below.

Enjoy !

THANK YOU for your support! How can you help? Click HERE & buy a coffee.
Every little bit helps with the cost of running the site.

Silhouette Classes

Never stop learning! Let me help you take the anxiety out of learning with Silhouette and get to creating faster! My Silhouette classes are heavily focused on software, so you can take the skills & techniques taught and apply them to many future projects!

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Silhouette step-by-step Classes by Silhouette Secrets+

Posted on September 17, 2019November 5, 2023 by silhouettesecretsplus — 59 Comments

Let’s Explore v4 – Drawing Tools

Do you use the Silhouette software to draw your own designs? Or maybe you are like me and don’t feel you are creative enough to draw your own designs?
Today we are going to talk about the Drawing Tools and hopefully, you will feel a little differently by the end.

As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, you will find the Tools on the left side of the Design Tab and the Panels that control the properties of those Tools on the right side.

Understanding the different terms in the software can help in remembering where to access some of these features. Check out this FREE PDF file that diagrams the Design Tab out with each of the Icon names.

Let’s Explore v4 – Drawing Tools

Draw a Rectangle Tool

Select the Rectangle Tool on the left side and the cursor will change to a cross-hair. Click the left mouse button and hold to draw a rectangle of any size.

To draw a perfect square, hold down the SHIFT key as you draw and it will draw a perfect square.

But, be careful not to let go of the SHIFT key before you release the mouse button or it will not be an equal sided square.
The undo option is your best friend in the software at times.

Now, after you draw that rectangle, does your mouse keep on drawing shapes?
You can change this under the Preferences in the software.
Check out this post on Preference – Tools to find out how.

Draw a Rounded Rectangle

The draw a rounded rectangle tool works the same as the rectangle tool, except the corners are rounded and you have the option to adjust the curve of the corners by moving the red dots that appear on the corner.

The red dots can be adjusted individually for each side of the corner or if the SHIFT key is held down when grabbing one, it will adjust them proportionally on all sides.

Draw an Ellipse

Select the draw an Ellipse tool to draw an oval or circle shape.

Again, holding down the SHIFT key will allow a perfect circle to be drawn.
If the SHIFT key is released before the mouse button, it will revert back and not be a perfect circle.

Draw a Regular Polygon

Select this tool to draw a polygon. The polygon can be adjusted with the red dots or by using the slider bar in the middle of the shape to adjust the number of sides from 3 to 60.

Now, those are your basic shapes and can be used together to make all kinds of designs. What can you think to create?

I created this snowflake just by using a few of these basic shapes.
A rounded rectangle, a circle, and an oval.
Group or weld the ovals to create the leaf design.

After drawing all the shapes, I used the Align tool to line them all up by the Align Center option. Then weld the shapes together.
Next, mirror the welded shape below from the Replicate Panel and then move the copy up a little so they are overlapped, then weld.

Now, use the Replicate Two Copies option and weld in the Replicate Panel to create 2 more copies. Then weld the copies together.

And then I repeated the same steps for the next part of the snowflake.

Once both parts of the snowflake are created, select the smaller snowflake piece and Rotate By 30 degrees, using the Transform Rotate Panel. Select both parts of the snowflake and use the Align Center option under the Transform Panel.

Ta-Da! You have drawn a snowflake with basic shapes found in the Drawing Tools on the left side of the Silhouette Studio.

Want to save this for later? Pin the photo above to Pinterest to refer back to later.
I love Pinterest – find me HERE!

What will you draw or create in the Silhouette software now?
Want another tip?
Check out basic drawing books to see how they combine shapes to make designs and objects.

Feel free to post your comments and questions below or on my Facebook group at Silhouette Secrets with EllyMae.

Enjoy!

**This post may contain affiliate links. What that means is that I may receive compensation if you purchase through the links I have provided. The price you pay for the product or service is not higher but I may get compensated for sharing.

Posted on July 3, 2019May 31, 2025 by silhouettesecretsplus — 5 Comments

Let’s Explore v4 – Silhouette Studio PDF Diagram

Silhouette Studio Design Tab Diagram

Original post written in July 2019. Updated on May 21, 2020 with the current diagram link. Updated 5/31/25.

In January 2018, I started the “Let’s Explore v4” series with the intention of breaking down each of the panels on the right side of the Silhouette v4 software and explaining the parts of them. When I started, I had no idea how far it would go and it has grown to so much more than my original thought. I have learned so much by writing these posts and exploring other tools in the software that I have never used because I get stuck in the same old routines. It is so exciting to see something come to life in the Silhouette software and I love learning new things and being able to share those.

I do feel that the software is the key no matter what Silhouette machine you have. If you learn how to do something in the software, you can apply that to so many other projects that you create.

Today, I want to share a free PDF chart I created that maps out the Design tab of the Silhouette Studio v4 software.

Click HERE or on the image above to download this PDF diagram.

This can either be printed as a reference guide or opened on a computer. When the file is opened on a computer with a PDF viewer, all of the blue titles have been linked to the blog post in the Let’s Explore v4 series that it corresponds with it.

I have had such great feedback on this series and I hope that it has helped you learn a little bit more about this powerful software by Silhouette!

Now, keep in mind that Silhouette is always adding new things into the software and I think this is awesome! What that means is that this chart is good for today and for users who are using a version of the Silhouette software that contain these features.

Just like many things in life, things change. Change can be hard for most of us, but it can also be good. I will update this free PDF with future changes, once I know those changes will be sticking around.

If you are not using the Silhouette Studio v4.2 software yet, I would highly encourage you to do so. You can download the current version of the software direct from the Silhouette America website HERE. I am using v4.2.279, which can be found under the Legacy section and it is what I’d recommend today.
As always with any software, they may be a “bug” or two in it. This happens with all software programs. There are 2 that are known in this version 4.2.279 I am recommending, but they are more just annoyances than anything.
I explain those “bugs” and how you can work with them in this post –
Let’s Explore v4 – Bugs.

And if you are considering updating or even if you are not, it is always a good time to backup the Silhouette library if you store personal files there – for more tips on the Silhouette Library prior to version 4.2 check out this post – Silhouette Library Tips.

While you are exporting a backup, don’t forget to export your custom cut settings if you have those in the Silhouette software too! This is an awesome feature.
Check out how to do that in this post – Add Cut Settings & Export.

Don’t forget to grab the free PDF diagram of the Design Tab in the Silhouette Studio v4 software and save it some place safe on your computer to refer back to when needed.

I’d love to hear your feedback or suggestions for things you would like to see in the future!

Enjoy !

THANK YOU for your support! How can you help? Click HERE & buy a coffee.
Every little bit helps with the cost of running the site.

Silhouette Classes

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Posted on February 26, 2019July 14, 2019 by silhouettesecretsplus — 1 Comment

Creating designs in Silhouette Studio v4

This week let’s take a look at how to create your own design in the Silhouette Studio software using basic shapes and text.

We will create an overlay that could be cut out of cardstock or other materials. I most often see these at trade shows cut by big, fancy laser cutters.
But, why can’t you create your own?
You can!
With just a few basic shapes and tools, you can open up so many doors.

Let’s Explore how to create this overlay in the Silhouette Studio v4.

Start by drawing a square using the Draw a Rectangle Tool on the left side.

To draw a perfect rectangle, hold down the Shift key while drawing the shape.

Do not worry about drawing an exact rectangle dimension.
Use the Scale Tab (2nd tab) located under the Transform Panel on the right side, click on the lock to lock the Aspect so that the dimensions of the object change proportionally. Then type 12 inches in the width and hit enter.
Since the lock was closed, the height will automatically change keeping the proportion of the design.

Select the Square by clicking on it and then choose the Center to Page option. This is found in the QAT (Quick Access Toolbar) or under the Transform Panel – Align Tab.

Now, draw 2 more rectangles and resize them using the Transform Panel – Scale Tab to 3.8″ x 5.8″ and 4.8″ x 6.8″.
These are the sizes for a 4″ x 6″ and 5″ x 7″ photo, the overlay will overlap the photos by just a little bit when it sits on top of it.

Make a copy of the 3.8″ x 5.8″ rectangle and move it to the bottom left side.
My favorite way to make a copy is to hold down the Alt key and drag a copy off of the design.

Make another copy of the 3.8 x 5.8″ rectangle and move it to the top right corner. Resize this rectangle using the Scale Tab to 3.8″ x 5.8″.

Next, use the Transform Panel – Align Tab to align the rectangles.

Select the top right and bottom right rectangles, choose Align Right.
Select the top left and top right rectangles, choose Align Top.
Select the top left and bottom left rectangles, choose Align Left.
Select the bottom left and bottom right rectangles, choose Align Bottom.

For the next step, select all the rectangles including the 12″ x 12″ rectangle.
To select everything on the page, left click and drag the cursor across all the objects or on the keyboard hold down the Ctrl + A buttons.

With all the rectangles selected, click on the Fill Color Panel and fill it with black.

Now, what you have created is 4 rectangles on top of the 12″ x 12″ rectangle.

We are going to take those 5 separate objects and combine them into 1 object by making a compound path.

With all 5 rectangles selected, right click and choose Make Compound Path.

This combines those 5 objects into 1 layer.
Check out this post on Compound Paths for more information.

With those basic shapes you have created the overlay base.
You can create any combination of layouts you want using any shapes you want for the overlay.

Now, let’s add a few more things to this.

Click on the Text Tool on the left side, then click on the design mat to get a text cursor and type “Paris”.
Click off of the text to deselect it and then back on it once to select it.
Open the Fill Color Panel and fill the text with black.
Then open the Text Style Panel on the right side and choose the Text Style you prefer.

Each text style you choose may be different. I chose LW Kaylee’s Script by Lori Whitlock. Resize the text to your liking.
Because of the slight angle of the text from left to right, I also rotated the text to sit straighter on the frame. This is a personal preference and each user may vary in what they like.

Move the Paris text so it overlaps the bottom section on the top left rectangle.

Next, let’s add one more element to this. I have an Eiffel tower image from the Silhouette Design Store by Samantha Walker – Design #41675.
From the Silhouette library, double click on the image and it will add to the design mat.
If it does not and opens onto another design mat, either copy and paste it to the previous work space or go back into the library and right click and choose Merge.

Click on the Eiffel tower to select it, then using the Fill Color Panel, fill it with black.
Then resize it to your liking and place it in the bottom left rectangle overlapping at the bottom.

And now the final step. Select the overlay background, the Paris text and the Eiffel tower design and right click and choose Weld.

Keep in mind that once you weld or change text in any way, it is no longer editable text, so you might want to make a copy or use the Sticky Note feature to make yourself a note on the Text Style used. For more information on Text tips, check out this post HERE.

And we have now used basic shapes, text and a design to create a overlay.
Click on the Send tab and it will show us how this will cut. It will all cut as 1 piece except the dot of the i, since it was not overlapping any other piece, it does not weld to the frame.

What will you create today?

Check out the video of creating this overlay here:

I would love to see what you create – feel free to post on my Facebook group at
Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae.

Enjoy!

Posted on September 18, 2018July 14, 2019 by silhouettesecretsplus — 7 Comments

Let’s Explore v4 – Layers Panel

Layers Panel in Silhouette Studio v4

Unless you’ve worked in another graphics program, like Photoshop, you may be wondering what layers are. In the Silhouette software, you can create a design in layers which allows you to do many things such as hide, lock, rename, cut by layer, etc.

The Layers Panel is an option if you have the Designer Edition software upgrade or higher for the Silhouette Studio.

If you open the Layers Panel on a blank design mat, you will see that there isn’t much in there.

What this tells us is on the design mat I have open, there is 1 layer. If I start drawing shapes or text, it will place all of those pieces on Layer 1.

For example, if I open this A2 Pop Up Owl card by Jamie Cripps from the Silhouette Design Store, it will tell us several things.

Here is how the layers panel looks for this design.

On the right side is the Layers Panel and it shows 1 layer and that this layer is grouped together. If I un-group the design, it will show each shape on that layer or each grouping of shapes, depending on how the file was created. But, the entire design is still on the same layer.

So let’s take a look at what all of this means and what you can do with the Layers Panel.

The layers panel can be found on the right side towards the bottom of the Silhouette Studio v4 software, if you have the Designer Edition upgrade to the Silhouette software.

There is a lot of information in this small panel, so let’s explore all the features.

File name – This is the name of the file that is currently open.
Layer details – The default name for each layer is “Layer 1” and then each proceeding one will be in numerical order, but you can change that by clicking on the word Layer and typing a new name or right clicking and choose Rename Layer.
There are many options here including: add a layer under this layer, rename layer, delete layer, cut, copy, paste, select or deselect.In additional to those options, there are toggle options too.

The eyeball can be toggled on and off which hides or shows a layer.

This can allow you to see how a design will look without moving the shape or object.

The lock can be toggled on or off and allows a layer to be locked so it cannot be moved by accident. Again very helpful when designing if you want something to stay in place.

When a layer is locked, it cannot be selected, moved or altered. The layer can be hidden by clicking on the eyeball, but no changes can be made to the layer without toggling the lock off.

Maximize and minimize the layer details by clicking on the circle next to the Layer name.
Designs on layer – All objects that are on that layer will be listed below the layer title in the order they are on the mat.Objects can be grabbed and dragged to rearrange the order within the Layers Panel.
Additional layers – Add as many layers as needed to a design. Having the parts of the design on separate layers allows more control over things while working with a design.
Add or Remove Layers – Use these quick button to Add or Remove layers as needed.

Layers can be fun to play around with and can also serve many useful purposes when designing or using more complex designs.

The other option available once layers have been created is to Cut by Layer.

On the Send tab, choose the option to Cut by Layer and it will open up a window with all the Layer options. Now the cut lines can be turned on and off, depending on which part of the design is being cut.

I hope this helps explain the layers panel just a bit more!

Enjoy!

Feel free to post questions or project photos on my Facebook group at
Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae.

Posted on July 31, 2018April 27, 2023 by silhouettesecretsplus — Leave a comment

Let’s Explore v 4 Recap

We are half-way through 2018 – can you believe that?

So it’s the perfect time to recap what the “Let’s Explore v4” series has covered so far since January.

Let’s Explore v 4 series

Page Setup Panel – Tab 1 – Page Size & Cutting Mat

Page Setup Panel – Tab 2 – Grid Options & Spacing

Page Setup Panel – Tab 3 – Registration Marks – Print & Cut

Fill Color Panel

Line Style Panel

Trace Panel – Tab 1 – Basic Trace

Trace Panel – Tab 2 – Trace By Color (Designer Edition feature)

Trace Panel – Tab 3 – Magnet Trace (Designer Edition feature)

Pixscan Panel

Text Style Panel – Tab 1 – Text Style

Text Style Panel – Glyphs and Spell check

Transform Panel – Tab 1 – Align Tab

Transform Panel – Tab 2 – Scale Tab

Transform Panel – Tab 3 – Rotate Tab

Transform Panel – Tab 4 – Move by Tab

Transform Panel – Tab 5 – Shear (Designer Edition feature)

Replicate Panel – Tab 1 & 2 – Replicate & Number of Copies

Replicate Panel – Tab 3 – Object to Path

Modify Panel – Part 1

Modify Panel – Part 2 – Compound Paths

Offset Panel

Pop Up Panel (Designer Edition feature)

Stipple Panel (Curio option only)

Nesting Panel (Designer Edition feature)

There are so many things that the Silhouette Studio program can do. It is really an amazing program and I hope that you have learned something throughout the series. There is still so much more to explore!

Please let me know what is one thing you have learned that you did not know before by leaving a comment here or on my Facebook group.

Enjoy !

THANK YOU for your support! How can you help? Click HERE & buy a coffee. Every little bit helps with the cost of running the site.

Looking for more in-depth, step-by-step classes, check out all of my online Silhouette classes on my Teachable site HERE.

Posted on June 12, 2018April 27, 2023 by silhouettesecretsplus — 2 Comments

Let’s Explore v4 – Pop Up Panel

Today we are exploring the Pop Up Panel. Did you know there was such a thing? If you have v4.1.197 or higher of the Silhouette software, then this is available to you.

This is a neat feature that you can take a design and make it pop out of base shape, such as a card.

Let’s take a look at how we can go from this

to this

First, I started with my Page Size set at 5.5″ x 8.5″ for my card base and turned it to a Portrait Orientation.

Next, I drew a 5.25″ x 8.25″ rectangle to fit inside my card base. I used the Scale Tab to get the exact dimensions I wanted for my inner rectangle.

Then, I used the Align Tool to Center the design to my Page.

Then, I pulled down a vertical Guide (blue line) from the top to line it up with the center fold line of my card at 4.25″. Guides are a Designer Edition upgrade feature and you can turn them on and off under the Page Setup Panel – Tab 2.

Now, open the design you want to use for the Pop up card.

We are now ready to take a look at the Pop Up Panel features.

Convert Selected Shapes to Popup – Select the Design and click this to create your Popup shape on your base. Lines will show up on the design at the top and towards the bottom.The bottom line is the score line for the center of the card. Match the score line up with the Guide created at 4.25″When the design is selected, a directional arrow in the center appears & that can be used to move and adjust the design and pop up features and vary the length of the design to pop out of the base.The farther down you pull the arrow, the more the features adjust. Pull the red dots on either side of the score line out to the edges of the card, so it will score a fold line to the edge of the card.
Restore Original Shapes – This will restore the shape to the original design. This is great if you decide you don’t like it and want to start fresh.
Release Popup – This releases the design into individual cut lines, which can be used to further manipulate the design how you like it. Each line will now become it’s own separate piece and can be moved or deleted, as you see fit.
Base Width – This will adjust the base width of the score line on the bottom edge of your design where it meets the card.Here I increased it to 57% to show you how it looks. Each design will vary in how it looks and the look you want to achieve.
Min. Strut Width – This adjusts the Popup tabs at the top of the design. As the number increases the number of tabs goes down.I increased the Min. Strut Width to 0.269″ and it changes so there are only 5 tabs at the top of my design.
Dash Pitch – Dash pitch adjusts the score line width and how far each line will cut before skipping to the next one.

And here is the final view on the Send tab before you go to cut the Popup design.

Send your design to cut and assemble the card.

This PopUp feature is amazing! So many options & so much fun to create with.

What is the best way to learn? Play, play, play!!! Will you make mistakes? YES! Everyone makes mistakes! But you learn as you go!

Now, set aside some time and play, play, play!

This card was created with Happy Face One Design #147176 by Sarah Bailey from the Silhouette Design Store, Close to My Heart cardstock, and Oracal 651 vinyl.

Yes, you read that right. I used Oracal 651 vinyl on a card. This would not work with all cardstock as it will depend on the fibers of the cardstock but a high quality, smooth cardstock you should have no issues using transfer tape to apply your design.

I would love to see what you create – feel free to post on my Facebook group at Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae.

Enjoy !

THANK YOU for your support! How can you help? Click HERE & buy a coffee. Every little bit helps with the cost of running the site.

Looking for more in-depth, step-by-step classes, check out all of my online Silhouette classes on my Teachable site HERE.

Posted on June 5, 2018April 27, 2023 by silhouettesecretsplus — 37 Comments

Let’s Explore v4 – Offset Panel

Offset Panel – Silhouette Studio v4

We are moving down the right side of the Silhouette Studio v4 software and going through the Panels in detail.

Let’s take a look at the Offset Panel.

This tool can be very useful for many things such as creating a background layer for a decal, creating a shadow, thickening fonts, making frames, etc.

Offset – This tool creates a copy of the design on the outside edge of the original shape. The default distance is 0.125 inches and that is what shows when Offset button is chosen, it can then be adjusted.Select your design and click on the Offset button. *the offset is filled with yellow for you to see it better *Create by Cali Arroyo – Design #215617 Once the Offset is applied, it will automatically weld together and any parts that are overlapping will now be welded. Keep in mind that if there is a part of the design, such as a dot of an i, that is not overlapping, it will not be welded and it will need to be grouped after you create your Offset.
Internal Offset – This will apply the offset inside of the design. The default is set for 0.125 inches here too and most likely you won’t see any offset created, if that is left. Once you decrease the offset distance, you can see a change happen.This is one way to fill a font that you want to use the sketch pens with. By creating multiple internal offsets, the sketch pen will “fill” the font in by drawing all the internal offsets.Here is an example of creating multiple internal offsets to “fill” in a font to sketch. This was many internal offsets, so many I lost track of how many I created. First, I will say that it took a lot of ink to fill this in. I was using the Silhouette sketch pens and your results will vary depending on the pen you use and the tip it has on it. You can see above that even with multiple internal offsets, it did not fill in completely with the Silhouette sketch pen. In some cases, it is not worth the ink or the time to use the sketch pens like this and would be easier to use the Print and Cut feature instead.
Offset Distance – Change the Distance of the offset to achieve the look you want.
Offset Corner – Change the look of the offset created by changing the corner shape.
Cancel or Apply – Choose whether to Apply the Offset (can also hit Enter key) or Cancel.

Let’s take a look at some examples of using Offsets.

Creating an offset as a background to layer a decal:

Check out how I created this and then used layering marks to line up the decal exactly HERE.

Using a Offset to create a space when subtracting and layering HTV:

See details on how I created this shirt HERE.

Using an Offset to thicken fonts for cleaner cutting:

The Samantha font is very popular but it can sometimes be a pain to cut for small projects, a small offset can make a big difference without changing the look too much.

Using an Offset to make a frame:

Make an Offset of the original design, select the offset & original, then right click and choose Make Compound path or use the Modify Panel and choose Make Compound path. Now, you have a frame.

There are many ways to use the Offset and these are just a few examples. How do you use the Offset feature? I would love seeing what you are creating – feel free to post on my Facebook group at Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae.

Save this for future reference by pinning the image below.

Enjoy !

THANK YOU for your support! How can you help? Click HERE & buy a coffee. Every little bit helps with the cost of running the site.

Looking for more in-depth, step-by-step classes, check out all of my online Silhouette classes on my Teachable site HERE.

Posted on May 30, 2018April 26, 2023 by silhouettesecretsplus — 42 Comments

Let’s Explore v4 – Modify Panel – Compound Paths Explained

So last week we talked about the differences in welding, subtract, subtract all, intersect, divide and crop in the Modify Panel – Tab 1. This week we are moving on to something that I think is very often more confusing than it should be – Modify Panel – Part 2 – Compound Paths.

First, if you are just joining us, the Modify Panel is on the right side of the Silhouette Studio v4 software.

Last week we dove into the top section of the panel under the Modify header and this week we are going to look at the bottom section – Compound Paths and Detach Lines.

So first, what is a compound path?

A compound path is a way 2 shapes interact with each other.

For example – let’s look at the letter ‘O’.

The letter ‘O’ is made up of 2 ovals on top of each other that are a compound path (left). If you release the compound path, then you have 2 ovals stacked on top of each other (right).

Both of these will still cut the same, but a compound path design when filled with color, will look more like the end result of what you are cutting.

Let’s take another look:

I have used the USA State Dingbat Font by Sandi Idleman in the Silhouette Design Store, to create my state shape. Then I used the Text Tool to write out Montana and placed it across the design.

On the top, the 2 designs are layered on top of each other, they are treated as 2 designs. The middle design is still just 2 designs that have been filled with a color. And the bottom design I selected both shapes and choose Make Compound path. This has taken and cut the Montana out of the bottom state shape, now they are one design.

Now, let’s look at them on the Send Panel.

They all have the same bold cut lines. All of them will cut the same, the difference is how they look in the software when you are designing.

Now that we know a little more about how the Compound path works, let’s finish the Modify Panel.

7. Make Compound Path – This will take 2 or more designs and combine the paths making them 1 design.

For instance, some files from the Silhouette Design Store will open and you will notice if you fill it will color, that it looks odd. This is a Camera design by Amy Tangerine – Design #181402.

All of these camera designs will cut the same, but how they look on the design screen is affected by choosing Making Compound Path.

8. Release Compound Path – This will take 1 design and releasing it into multiple shapes.

For example, if I wanted to use this Fish Mandala design by Zigi Design Studio but I just want the outline of it, I can choose Release Compound Path.

This will take the design from 1 layer and release all the layers. You may need to Ungroup the Design at this point, it just depends on how the Designer created and saved the file.

Now, you can see all the selection boxes that are highlighted. The Compound Paths have been released and it is now in many layers.

Note: When you do this on such a complex design, it increased the amount of data in that file because each piece is now an individual layer. So keep that in mind when you do this, in case your computer seems sluggish or with a really complex design, you may get a Not Responding message. It’s a lot of date, so be patient.

There are many reasons why you would want to do this and it can be helpful to know how to “break up” a design by releasing the compound paths.

With these tools, you can make the designs you have go farther.

For example, after I released the Compound Path and moved the outline away, then I could add text in the middle of the design, select both and choose Make Compound Path and it would then cut the Montana text out of the center of the fish.

9. Detach Lines – If the image is filled with color, this option will separate the colored parts of the design from the lines of the design. This is a Spring Butterfly Set by Sophie Gallo – Design #56994.

You could use this option when doing a Print and Cut project versus changing the line color on each design.

If you click on the Send tab, you will see that they both have Cut lines on the design, but one is the lines and one is the image with the fill.

Here is the same idea but the Butterflies were filled with a pattern and then detach lines was chosen.

And there you have all the tools in the Modify Panel. Check out Part 1 of the Modify Panel HERE.

Now, the best way to learn is to play, play, play. Go find a design and see what compound paths do!

Share with us what you create with your Silhouette – post photos on my Facebook group at Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae.

Enjoy !

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Posted on May 24, 2018April 26, 2023 by silhouettesecretsplus — 10 Comments

Subtracting Text for HTV in Silhouette Studio v4

These designs have been a big hit for Mother’s Day and we will walk through how to created one.

First click on the Text Tool on the left side of the Silhouette Software. Click on the design mat & type out the words. Click off of the words to deselect it and then click back on the text once to select it. Fill the text with color to make it easier to see & work with. Click on the Text Style Panel on the right side.

Now, click on a Font Style Name, the text will change to that font style. You can then either click on each font, use the text search bar if you know what you are looking for or use the arrow keys to scroll through the text list and as you do the words will change to each font – this is my favorite method if I don’t know what font I want.

For Mom, I chose a font called Gulana – I chose this one by just scrolling through my font list and seeing what I liked best. Now, resize it how you like it.

Next using the same text tools, type out your second layer.

I used the font MF I Love Glitter by Misti Fonts in this example. The swirl hearts are called Glyphs and are special characters within the font that you can add. Check out this post for more on the Glyphs feature HERE.

Since this font overlaps make sure to weld the letters together before you cut.

Now position your name design over the top of the Mom design and align it how you want it.

We are going to Subtract the top layer (names) from the bottom layer (Mom).

First, I’d suggest creating an offset. When you are using HTV and pressing individual layers, the HTV can shrink as it’s applied with heat. To help with that we will create an offset, so we don’t have unwanted gaps in our design.

First, make a copy of your design and pull it off to the side in the holding area of the design space. Any time you are working with text, it’s a good idea to make a copy and pull the original off, just in case you need to go back. Once you edit text, it is no longer text and is now treated as a vector image – so the text is no longer editable.

Next, select your name text and click on the Offset Panel on the right side of Silhouette Studio v4.

Then next to the Distance highlight the numbers and type in 0.040, then click on Apply or hit Enter. The Distance of the offset will vary depending on the design you are using. Enter some larger or smaller offsets and see what you like – the Undo button will be your best friend.

The offset option gives you an outline around your text. It can also be used to make text thicker when you are using a very fine line font.

Once you Apply the offset, it will weld any parts that are overlapping. Parts of the design that are not overlapping (like dots of an i) will not be welded together, so you will need to group the offset before you move it, so it all moves as one.

Now move your original text off of the Mom design.

To create this design, we are going to use the Mom and the offset of our name text.

Select both Mom and the offset and under the Modify Panel, choose Subtract.

This will Subtract the top layer (offset) from the bottom layer (Mom) and any pieces that are not connected will now be individual. I would group these together before anything gets moved.

The Group option can be found in the QAT (Quick Access Toolbar) at the top of the software, right click and choose Group or under the Object menu at the top left of the software.

Now, we can move our original text back on top of our Mom design.

You can see when we zoom in that we have created a gap in our layering. This is done with the purpose of allowing for the shrinkage of the HTV and not getting unwanted gaps in our design.

Do you have to do an offset before you use the Subtract option? No, but it can save some frustration when the HTV does shrink.

Now, you are ready to set it up to cut out the material.

I used this awesome Sparkleberry Vaca HTV by Sparkleberry Ink on the Mom design. This is a patterned vinyl and you do not have to mirror or flip your image when you cut their patterned vinyl.

For the name text, I am using Siser Easyweed HTV in Hibiscus from Swing Design. Since this is regular HTV, I will flip (mirror) the text prior to cutting.