Subtract Archives

Posted on April 23, 2023September 29, 2025 by silhouettesecretsplus — 2 Comments

New! Silhouette Modify Panel Cheat Sheet

Just a quick post today to share the NEW Silhouette Studio Modify Panel Cheat Sheet.

This NEW cheat sheet is available as a free download exclusively for confirmed newsletter subscribers.

For more information on the Modify Panel check out these tutorials:
– Let’s Explore v4 Modify Panel – Part 1 HERE
– Let’s Explore v4 Modify Panel – Part 2 HERE

I hope that this helps you in your design journey in Silhouette Studio.
I’ll be honest and most times I just click the buttons until it does what I want it to do as each design can vary.
The Undo function is your BEST FRIEND in any software program!

Make sure to follow us on all the social media sites!
You never know which one is going to show you the new content that is released.
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Enjoy !

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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!

shop classes

Silhouette step-by-step Classes by Silhouette Secrets+

Posted on June 5, 2022June 4, 2022 by silhouettesecretsplus — Leave a comment

New Silhouette Class Released

Creating a Custom Knockout Design in Silhouette Studio

New Silhouette class available on my Teachable site HERE.

This class is one I created for the May 2022 All Things Silhouette Conference and it was a hit! The attendees took the class ideas and ran with it. I loved seeing all of their creations and it really inspired me to want to create even more.

I’ll be honest and typically after all the time that goes into the testing, recording, and editing to create a new class – I usually am “over” the class topic and it might be awhile for me to do it again. For instance, my Foil Quill didn’t get unpacked for a year after teaching at an ATS conference a few years back.
But, this class has been different as I see all the creations coming in. I am sharing a few of those below the class information so make sure to keep scrolling below.

This is a step-by-step class that explores the complete process of creating your own unique design. We start with downloading an image, tracing, discuss compound paths, text, offset, and the modify-subtract tools. This class is jam-packed with information that will help you in many future projects!

Check out the full class details

HERE

I am including the list of supplies I used in the class below.
Affiliate links may be present in the below and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 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.

Class Supplies:

-Silhouette machine, blade, cutting mat
– Paint Stroke design from Pixabay – Download HERE – how to download will be included in the class – alternate options are listed below as well
– Hello Friend Brush Script Font by Gina Marshall – Design #271670
– Optional Text Design by Silhouette Secrets – download HERE or use text style of choice
– Patterned HTV, Transfer Mask (if needed), Solid color HTV of your choice
– Sparkleberry Ink Patterned HTV – Staci’s Watercolor HTV used in class photo
Use code SILSECRETS to save 10% at Sparkleberry Ink
– Transfer Mask for Sparkleberry HTV
– Siser Easyweed color to match – Siser Easyweed Sky Blue used in class photo
– Shirt, tote, pillow, or other blank to press on

Optional design options:- Brush Stroke design alternatives – no tracing needed: Design #400679, Design #405377, Design #240013, Design #398421, Design #314334, Design #290326, Design #393147,
– Other Sparkleberry Ink combinations: Watercolor Wash (video class), Confetti Blue, etc.

I have also included a list of the class content in the description on Teachable.
There is a lot of information packed into this class. The best part is once you are registered, you can watch at your convenience and as many times as needed to really soak in the information.
Check out all the details HERE.

During the All Things Silhouette Conference attendees will post their completed project photos in our private Facebook group and WOW! I was blown away with their creations and the variety of different patterns, shapes, and text used in this class.

It truly shows that the techniques learned in the class can be used in many different ways for all users.

Custom Knockout Show & Tell

Here are a few that I received permission from the creators to share with you all.

Design Creation by C following the Custom Knockout Class

*Design Creation by Paula P. following the* Custom Knockout Class

*Design Creation by Renee H. following the* Custom Knockout Class

*Design Creation by Nikki H. following the* Custom Knockout Class

*Design Creation by Sheri S. following the* Custom Knockout Class

*Design Creation by Darlene T. following the* Custom Knockout Class

*Design Creation by Michele M. following the* Custom Knockout Class

There were so many fabulous creations!
It is a good thing it was not a contest as I could not have picked just one!

When creating a class, I always have several demos that I’ve created in the testing and recording times of the course. Here are a few more I created using this same technique.

I do not necessarily like the feel of glitter HTV on a shirt that I wear, but I still love the look of glitter. This is Siser Glitter HTV applied to a piece of fabric and then I glued the fabric to the photo backing.

Here is the same design with a different pattern on a tote bag.

And once you start, sometimes it’s hard to stop, especially when you have a stash of patterned HTV.

And one more!

I have had this patterned HTV for several years and never found a design that I wanted to use it for. This pattern reminds me of a Lisa Franks design and it was perfect for this Inspire and Create design by Donna Downey – Design #32502.

And now after seeing all the creations from those who’ve already done the class, I have so many more ideas. I’ll have new shirts for the rest of the year!

Check out this class

HERE

And I would love to see what you create with it!
I’d love to see what you are creating with your Silhouette software & machines!
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.

Or if you are looking for more in-depth, step-by-step classes, check out all of my online Silhouette classes on my Teachable site HERE.

Posted on February 14, 2021October 2, 2021 by silhouettesecretsplus — 1 Comment

Designing in Silhouette Studio

Creating your own designs in the Silhouette Studio software

Let’s use some of the Silhouette Studio tools to create our own designs. We will be using the text, rotate, offset, and subtract tools to create this design.

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

Start by selecting the Text Tool on the left side and click on the design mat to type out a letter.

Using the Fill Color Panel, fill it with a color. This will help to work with it easier, but mostly it is just to be able to see it better.

Click off the text to deselect it and then click back on it one time.
Then open the Text Style Panel and choose the font style.
I am using LW Game Day font by Lori Whitlock – Design #205489.

Make a copy of the text and move it off the mat to the holding area, so there is always an original to go back to.

Right click on the design and choose Convert to Path.
This will change the design from editable text to a vector design.

When it is in editable text mode, the font has to account for all characters in the font file. This will included any special characters, flourishes, glyphs, etc. in that font file and it has to account for that in the spacing you see around the design. This is why you will see excess space on the top and the bottom of a letter between the letter and the selection box.
Each font will vary since each font file is different.
What it has to do is account for the spacing, in case you decide to change the text.

Once the Convert to Path is chosen, it is now considered a vector design. It is no longer editable text and the selection box and measurements around the image are more accurate.

Grab the corner bounding box and increase the size of the letter as desired.
By using the corner bounding box, the design is scaled proportionally.
If you would rather have exact sizes, you could also use the Transform Panel – Scale tab or the Scale icon in the top Quick Access Toolbar.

The size of the design will depend on what type of project you are making. After the entire design is created, it can all be selected and resized to get the final size for your cuts.

Next, click on the Text Tool on the left side again and then type out the word you want.
Fill the text with color using the Fill Color Panel.
In the Text Style Panel, choose the font style.
I used the All Stars font by Erin Doran – Design #307688.
Make a copy of it and enlarge it just a bit.
Then right click on it and choose Weld so that any overlapping letters weld together and cut as one piece.
Then right click and choose Group or use Ctrl+G as the keyboard shortcut.
This will allow the entire design to move as one piece.

Move the text word onto the design mat.
Using the Transform Panel – Rotate Tab, rotate the word 90 degrees.
Then using the corner bounding box, scale it up as desired.
Once the text word is placed where you like it, select both the background letter and the word together and use the Align – Middle tool either in the Quick Access Toolbar (QAT) or in the Transform Panel – Align Tab.

To select multiple objects, left click in the top left above the design and hold the left mouse button down and drag across the entire design.
Anything the mouse touches will be selected together.
Or click on one object, hold down the Shift key on the keyboard and click on another object. As long as the Shift key is held down, everything that is clicked on will be selected together.

Click off the design to deselect it and then click back on the word only to select only it.

With only the word selected, open the Offset Panel and click Offset.
The default distance is 0.125″ and this is what I used and clicked Apply.
When the offset is applied, it will weld any overlapping parts of the offset together automatically and the offset will now be the object selected on the screen.
The distance on the offset can be adjusted as you desire and what works for the design can vary according to your taste and the design being created.

Since the Offset is already selected, hold down the Shift key and then click on the background letter. Now, the offset and the big letter should be selected together.
Open the Modify Panel and choose Subtract.
This will subtract the offset shape from the background letter.
Now all the little pieces will be individual designs. The design will need to be grouped together so it moves as one piece. Either press Ctrl+G on the keyboard or right click on the big letter and choose Group.

Ta-da! You have created your own design.

Move the design around as needed to cut out of the material you are using.

I cut mine from Siser Easyweed Heat Transfer Vinyl so I moved the Bobcats off the mat, right clicked on the B and chose Flip > Horizontal and then placed it in the top left corner of the mat to cut.

Once that was cut, I moved the B off the mat and moved the Bobcats onto the mat, rotated it back 90 degrees, right clicked and chose Flip > Horizontal and cut it.

Check out this post – Silhouette “Secrets” Beginner HTV Tips & Tricks post for more information on cutting HTV.

I love my new shirt and of course, my kids asked for their own too!
I love being able to create custom shirts with my Silhouette and they love wearing them!

But, I’m not going to tell them I like mine better.

Each design may turn out a little bit different depending on the letters, text, and font style chosen. Grab your favorite drink and get to creating!
Here are a couple more that I created using the same steps above.

I’ve also created this as a video tutorial that can be found on my YouTube channel.

I would love to see what you create with the Silhouette Studio tools.
Feel free to post on the Silhouette Secrets+ Facebook Group.

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.

Or if you are looking for more in-depth, step-by-step classes, check out all of my online Silhouette classes on my Teachable site HERE.

**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 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 May 23, 2018April 26, 2023 by silhouettesecretsplus — 29 Comments

Let’s Explore v4 – Modify Panel – Part 1

The Modify Panel has lots of neat tools in it that perform a variety of functions. It can be found on the right side of the Silhouette Studio v4.

Let’s take a look at all the tools in this panel.

Weld – Joining two or more objects that are overlapping together to form 1 object. This is often used with text when you want it to cut as one solid design vs individual letters.You will notice that the top text, the red lines from the characters overlaps the letter next to it. If you sent it to cut like this, it will cut out the red lines exactly how they show, so your letters would have cuts through them.By choosing to weld the font first, you can join the letters together so it cuts as one smooth piece. After you have welded, any piece of the text that is not overlapping will now be a separate object – like the dots of the i, so you want to make sure to Group them together to keep the text moving as one design. When you weld text, it does change it from editable text to a vector image, so make sure to make a copy & pull it off to the side so you have the original in case you need to go back.
Subtract – Takes the top layer and subtracts it out of the bottom layer under it.On top is the original design. Mom is typed out and behind the names. When you select both designs and choose Subtract, it subtracts out the names (top layer) from the Mom design (bottom layer). This works well for things like layering HTV where you don’t want the bulk of layering on your shirt or if you are using glitter HTV that is not recommended to be layered. Tip: with this design, I would create an offset of the original names and then use the offset to subtract from the Mom design. It gives you a little more flexibility in placement when you apply it to the shirt. I used a 0.20 offset on this design. Then moved the original name text away and used the Mom (bottom layer) and the offset (new top layer) to Subtract. Since I used an offset, this will allow you to place your names text inside of the area when applying the HTV and you won’t have to worry as much about shrinkage and getting it perfect. Move the name text back on top of your Subtracted design to get an idea of how it looks. On the top design, you have to get the exact placement of the names lined up with the bottom layer. On the bottom design, you will notice there is a bit of white showing around the name text, this will be beneficial when you are applying HTV so you don’t have to worry as much as about the HTV shrinking when you press each color. I used MF I love glitter font by Misti Fonts and Gulana font. Keep in mind if you plan to sell creations with these fonts, you will want to purchase the Commercial License for each. If you are using adhesive vinyl, it is not as much of an issue because there is no shrinkage. But, you will still need to get it lined up perfectly and layering marks can help with that – check out how to do that HERE.
Subtract All – This option removes any part of an design that is behind another design. I always start my pulling off a copy of my design to the holding area off the mat, so I can go back to the original if needed. So above I drew a heart and moved it behind my Mom and name layers. Make sure to align the design how you want and then I chose Subtract All and it cuts out the top 2 layers from the very bottom layer (heart). This works great for making designs that you don’t want to have the bulk of materials overlapping. Again you could use an offset to help with ease of getting it lined up and not worrying about shrinkage.
Intersect – When 2 or more designs are overlapping, this will keep only the part of the design that is intersecting between the designs and the rest is deleted.
Divide – When 2 or more designs are overlapping, this will divide any parts that are overlapping, but keeps all of the pieces on the design mat. Nothing is deleted.
Crop – This will allow you to crop a shape out of a pattern, design or in this case a photo.Draw a heart over the photo, select both the photo and circle, then choose Crop and it will take that shape out of the layer under it.

There are so many neat things you can accomplish with these tools under the Modify Panel. I encourage you to draw some shapes, pull in some patterns and just play around with them to see what they do.

Save this for future reference by pinning the image below.

Find Part 2 of the Modify Panel HERE – Compound Paths & Detach Lines

So far in the “Let’s Explore v4” series we have covered: – Page Setup Panel – Tab 1 – Page Size, Cutting Mat, Rotate View, Print & Cut Borders – Page Setup Panel – Tab 2 – Grid Options – Page Setup Panel – Tab 3 – Registration Marks – Fill Color Panel – Line Style Panel – Trace Panel – Basic Trace – Trace Panel – Trace by Color – Trace Panel – Magnet Trace – Pixscan Panel – Text Style Panel – Tab 1 – Text Style Panel – Tab 2 & 3 – Glyphs & Spell Check – Transform Panel – Align Tab – Transform Panel – Scale Tab – Transform Panel – Rotate – Transform Panel – Move By – Transform Panel – Shear by – Replicate Panel – Tab 1 & 2 – Replicate Panel – Object to Path Whew! We’ve covered a lot!

I truly believe that if you learn how to create in the software, the possibilities are endless! The software is the key! And it is such a powerful program that is available for anyone to use.

I would love to see what you are creating or learning with your Silhouette! Feel free to post photos or questions 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.