Comments on: Cricut Explore: The Software

By: Jackie DeRuiter

Thu, 31 Jul 2014 17:44:59 +0000

Have to take it back. Can’t get connected to my computer I don’t have time for the nonsense BUT I am very disappointed.

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By: Kristy gd

Mon, 14 Apr 2014 21:18:26 +0000

I haven’t really used the Connect plugin from Silhouette, but I’m really glad they worked with Adobe to expand the utility of the software for just these reasons. Maybe Cricut will follow suite? (Though, sadly, I doubt it).

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By: Dawn Marie

Thu, 10 Apr 2014 21:11:58 +0000

Thanks again for writing these Kristy.
If only you could use other software with the machine. I don’t own one of the independent software like MTC, but I would be more inclined to buy an explore if I could.
It would be great to have the two machines and one software to run them both, along with their own software.
There seems to more I dislike about the software than what I do like, but there are nice things about the machine itself.

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By: Kristy gd

Sat, 29 Mar 2014 13:00:35 +0000

I know, some of the features they have are so cool! You can move things around the mat, which was really important for me to target the right parts of the mat to cut on and move the leather around. Here’s the thing though: the interface is tiny. If you click on the image to see it at full size, that’s what you get. No zooming. And you have to use your mouse to move it, no using those arrow keys to gently nudge something where you want it. The functionality is there, but it’s pretty clunky.

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By: Dee

Sat, 29 Mar 2014 03:33:01 +0000

The fact that the machine is smart enough to tell you when to shift mediums amazes me!! And the fact that you can design right on a onsie is pretty awesome! But major bummer to hear about the lack of design yourself options, and the tedious trace functions. I kinda wonder the resourcefulness of the machine telling you how many items you can cut per sheet.. I really hate wasting materials so before I cut something I tend to make use of the dead space or make it so I can reuse it again. Did you notice if you have the option of moving the elephants around on the pAge to maximize space by any chance?

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By: Kristy gd

Thu, 27 Mar 2014 12:35:05 +0000

That much! Wow! Moore’s law in action with software.

Yeah, I’m not super impressed with the software. And honestly? If I didn’t have other options for designing already available to me, it would bother me a lot more. Not that it doesn’t already!

I also can’t begin to tell you how much I agree on the whole internet connection required thing. I almost didn’t buy it because of that! In the end, I was willing to bite the bullet for the potential for new cutting abilities, but I still think it was the absolutely wrong decision for them to make. I just keep telling myself that software can change, so hopefully they will keep improving the software and provide something downloadable. Though, that would require backpedaling and admitting they were wrong.

As for the elephants ear, had I done a darker color it probably would have turned out better. I was still really surprised at the compression of the image though. Even with the lower contrast between the ear and the white, it shouldn’t have been that bad. I’m sure as I continue to work with importing images (cause you can bet I won’t be designing in there) I’ll be able to figure out better work arounds, but in the end, I really shouldn’t have to do that.

I also think you’re right in that the good features here will push Silhouette to improve on their work. And that can only be good for us users!

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By: Karen Lewis

Wed, 26 Mar 2014 00:32:45 +0000

Kristy, this software reminds me of the old program I used to use for sign making and it cost over $280 used! I know what you mean about wanting to like it, but after working with Studio and its features, this just doesn’t cut the mustard with me.
Right from the start, when I found out that it required internet service, I knew I would never own one. I’m in a rural area where service sputters like an old car and it would just not be suitable for that software to work properly. And I know that you are in the city where internet is much more dependable and I couldn’t get over how ugly your images were turning out.
I do, however, hope that Silhouette will incorporate a few of the features you mentioned, or at least, tweak them a bit more. I think they will eventually.
Thanks so much for taking the time to record and share all of this with us.

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By: Kristy gd

Tue, 25 Mar 2014 19:01:51 +0000

*Blushes* Gee thanks Trisha! I do have to say that so far my concerns have been software related, and those are things that can be changed down the line. I was surprised those were missing myself! I keep hoping that I’ll find them somewhere. There were a few other things (like weld) that I wasn’t able to find at first either, but I’ve pretty much lost hope on finding those two. I’ll keep an eye out though.

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By: Sharon Rexroad's Bringing Creativity 2 Life

Tue, 25 Mar 2014 19:01:45 +0000

I’ve already got my seat belt on, ready for your next post, Kristy!
Sharon Rexroad’s Bringing Creativity 2 Life recently posted…How-To Create a Custom Pillowbox on Your Silhouette Machine + Free Cut File!

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By: Kristy gd

Tue, 25 Mar 2014 18:56:37 +0000

Thanks Sharon! I’d love to see what you are able to do with ‘weird’ materials on the Silhouette! I’ve had some success myself. Today’s post will be on some of the more unconventional things it can cut. Prepare to be blown away.

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