Cricut and software

[vettechick99]

This past week I made our Disney vacation shirts on a friend's Cricut with some heat transfer vinyl and I'm in love. So now I want a cutter, open to all brands, but Cricut is the one I have experience with.

Anyway, my friend has the Expression and SCAL2. We just used the Expression and her carts this week. This is what I want:

-Machine with ability to use at home with software or at work with carts

-Mac-compatible software

-Spend less than $200 (used is ok)


Based on that, what is the least-expensive introduction to what I want? Could I get a used Expression, buy MTC to install on a Mac, and use my friends carts? Or is there a different brand that would get me what I want at a lesser price? Thanks for the info!



ETA: I have done some more research and see that Silhouette works with a Mac. Could I buy a used Silhouette, download both Mac (for home) and Windows (for work) software for free? That would get me started with the basics for less than $200 right? And I could upgrade fonts and such as needed?

 

[PrincessNancy96]

I can't speak for MAC compatablities..

But I can tell you the MTC (Make the Cut) does not work with the cricut.. It is a third party software and some time ago Cricut put a stop to that being a useable option with their machines.

If you want to use carts from your friend you are going to need a machine that has the cartridge placement section.. So and Expression, Expression 2.. You can still use the carts and the software system (Cricut Craftroom) that they offer.. I have a PC (windows) and I have cricut craftroom and carts and am able to use both my Expressions (E) and Expression2 (E2)...

Cricut has a new machine called the Explore and the Air.... I have no experience with them.. but I do know you don't have the cartridge placement in them... and I know many who have subscriptions for them.. I am hoping that one of our members with more experience with those machines can tell you more about them.


I have the Silhouette portrait and cameo and love them both and the software.. In order to use it and cut SVG files, you must upgrade the software to the Designers Edition.. (well worth it)... I can cut svg files and any font of my computer...

Good luck with your decision.

 

[DisCatGirl]

Love my circuit and I only use MAC. I have the Explore. If you buy a subscription you get full access to the cutting files. I don't do that since I still have all of my old cartridges and can use them with the machine.

 

[PrincessNancy96]

@DisCatGirl -- the explore has the area where you can insert the cartridge?

 

[DisCatGirl]

No. But you can link cartridges (old and new) to your circuit account. Then, when you log on to the Cricut Design software, all your cuts are available there. I have almost 50 - and would have hated to lose them. But have no problems at all. You can also upload almost any image from the internet - I do that all the time. Very easy to do.

 

[DisCatGirl]

For our disney trip, I made purses, bags, shirts, planners, etc. So much fun.

 

[vettechick99]

Love my circuit and I only use MAC. I have the Explore. If you buy a subscription you get full access to the cutting files. I don't do that since I still have all of my old cartridges and can use them with the machine.

DisCat, I know that my friend has never linked her carts online to Cricut. If I bought the Explore, could I link hers as if they are my own and use them? She has a handful and that would get me started.

 

[DisCatGirl]

I don't see why not. As long as they have never been linked you should be able to use them. You will have so much fun. Enjoy.

 

[concertkatie]

I have a Silhouette Cameo and a Mac and PC. I have the studio software loaded on both so I can design on my laptop (mac) from bed if I want to or from sitting at my PC. I also have designer edition which I believe can be put on 3 machines on my PC but haven't yet loaded it on to the Mac. That allows you some extra tools in the software, ability to open SVGs, etc. It retails for $50 but you can find it on Amazon and other sites on sale sometimes as low as $25.

I have no experience with the Cricut so I can't really help there.