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Vinyl Cutting

A basic guide to vinyl cutting

Welcome

Vinyl cutter

The Makerspaces at William & Mary are pleased to offer a Silhouette Cameo 3 vinyl cutter in Swem Library for use by all current students, staff, and faculty.  

Using a vinyl cutter is a fun, engaging, and creative experience. However, vinyl cutting and successful cuts do require a small amount of background knowledge for optimal performance.

To ensure that our machine and patrons stay happy, the Swem Makerspace requires that all patrons who wish to schedule time with the vinyl cutter agree to our common sense safety policies. 

For more information, contact Ashley Gonzales.

Find or Create a Pattern to Cut

STEP 1: Find or Create a File to Cut

Where do you find files for your project? 

Design your own file in the Silhouette Studio software or find open source files available to download online.

Format and Save the File

STEP 2: Format and Save the File

Prior to booking a vinyl cutting session, you will need to download, install and familiarize yourself with the software, Silhouette Studio, used to generate cuts. You can save your file on a USB drive, but you must use the computer that is closest to the Cameo to work on your project.

Scheduling Time for your Project

STEP 3: Schedule Time with the Vinyl Cutter

Once you are trained and have designed a file to cut, you will need to schedule a time to use the vinyl cutter in the Swem Makerspace, Room 139, visit The Makerspaces at W&M website and click on the Make an Appointment tab. After you submit your project info you will be contacted by an MSE to set up an appointment to use the cutter.