Silhouette CAMEO 3 Getting Started Help for Beginners

Thinking about getting a Silhouette CAMEO 3 when its release date rolls around NEXT WEEK?!  If you're looking for some help getting started with CAMEO 3 or wondering what all the hype is about - you've come to the right spot!

There are some obvious differences in the Silhouette CAMEO 3 vs. CAMEO 2 and earlier versions.  Even for those Silhouette machine owners who are upgrading, there will be a slight learning curve as you get adjusted to the new machine - and software.
I was able to get my hands on a machine a few weeks before the official Silhouette CAMEO 3 release date! (Although, CAMEO 3 pre-order is underway now on Amazon!) This gives me a little head start so I can let you all know what to expect and help you get started using your new Silhouette cutting machine right away.

Silhouette CAMEO 3 Set Up

When you first get your Silhouette CAMEO 3 out of the box - be sure to remove all of the tape and packing material.  Plug the power cord into the machine and turn it on.  Using the touch screen, you will need to set the machine up for the correct language.  You will also be given the option to read through a few quick tutorials on simple things like loading the cutting mat.   When you've finished the quick set up, your machine will confirm set up has completed successfully. You're now ready to start cutting!

Silhouette CAMEO 3 Size

The CAMEO 3 is slightly bigger than the CAMEO 2 and CAMEO 1....but not by much.  The dimensions of the CAMEO 3 are 22" L x 8" W x 5" H.  

CAMEO 3 Bluetooth

The Silhouette CAMEO 3 is Bluetooth enabled. However, the Bluetooth feature can only run with Silhouette Studio 4 which is not yet released. Currently, Silhouette CAMEO 3 users will need to use a patched version of Silhouette Studio 3 (3.8 or higher).  It allows you to run the CAMEO 3, but not enable Bluetooth. Studio 4 should be out soon though. Until then, you'll have to plug in using the USB port just like with the Silhouette CAMEO 2, 1, Portrait and SD.

Update: The Silhouette CAMEO 3 Bluetooth connection can now be use to cut following set up. Here is an in depth tutorial on how to set up the CAMEO 3 bluetooth feature. 

Silhouette Studio 4

The upgraded version of the Silhouette Studio software will be a free update.  If you have Silhouette Studio Designer Edition, Designer Edition Plus, or Business Edition you will automatically update to the new version of Studio 4 with your upgraded version.

All Silhouette crafters can use Silhouette Studio 4 - but certain features will only be enabled when/if you plug in the Silhouette CAMEO 3 machine. For example, if you are using the CAMEO 2 you won't have the dual carriage options like you will in the Cut Settings menu when you plug in the CAMEO 3.

Silhouette AutoBlade

The Silhouette Autoblade comes with the CAMEO 3.  To use it, it must be placed into the left/red blade housing.  The AutoBlade can only be used in the CAMEO 3 and not earlier versions of the machine.  The regular ratchet blade can be used in the CAMEO 3 as well.

The blade locking mechanism looks very different than on previous versions of the Silhouette cutting machines. Instead of turning the lock, you will push the lock in to snap it into place. This will keep the blade or tip secure.

In Silhouette Studio, go to the Cut Settings menu. With the design selected, click on the Red Tool and select the type of material you are cutting.  Once you select the material, use the new slider bar on the right to move down the window. Where you see the Blade Type drop down box, pick Auto Blade.

This will tell the Silhouette cutting machine to automatically adjust the blade depth to the default settings for whatever material you picked.

After you send the design to cut, the die cutter will tap the blade up and down repeatedly until the blade is set to the correct depth before cutting.

If you wish to adjust the AutoBlade manually, place it into the built ratchet on the front of the machine and push it up and down until the red indicator line is at the correct blade depth.

Cutting or Sketching with Dual Carriages

The Silhouette CAMEO 3 allows users to place two different blades, tips or sketch pens into the machine to make cutting or sketching faster.  In order to use both blade housings in one pass, you need to adjust a few settings in Silhouette Studio before you cut.

Let's say you are sketching and cutting a gift tag using a sketch pen and the ratchet blade. 

First select the part of the design that you want sketched.  Go into the Cut Settings tool and click "Cut." Scroll down and under Tool 1 (Red) pick "Sketch Pen." Scroll down further to view the recommended cut settings. Place the pen into the left/red housing in the machine making sure to lock it into place.



Next select the part of the design to be cut. From the Cut Settings Window click "Cut" and scroll down. Under Tool 2/Blue pick "Card Stock". The selected part of the design will now have a blue cut line (instead of red).  Note the cut settings for cardstock. Adjust the blade to the proper depth and place the ratchet blade into the blue/right housing.  Lock it into place.




 Place the cardstock on the cutting mat, load it into the machine and from Silhouette Studio click "Send to Cut."

The machine will first sketch the sketched part of the design.

It will then re-set and switch to using the ratchet blade to cut the cuttable portion of the design.  Here's a quick video to show you how the CAMEO 3 dual blade housing works!

If you're interested in grabbing a Silhouette CAMEO 3 or a CAMEO 3 bundle you can grab one now.

 
Note: This post may contain affiliate links. By clicking on them and purchasing products through my links, I receive a small commission. That's what helps fund Silhouette School so I can keep buying new Silhouette-related products to show you how to get the most out of your machine!

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