Silhouette Studio Updates vs. Software Upgrades

Silhouette Studio upgrades are not the same as Silhouette Studio updates so let's get to the bottom of it today.

 

There are some key differences when it comes to Silhouette Studio Updates vs Silhouette Studio Upgrades - the biggest is updates are free and upgrades are a one time fee.  But that's not the only difference... so read on for a better understanding.

Silhouette Studio Software Updates

Silhouette America provides free software - Silhouette Studio - for all users. In fact you can use Silhouette Studio even without a Silhouette cutting machine! 

The software is available for download directly from the Silhouette America website.  

Two very important tips when it comes to updating Silhouette Studio software on your computer:

• Avoid clicking update prompts within Studio and instead download updates directly from the Silhouette America website
• Never trust the "Check for Updates" tool within the software

As of this writing, the current version of the software is Silhouette Studio V4.4.945.  When the next version of the software is released, that will be a free "update." It will be called something like Silhouette Studio Version 4.4.9xx.  

I like to think of updates in three different categories:

• Minor Updates
• Moderate Updates
• Major Updates

Minor Silhouette Studio Updates

Minor Silhouette Studio updates are the most common and most frequent type of Silhouette Studio update. They are typically released to fix bugs in previous versions of the software.  I put any update that changes the number after the second "." in the Minor Update category.

For example the most recent software release took the "current" version of the software from V4.4.937 to V4.4.945  The software updates are outlined in the Release Notes.

Moderate Silhouette Studio Updates

Moderate Silhouette Studio updates are the second most common type of updates released by Silhouette Studio....but are far less frequent.  Moderate Silhouette Studio updates not only fix bugs, but also include the roll out of new features. 

Any Silhouette Studio software version that changes the first number after the first "." I put in the moderate update bucket.  For example when Silhouette America went from V4.3 to V4.4 the Silhouette software introduced new features such as auto trace of PNG images, smart snapping, and print preview. 

Major Silhouette Studio Updates

Major Silhouette Studio Updates - also free - are rarely released (there have only been 4) and when they are they:

1. Fix bugs 
2. Add new features 
3. Change the software interface

The most recent major Silhouette Studio update was the release of V4 in June 2017.  Prior to "V4", Silhouette Studio users were using a version of "V3".  If you are a newer user, this is why you may find Silhouette tutorials in which the software in the tutorial looks different than the version you are using.

Major Silhouette Studio updates have changed the look, layout and flow of the software to improve the user experience. However, while it can be jarring when tools, toolbars, and panels are move around in the software, in general, the software works the same way.

While updates are free and available for anyone to download - keep in mind even when moderate and major updates roll out new features - you may not be able to access all of the features. That's because some features in updates are only unlocked with an upgraded version of Silhouette Studio.

Silhouette Studio Upgrades

Designer Edition, Designer Edition Plus, Business Edition

Silhouette Studio upgrades require a one-time paid fee. There are three upgrade levels: Designer Edition, Designer Edition Plus, and Business Edition.  The upgrades are delivered as a 16 digit license key.

Users can upgrade to any software edition from any other software edition. For example, you can upgrade directly from the free basic Silhouette Studio to Business Edition. Likewise, if you previously upgraded to say, Designer Edition, you can later you purchase a partial upgrade (at a prorated fee) and upgrade from Designer Edition to Business Edition.

Each level of upgrades unlocks additional features with the higher level upgrades not only unlocking their features, but also the features of the lower upgrades. In other words Designer Edition Plus gives you access to all standard Silhouette Studio features along with Designer Edition features and Designer Edition PLUS features.

Combining Upgrades and Updates

One of the most common questions about upgrades is "Why is a feature in an upgrade not available even though I have the right upgrade?"

Let's say the user has Business Edition but does not have the option to export as an SVG.  This happens when the user has the upgraded software edition (BE), but does not have an updated version of the software.  This particular example would occur if the user was using a version of the software PRIOR to V4.1 since Save as SVG was a feature that rolled out to BE users in that "moderate" update.

Check Silhouette Studio Version

Now that you understand the difference between Silhouette Studio updates and upgrades, it's important to find out what software version you are using. If you're not sure which version of the Silhouette Studio software you are using, takes these simple steps to check.

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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