Silhouette CAMEO 4 Set Up and Unboxing (Video)

There are just a few steps to get started with Silhouette CAMEO 4...and lucky for you I'm going to walk to you through from unboxing to set up! 

This Silhouette CAMEO 4 beginner tutorial will walk you through machine set up and explain exactly what comes in the box.

Silhouette CAMEO 4 Unboxing: What's in the Box?

When you receive your Silhouette CAMEO 4 machine, you will not only receive the cutting machine, but several other necessary accessories in the box including a power cord, USB cord, CAMEO 4 Auto Blade, ratchet tool, four tool adapters, and 12x12” cutting mat.   

 

• Power Cord: Connects to the side of the Silhouette CAMEO machine and to a power source to supply power to the cutting machine 
  
  
• USB Cord: The USB Cord is an option to use to connect the CAMEO 4 with the computer when the Bluetooth connection is not being used
  
  
• CAMEO 4 Auto Blade: A single tap auto-adjusting cutting blade that will automatically adjust the blade depth based on the material type the user selects in Silhouette Studio 
   
• CAMEO 4 Tool Adapters: Four tool adapters – each with an auto tool detection strip on the back – are included to allow you to fit tools for the older model Silhouette machines into the CAMEO 4
  
  
• Ratchet Tool: The tool is used to adjust the depth of the black ratchet cutting blade (not included) and to manually adjust the AutoBlade

If you purchased a CAMEO 4 bundle you will have an assortment of other tools and accessories as well. 
 

To ensure your machine works correctly, make sure all packing material and tape are removed from the Silhouette CAMEO machine before you set up the machine for the first time. Tape is used during the shipping process to keep the blade housing stable.

Silhouette CAMEO 4 Set Up

Start by connecting the two power cords. The smallest end plugs into the side of the CAMEO 4. 

Once you plug in the power cord to a power supply you can press the Power button to turn on the machine. The touch panel will light up. 

I would now suggest you plug in the USB cord and connect it between the CAMEO 4 and your computer.  This is an optional step as the Silhouette CAMEO 4 does have bluetooth. 

The Built in roll feeder can be found by pulling out the drawer under the cutting area and unfolding the supports. 

The CAMEO 4 cross cutter is found along the back of the machine.  Press down the locks on each side at the same time to unfold it before using it.

You can watch my Silhouette CAMEO 4 unboxing video here.

 

Register Silhouette CAMEO 4 to Activate Warranty

Before you begin using your Silhouette CAMEO 4, you should activate the 1 year warranty by registering your new cutting machine.  Find the serial number on the sticker on the back of the machine and go through the registration process on the Silhouette America website. 

Silhouette CAMEO 4 and Silhouette Studio Software Set Up

Silhouette CAMEO 4 requires Silhouette Studio V4.3.219 - at a minimum - to run. All users - new and existing - will need to install this version or higher for the software to recognize the new CAMEO machine. 

A software CD is not included with the Silhouette CAMEO 4. The free Silhouette Studio software. can be downloaded from the Silhouette America website.

Please note you do not need a Silhouette CAMEO 4 to run this version of the software and the CAMEO 4 features will not show up unless a CAMEO 4 is plugged in and powered on.

Existing Users Adding on a CAMEO 4

If you have an older Silhouette CAMEO or Portrait and are adding a CAMEO 4 on you can update the software and basically start cutting with it.

Once the machine is connected to your computer and powered on, the software should recognize it in your Send panel.

Any software upgrades - Designer Edition, Designer Edition Plus and Business Edition - should automatically go with the software update and you do not need to re purchase an upgrade to use with your CAMEO 4. If the software upgrade becomes de-activated follow this Silhouette tutorial to find your license key and reactive the Silhouette Studio upgrade.

 Silhouette CAMEO 4 Beginners: Brand New User Set Up

In addition to the steps above to register your CAMEO 4 and install the Silhouette Studio software for the first time, you'll also need to create a Silhouette America account and set up your Silhouette Cloud in your Silhouette Library.

Create a free Silhouette America account here. This is a necessary and mandatory step.

Next launch the Silhouette Studio software you downloaded and installed on your computer. Start by going to the Library tab along the top right. This will prompt you to sign into the library. Use the same log in credentials you used to create your Silhouette America account.

You'll want to set up the Cloud right away. Once signed in, your name will appear at the top left of your library with several default folders underneath. The sub folder Recent Downloads within the Design folder is where the free Silhouette designs that come with the CAMEO 4 can be found. 

Designs you import into the software and those designs you create and save to the library will be stored in the User Designs folder unless you create and specific a different sub folder.

Silhouette CAMEO 4 First Cut

Now that your machine and software are set up, you're ready to make your first cut with Silhouette CAMEO 4.  Keep in mind, out of the box you have the CAMEO 4 AutoBlade and four blade adapters to pick from.

Each has a sensor on the back which tells the smart tool system which tool is inserted into the tool carriage and communicate that back to the software to auto-adjust the cut settings. Just keep in mind, you will still need to select your material.  

The AutoBlade and blade adapters can be used in the left tool carriage only. 

Be sure to lock the tool into place before cutting. 

Keep in mind, all of the free tutorials on Silhouette School Blog are still applicable to the CAMEO 4 - you will find just very slight differences with the advancements of the AutoBlade and tool adapters.

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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