What Silhouette CAMEO Do I Have? (And What Tools Can I Use?)

Believe it or not we get asked more than you'd think "What Silhouette CAMEO machine do I have?"

silhouette 101, silhouette america blog, cameo 2, cameo 1, cameo 3

While the same Silhouette Studio software can run all of the Silhouette machines, there are some differences in machines themselves - especially older machines - that make it important to know which Silhouette CAMEO you have.

The reason knowing the type of machine you have is important is because certain machines can take certain tools and have certain minor differences. For example, the CAMEO 1, 2, and 3 have a USB drive port so designs can be cut directly from a thumb drive plugged into the machine.

If you're not sure what machine you have take a look below shed some light on which Silhouette CAMEO machine you have.

Silhouette CAMEO 1

The easiest way to tell if you have a Silhouette CAMEO 1 is by looking at the control panel. If the machine has push buttons, that's a CAMEO 1.

Silhouette CAMEO 2

The Silhouette CAMEO 2 has a touch screen panel, but only a single carriage.

Neither the Silhouette CAMEO 1 or CAMEO 2 can use the Auto Blades. The tools that work with the CAMEO 1 and 2 are Ratchet Blade, Premium Blade, Sketch Pens and a bunch of third party tools including Foil Quill and the CB09 Blade.

cameo 2, cameo 1, portrait 1, cameo tools, silhouette blades

Silhouette CAMEO 3

The easiest way to spot a Silhouette CAMEO 3 is if the machine has a full cover, flip top lid and a dual carriage.

The Silhouette CAMEO 3 and Portrait 2 share the same tools - including the "Type A" Autoblade. Because the tool carriage is the same size and shape, all of the same tools can be used as the CAMEO 1 and 2 without any type of adapter.

Portrait 2, cameo 3, auto blade, cameo tools, silhouette blades

Silhouette CAMEO 4

The Silhouette CAMEO 4 is a dual carriage cutter with a retractable lid and a built in roll feeder that can be pulled out from the bottom of the front of the machine.

The tool carriage shape and size and was changed on the CAMEO 4, the 15" CAMEO Plus, and the 24" CAMEO Pro so Type B and Type C tools are required. Type A tools can be used but only with an adapter.

silhouette portrait 3, cameo 4, cameo 4 plus, auto blade, cameo 4 tools, silhouette tools

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!

Get Silhouette School lessons delivered to your email inbox! Select Once Daily or Weekly.

Subscribe Here!

5 comments

CRAFTY CHRYSMarch 30, 2021 at 4:59 PM
Thanks for that info. Very useful! Must preactice more!!
MargaretApril 5, 2021 at 8:45 AM
Thank you so much really helpful info
DelenaFebruary 9, 2022 at 12:32 PM
My Software won't finish downloading I've been doing this for 3 days what do I do?
Thanks Delena

Thanks for leaving a comment! We get several hundred comments a day. While we appreciate every single one of them it's nearly impossible to respond back to all of them, all the time. So... if you could help me by treating these comments like a forum where readers help readers.

In addition, don't forget to look for specific answers by using the Search Box on the blog. If you're still not having any luck, feel free to email me with your question.