If you've recently upgraded to Silhouette Studio V5, you may have found yourself frustrated by some of the changes. You're not alone!
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The more I use V5, the more some of the changes have me questioning: "why fix what wasn't broken?"
Today I want to go through 3 specific changes in Silhouette Studio V5 that I could definitely have done without. I think, these changes, specifically, make the software less intuitive, especially if you're used to earlier versions. I figured I'd call them out so you at least know what to be aware of!
Tools Hidden in "Starter Mode" By Default
Silhouette Studio V5 introduces a new "Starter Mode" that is toggled ON by default. This means many tools you're used to seeing are suddenly hidden - even if you've been using Silhouette Studio for years or if you're referring to tutorials that reference legacy versions of the software.
When in Starter Mode, important tools like the Nesting Tool and Warp panels completely disappear from the tool bar.
So..if you've been searching for your missing tools and wondering if you're going crazy? Check out my full tutorial on how to fix missing tools in Silhouette Studio V5 where I walk you through exactly how to get all your tools back in just one click.
Completely Overhauled Send Panel
The second change that drives me crazy is the Send panel overhaul. This is a change that I absolutely do not think was necessary.
Silhouette Studio now includes a fifth option in the Send panel called "Guide" which is set as the default.
While it's supposed to be helpful by guiding you through the Send workflow, I found it more frustrating than anything else – especially when trying to connect to a machine.
In addition, the cut line actions have been renamed and relocated from their logical positions in previous versions. What was intuitive in V4 and earlier versions, now requires careful reading of wordy descriptions that are found in a different location. Why though?
Separated Print and Cut Panel
The third change is creating a separate Print and Cut Registration panel. In previous versions, Print and Cut was streamlined through the Page Setup panel, but now it's been split up across multiple tabs and panels.
You'll now need to navigate through multiple panels to set up a print and cut job, jumping between Page Setup, Grid settings, and a new dedicated Print and Cut panel. What was once an efficient workflow, for a process that requires careful attention to multiple settings, is now more disjointed and unnecessarily complicated.
If you're planning to do any print and cut projects in V5, save yourself the frustration and check out my step-by-step tutorial on how to set up Print and Cut in Silhouette Studio V5. I'll show you exactly how to navigate all these new panels so you can still get perfect print and cuts with Silhouette.
Quick Tips for Making Silhouette Studio V5 More Usable
Despite these frustrating changes, here are a few quick tips to make your Silhouette Studio V5 experience better:
1. Turn off Starter Mode immediately - This single toggle will bring back all your missing tools
2. Use Standard mode in the Send panel - Skip the Guide mode altogether for a more reliable connection
3. Use keyboard shortcuts when possible - Press "M" to toggle registration marks on/off
4. Bookmark my tutorial links above - They'll save you time when you inevitably run into these issues again!
Want a more comprehensive look at all the V5 changes and how to deal with them? I've created a complete Intro to Silhouette Studio V5 for Beginners on Silhouette U. You can preview a portion of the video without even being a member by clicking the link.
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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It seems to me that they must have hired Cricut people to overhaul everything. It USED to be the best user friendly software to use, but now it is so much like the Cricut I really am disappointed in it. Even the design store is a mess. You cant even sort things the way you are used to doing it. Thank you for these tips, I will continue to try to make friends with the new version, but I am glad that I can still access a legacy version when I just cant waste my time anymore.
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