Silhouette Studio V5 Print and Cut Page Setup for Beginners

If you haven't tried print and cut in Silhouette Studio V5 - I'm going to walk you through step by step! Even if you're not a beginner with your Silhouette machine, if you're new to V5, I would HIGHLY suggest reading through this tutorial because there are some really important and pretty big changes in V5. 

And here's the secret - if you want to get your registration marks perfect on the first try (and avoid those frustrating registration errors), there are some specific steps you need to follow in V5 that are different from previous versions.

Getting Started in Silhouette Studio V5

When you launch Silhouette Studio V5, you'll likely see "Starter Mode" enabled at the top of your screen. My suggestion (regardless of if you're a beginner or not) is to toggle this OFF.

Setting Up Your Design Page for Print and Cut

This is probably the most important step for print and cut. The number one reason people have registration mark errors is incorrect page setup.

To correctly set up your page, go to File > Print > Page Setup. From there, select the actual printer you'll be using (don't leave it on the default). Make sure the correct paper size is also selected. Click OK to save your selections.

Return to the Design page and open the Page Setup panel from the right toolbar.

First, make sure your Silhouette machine is selected (I'm using my Cameo 5). Next, leave the cutting mat on "Auto" if possible. For Media Size - THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART - select "Printer".

Select your machine model and cutting mat. Then select "Printer" for Media Size (instead of Letter or A4). 

By doing this, you're telling Silhouette Studio to use the exact settings from the printer you selected in the previous step. This is the #1 fix for registration errors!

Big Changes in V5 for Print and Cut

Here's where things get different in V5. In previous versions, you had more options directly in the Page Setup panel, including options to turn on the cut border (red line) and print border so you knew the safe zone.

In V5, you now have to go to the Grid Settings (second tab) and check the box to show Print Border.

 
This print border is very important because it shows you where your printer can actually print. If your registration marks fall outside this area, they won't print properly, and you'll get registration errors.

Adding Registration Marks in V5

Now..you'll also need to go to a different tool on the right sidebar to turn on the registration marks or make any adjustments to them. 

In V5, Silhouette has moved the registration mark settings to its own panel. Open the Print and Cut tool and then turn on the registration marks. 

Tip: The easiest way to add registration marks is to simply press the "M" key on your keyboard. The marks will appear instantly! Press "M" again to toggle them off and on.

If you need to adjust the registration marks (which I don't recommend for beginners), you'll need to open the Print and Cut tool panel and make your adjustments there as well. 

Now that the page is setup correctly you'll want to:

• Add your designs making sure none of them are interfering with the registration marks or hashed area
• Turn on or off cut lines in the Send panel
• Send to print and then cut 

All of those can be found in my Beginner's Silhouette Print and Cut Guide! 

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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