Vinyl cutting is used for everything from creating car decals to making large signs or advertisements. It can be used to create art or hobby pieces as well.
In order to cut your vinyl, you need a cutting machine that’s quite similar to a printer. However, instead of using ink to draw on paper, it uses a blade to cut the vinyl.
While many models come with their own software, others do not. Such software is key because it’s responsible for guiding and controlling where the blade cuts.
If your cutting machine doesn’t come with software or the included software is lackluster, there are plenty of high-quality options out there.
Contents
1. Easy Cut Studio (Windows/macOS)
One of the most popular vinyl cutting options is Easy Cut Studio.
This software includes a range of desirable features like node editing, vectorizing, and a plentiful amount of importing and exporting options. You can even draw your own designs if you’re artistically inclined.
One of the single best things about this software is the interface. It makes sure everything is laid out clearly, and you can draw right on the cutting mat. That’s an intuitive process with a very low learning curve.
Easy Cut also includes many features and functions that professionals will enjoy. Everything is laid out and presented in a way that even novice users can appreciate. It’s truly an option that can be tried out by anyone.
2. VinylMaster Cut (Windows)
Another vinyl software worth considering is VinylMaster Cut. The software has an impressive suite of different tools (text, object, and curve) to help you build incredible vinyl lettering, signs, and other creations.
It’s particularly great for contour cutting, has hundreds of provided clipart options, and makes it easy to lay out or visualize everything before sending it to get cut. VinylMaster Cut is a good choice for those looking for value, as the cost is quite fair for the benefits, features, and functionality that you get.
There are also different ways to pay, such as a month-to-month or subscription plan. There are also hundreds of different free online tutorials to ensure you get the most out of the software. It’s a complete piece of graphic design software, meant for both professional and personal use.
3. Sure Cuts A Lot (Windows/macOS/iPad/Android)
No matter how complex or simple the shape or design you need to cut, Sure Cuts a Lot will be able to handle it.
You can choose to import your own lines, shapes, or designs, and you can even make your own. The software also provides you with a ton of different font options for font combinations.
The software will work on both Mac and PC devices, and it comes complete with many features including masking, magnetic snapping, and editing-related functions.
Sure Cuts a Lot can also turn any images into cut images thanks to the included auto-tracing features. It supports a range of different cutters, making it one of the most versatile pieces of software on the market.
4. Inkscape (Windows/macOS)
If you’re looking for a free piece of software for all of your vinyl-cutting needs, consider Inkscape.
While this program is known primarily as a high-quality drawing tool, it’s also fully capable of working with many popular vinyl cutters. That’s done through the Inkcut application which lets you quickly and easily send any graphics right to your cutter.
The software can also work with things like engravers and plotters if that’s something you’re interested in. It’s not only free for everyone to use, but is quite simple to use from the initial creation of your graphic all the way to the eventual cutting of your vinyl.
Final Thoughts
Whether you want to make a stunning banner for your next event or want to put your business branding on your car windows, having the right vinyl-cutting software can make all the difference. Choosing any of the mentioned software here will help ensure your vinyl is cut just the way you want it.
Do you use another piece of vinyl-cutting software that you think we missed? If so, we’d love to hear about it in the comment below!
