Lettering Delights

Sure Cuts A Lot (SCAL) can open the following file types:

• .svg
• .scut 
• .ai
• .pdf
• .png
• .eps
• .wpc

A .zip file is a commonly used file format that compresses files to make them easier to download. There are many programs available online that allow you to unzip/extract these files, some are trial based or require a purchase and others are free. Most every device comes with a free way to access your files that are "zipped". In Windows, right mouse click over the .zip file and you should have options to "extract" the file. On a Mac, doubleclick over the .zip file. Take care where you are extracting the file. As you "unzip" a file, you will be given an option of where you want to store it.

A thin Font is a single-line font. A person can put a pen, crayon, or a number of tools right into the "claw" of a cutting machine rather than a blade and use the machine to "draw" instead of "cut". When you do that with a regular font (.ttf or .otf) the machine traces the outline of the font so rather than having a single line, you get a double line.

When you use a font (.ttf or .otf file) on your computer, it will typically look something like this example (unless it is an outlined version of a font):

SCAL vs. 2 was the last version of SCAL capable of cutting files with the Cricut Expression.  If you have SCAL 3 or higher, you can prepare your files and take advantage of newer features and then still send your file to SCAL 2, to be cut with your Cricut Expression.  

To do this, simply go through the steps you normally would to prepare and alter your files for cutting in SCAL 3 or higher.  When you are finished do the following:

1. Open Sure Cuts a Lot 2
2. Go to File > Send To > Sure Cuts a Lot 2
3. Your design is transferred and should be ready to cut.

A layered font is simple a font that is meant to be layered. The upper and lower cases work together so you can have two colors in one font. These fonts work great for cutting machines and our layered fonts are made with care so that they are especially clean for great cutting. When possible we try to stencil items to help make easier cutting as well. To use a layered font follow the following directions: