Tutorials

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.

The Conical Warp Tool in MTC is a great tool for anyone who wants to make cute cupcake, mug, or cup wrappers.  Besides making wrappers, the conical warp tool is perfect to help warp imagery or words so they can be curved around a round object perfectly.

To use the Conical Warp Tool to make a cupcake wrapper follow these directions:

1. Start by importing .svg or image file that have enough width to wrap a cupcake.
2. Select image
3. Click on the Conical Warp Tool in the bottom menu (looks like an arch)
4. If your imagery or file is very tall, chances are you will want to click "Trim Bottom Overhang".  The other default settings in the Conical Warp Tool are designed to fit a cupcake wrapper.  Keep as is.

One of the lesser known features available in MTC is the ability to change colors and textures of imagery.  This comes in handy when you need imagery to match a specific project you are doing.  The following video explains the process:

Most people who use MTC and cutting files are very aware of how wonderful vector files are.  They are completely re-sizeable without any loss of quality.  Sometimes, however a crafter, especially one who blogs needs a raster file.  A raster file is not re-sizeable.  They are typically the files you see on the web.  They are .jpg, .png, and .gif formats  for the most part.  As a crafter, you may have created something that you do not want people to easily copy and reproduce.  MTC has the perfect solution.

To create a raster image from MTC do the following:

1. Once you have created a file the way you want it to look in MTC, select all layers
   
2. Right mouse click and choose Export> Selection to Raster File
   
3. A dialog window opens that allows you to choose file type (.jpg doesn't support transparency and while .png does support transparency you can choose to have a background behind your image if you prefer in your dialog box)
   
4. Dialog box allows you to choose drop shadow and other elements (for example you can add a watermark to help brand your image
   

The preferred file format in MTC is .svg.  Importing and using .svg files in MTC couldn't be easier.  MTC is fully integrated with your LD Library.  You can access your LD Library and all the LD inventory in three ways:

• The art icon button in the top menu
  
• Under the File menu, choose Import>From Lettering Delights
  
• Under the View menu, click on Lettering Delights
  

Go to Pixlr Online.  Follow these easy steps:

1.  Click on OPEN IMAGE FROM COMPUTER 

Adding text to a project, photocard, photo, graphic, or whatever you are doing is easy in Pixlr.  

Go to Pixlr Online.  Follow these easy steps:

1.  Click on OPEN IMAGE FROM COMPUTER 

Combining elements when making projects, photocards, cards, or whatever you are doing is easy in Pixlr.  

Go to Pixlr Online.  Follow these easy steps:

1.  Click on OPEN IMAGE FROM COMPUTER 

You will often need to edit and move around your locked .jpeg layer.  To do this you need to know how to make it a workable layer.

Go to Pixlr Online.  Follow these easy steps:

1.  Click on OPEN IMAGE FROM COMPUTER 

oved around and easily edited.