Sure Cuts A Lot - Kim B

Sure Cuts A Lot (SCAL) is a program that allows you to cut any .ttf (true type) font from your computer with your cricut. I was quite skeptical about buying and using it since it isn't a Provocraft product, but after some serious consideration, and a lot of time lurking on the SCAL message boards ( http://forums.surecutsalot.com ) , I decided to give it a try. I AM IN LOVE!!! The software is very easy to use, allows you to weld letters together, and allows you to cut images with the help of Inkscape (a freeware software). I admit that I haven't used Inkscape, but I have been able to find images by searching the SCAL message boards. Unlike Provocraft's Design Studio, SCAL works on Mac computers (you just need to have access to a Windows computer to hook up the Cricut to once to download the firmware update that allows the Cricut to "talk" to the computer).

Taken from the SCAL website:

Features

* Works with the Cricut Personal, Cricut Expression & Cricut Create MachinesTM
* Works with your installed True Type fonts
* Works with thousands of free True Type fonts
* Works with hundreds of free True Type Dingbat fonts
* Import SVG files to allow you to use your own custom artwork
* Weld overlapping letters and shapes together
* Select styles, including Shadow and Blackout, to change the look of your letters and shapes
* No special cartridges required
* Cut additional shapes from the "Sure Cuts A Lot" Library.
* WYSIWYG Interface - What you see is what you cut
* Availble for Windows and Macintosh OSX
* Save your design layouts, so you can save your work to allow you to make changes over time
* All 1.x updates are free

Once you start up the program, you will see 4 boxes on your screen...DON'T "X" OUT OF THEM! The main box will show your Cricut cutting mat...this is where you will place the letters/shapes you want to cut. You are able to place them wherever you want on the mat, making it easier to use those scraps of paper we all have!! The box below the mat is the font box...that shows you the current font you are working with and all the characters available in that font. This is especially helpful when using dingbat fonts (other than that, I don't use it). To the right, at the top is the font properties box. This is where you would select if you wanted to shadow your font/weld the letters together/etc. Below the font properties box is the library box. This box shows you all the fonts available for you to use. This is the main box that I use to select what font I want to cut.

Highlight the font you want to use, and then click on the mat where you want to place your characters...don't worry, you can always move it if necessary. Type out your title/phrase/whatever and when done you can click on the corners to move around the cutting mat/make the font bigger or smaller. You can also click on individual letters to get a "box" around that letter to resize/move that letter alone. If you want to "weld" your title together, make sure you have the box around the entire title and click on the weld button in the font properties box. Once you have the title looking the way you want, click on cut to cut out your title with your cricut (make sure your cricut is on, you have a cartridge installed, and that the cricut is connected to your computer). Congratulations! You have now cut out a custom scrapbook title!!