Bringing the best out of your vinyl cutter is dependent on you having the right software to work with. However, it’s not easy to pick the best vinyl cutter software out of the various options being sold on Amazon and online. Our job, however, is to make your selection process simpler, so you don’t struggle in your search for the right purchase.
We recommend that whenever you come across such software, check for compatibility with the devices you have at home, e.g., your computer. Next, look into the dedicated uses for the software. Some are meant for making signs, charts, icons, and more, while others are meant for professional illustration. By doing so, you ensure that the software matches your vinyl cutter’s capabilities and is compatible with your needs. Also, the best vinyl cutter software should be easy to use, so you should always check for that as well. We checked all these features in the software options listed below hence why we recommend them for purchase. If you keep reading this write-up, you’ll find out which of these software options is for you.
Other features: cutter/printer support with over 5,000 direct drivers; 10,500 fonts; 40,000 logos; 9,609 clipart; over 1,500 powerful tools; 430+ page manual, 200+ lessons and tutorials
As our first pick, the VinylMaster PRO is quite an impressive software offering. However, you can only use this software with a windows computer. As such, macOS users will have to look at other options.
Additionally, most of you have vinyl cutters for making signs, cards, simple graphics, and other simple tasks. The VinylMaster PRO is perfect for these purposes, and we daresay it is easier to use than some of the other software in the market. However, it is also capable of complex design tasks.
If you are a newbie to using this program, you can learn the ropes by taking advantage of the 200+ lessons included at no extra charge. However, once you are proficient with using the vinyl cutter and design software, you can then use the more than 1,500 design tools at your disposal.
Additionally, the software has more than 5000 direct drivers. This means that it can easily connect and is compatible with most vinyl cutters in the market. The software also has printer support, which should come in handy when printing your designs.
Other features: vector effects; image editing tools and special image effects; AI, EPS, PDF & SVG import/export; cutter/printer support with over 5,000 direct drivers; 5,200 fonts; 10,000 logos; 3,600 clipart; over 500 power tools
If you find the VinylMaster PRO to be too much, you can opt for the VinylMaster LTR instead. As you’ve probably guessed, this software is from the same developers as the PRO. However, it is relatively limited in terms of features when compared to its more expensive counterpart.
This software is meant for PCs only. Also, it is intended for simpler jobs, such as making vinyl lettering. However, it is capable of editing images and adding special effects to them as well.
You’ll also note a similarity with the PRO version in that there are 5000 drivers included for compatibility with printers and cutters. However, the number of fonts available is significantly reduced in comparison to the VinylMaster PRO. The same is the case when talking about logos, clipart, and the design manipulation tools.
Overall, this software is for people looking for something similar to the VinylMaster PRO at a more affordable rate.
Other features: 1-year subscription (PC download); sophisticated effects; cutting-edge typography tools; 7,000 clipart, images, and vehicle wrap templates; 1,000 high-resolution photos and fonts; 150 professionally designed templates; 600+ fountain, vector & bitmap fills
You can also go for an annual subscription to the CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2020. Any claim that this is one of the best clipart software options for vinyl cutters would not be wrong. After all, the numerous clipart options in the software can help you customize unique designs for your projects.
In addition to clipart, there are numerous other tools such as images, vehicle wrap templates, vector and bitmap fills, and more. Also, this software offers advanced photo-editing capabilities. As such, if you’re looking for photo editing software as well, you end up killing two birds with one stone once you pay the subscription fee.
Another thing that potential subscribers might come to love is the professional vector illustration capabilities of the program. With this, you can turn what are seemingly basic lines into art.
Lastly, this software can be used with a Windows PC, a Mac computer, or the web version of the software.
Other features: 12-month subscription with auto-renewal; precise, powerful creative tools and controls for drawing, typography, color, and creative effects
Another piece of vinyl cutting software for Mac and other PCs you can subscribe to is Adobe Illustrator. The moment you have this on your computer, you can create logos, draw icons, create charts, and more. All of these can be useful to anyone who owns a vinyl cutter and intends to use it. Notably, after every 12 months, you’ll be charged a subscription fee.
Like the CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2020, professionals have been known to create impressive vector graphics with this software. You can as well. After all, there seems to be an impressive array of drawing tools and creative effects.
You’ll also have access to adobe cloud services once you subscribe to Adobe illustrator. As such, you can even get access to adobe sensei, which is an AI that can help you with your designs.
Other features: over 34,887+ cut ready images; reduced vector points for easy cutting; includes EPS, AI, JPG file formats; full-color printable PDF catalog
If you don’t want to deal with most of the design work, you can opt for the Cut Ready Vector Mega Vault. As the name suggests, all you’ll have to do is choose an image and use it in your vinyl cutter.
There are over 34,887 cut ready images already available in the software. Also, the vector points in these images have been reduced to make them easy to cut. As such, most people will have a field day using this software alongside their vinyl cutter.
Also, these images are editable, and should you need to, they will be easy to print. Lastly, you get to avoid regular subscription fees by picking this option as your vinyl cutter and design software of choice.
Other features: easy to use, available tablet apps
Another easy to use software option that is available on Amazon is the Sure Cuts A Lot 4. Just like with the other software options listed, this option can work with both PCs and Macs. In addition to that, there are also tablet apps of the same.
Once you have this software on your computer, you’ll find creating cutting designs for your vinyl cutter to be a walk in the park. You can incorporate the included fonts and shapes in your designs. Additionally, you can draw some original designs as well.
As you would expect, this simplistic software is one of the more affordable options listed.
When purchasing vinyl cutter software, you should look for something workable, affordable, easy-to-use, and compatible with your devices. The buying guide below should help you make sure you get all these things in your purchase.
As we’ve implied above, the features of each software product can make or break your experience while using it. For this reason, we’ve compiled a glossary of vinyl cutter software features below. This will tell you what to expect as you research your various purchase options. Also, this information should be helpful as you make your purchase decision.
Compatibility is a key feature you should look for in potential software subscriptions and purchases. Does the software work with the computer you have at home and its operating system. Some are compatible with Macs, while others are only compatible with Windows or Linux devices.
You can also check for compatibility with your vinyl cutter. The VinylMaster PRO, for instance, has 5000 drivers that make it suitable for working with printers and vinyl cutters.
It’s also important to know what the software is dedicated for. Some of you are looking to make complex vector designs, which you can then use in vinyl projects. In such a case, you may need software that fits the bill, such as the CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2020.
Others just want a relatively simple piece of software for making simple designs. It may be in the form of shapes, lettering, clipart, or more. In such a scenario, software like the Sure Cuts A Lot 4 may be more suited to those needs. Additionally, software without many complicated functions often comes at a lower price.
Additionally, check for the number and variety of tools available in potential vinyl cutter software subscriptions and purchases. In the VinylMaster LTR, for instance, there are more than 500 tools present upon purchase. This is in addition to 10,000 logos, 5200 fonts, and 3600 clipart. These are all tools at your disposal that can help you make unique DIY designs.
Notably, the number of tools varies from software to software, and you have probably noticed that from the list of options above. Also, check the supported file formats in the program. In the Cut Ready Vector Mega Vault, for instance, there are EPS, AI, and JPG file formats. This makes printing full-color images of the designs easy.
As you will find out with your purchase, even the file format will affect how you use the software. As such, you should check on this before deciding on a vinyl cutter software for your needs.
Some of you are more tech-savvy and are comfortable around computer programs, while others are not. For the former group of people, you may enjoy learning to use new software as well as discovering all the capabilities of the program. In such a case, software such as Adobe Illustrator or the CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2020 won’t intimidate you.
You can explore these software as much as you need to until you’ve perfected using them for your DIY projects. Conversely, some of you will want something that creates simple designs and isn’t complicated to use. This is where options like the Sure Cuts A Lot 4 come into play.
Notably, complicated software will often come with a suite of additional functionalities such as photo editing and more. However, the simpler options aren’t very versatile in terms of things they can do. Think about this as you shop around for alternatives.
The 200+ lessons and tutorials available in the VinylMaster PRO are an amazing extra feature, especially for newbies. You get to learn all about using the software without having to resort to trial and error.
For the Sure Cuts A Lot 4, the extra feature comes in the form of tablet availability, while most other options only work with computers. Similarly, you might come across other impressive additional features that would add to the benefits of owning a particular piece of software.
Also, these software are often compatible with the vinyl cutters you have at home or in your workshop. Additionally, these programs allow your vinyl cutter to be accurate when cutting through your designs. As a result, you hardly ever waste any material.
As implied in the write-up above our top three software picks include the VinylMaster PRO, the VinylMaster LTR, and the CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2020.
We particularly like the VinylMaster PRO since it provides lessons to any beginner users. The extensive range of tools that comes with this software is another reason to pay for this option.
The CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2020 is another option with an extensive array of tools. Even professionals can opt for this program as it has almost all the capabilities they will need in their vinyl cutting software. Do note that these capabilities will come at an annual subscription fee.
As for the VinylMaster LTR, the best way to describe it is as a younger brother or sister to the VinylMaster PRO. It has a lot of the same capabilities but is also somewhat limited in comparison to the PRO. The best part is that it is a more affordable version of the software.
We hope that the write-up above has been sufficient to direct you to the vinyl cutter software you should acquire. That said, feel free to ask any questions on the same by commenting below.
