vinyl cutter software for mac?

[CJSomerset]

I've just been given a vinyl cutter

First problem, it's HUGE The sort that can do sign writing.

second problem, the software that came with it will only run on a PC, and I only have macs

So does anybody know of any MAC software I could use?

[Twokidsnosleep]

Been a big factor for not getting a 3D printer for me...HATE PC stuff
That and I am cheap, and computer illiterate, and an old fart unwilling to learn new stuff

[barrythornton]

Cant help with Mac s/w, but a lot of the signwriter dudes end up getting a cheapo used laptop (winXP type of cheap) just to send to the cutter.
You would still do all the graphic design on the Mac , then email yourself the finished graphic file to the laptop.
Had a similar situation when my pc went to Windows 10, my old CraftRobo looked like it wasnt gonna play ball. One of my options (wait...this might work for you) was a `virtual machine` running WinXP on a part of my hard drive.
I definately know of Mac users who do this to run `not available for Mac` things.
Or a cheap as chips laptop.
Just had a look at the one I use - Oracle Virtual Box, and it runs on Mac
https://www.virtualbox.org/

[MajorTom2004]

What kind of vinyl cutter is it? If it is a Silhouette, you have two choices:
- Download the MAC SW from their site (https://www.silhouetteamerica.com/software) or
- Download the Inkscape SW (https://inkscape.org/en/release/0.92.3/mac-os-x/) A friend of mine operates the Silhouette Portrait with inkscape on Linux, works like a charm.
If it is not a Silhouette, check Inkscape anyway if it supports the file format required by your cutter.

[barrythornton]

sounds more like a full format plotter (lucky bast**)

[CJSomerset]

Just had a look at the one I use - Oracle Virtual Box, and it runs on Mac
https://www.virtualbox.org/

Thanks Barry, but what is this software? Will it run the cutter or is it a pc emulator for macs.

I clicked the link and read the first paragraph, talk about corporate jargon! I have no idea what they are talking about

[CJSomerset]

What kind of vinyl cutter is it? If it is a Silhouette, you have two choices:
- Download the MAC SW from their site (https://www.silhouetteamerica.com/software) or
- Download the Inkscape SW (https://inkscape.org/en/release/0.92.3/mac-os-x/) A friend of mine operates the Silhouette Portrait with inkscape on Linux, works like a charm.
If it is not a Silhouette, check Inkscape anyway if it supports the file format required by your cutter.

I think it's one of these.... It's brand new and still in it's packaging so I can't tell for sure.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/QUALITY-LIYU ... SwZQRYf4hL

[barrythornton]

Thanks Barry, but what is this software? Will it run the cutter or is it a pc emulator for macs.

Yes, its a virtual windows pc that lives on your hard drive.
In my case , my shop Till software was having none of it when the laptop went up to Windows 10.
So, to be able to still communicate with the till, I have a `virtual` windows XP with just stock and cash register software on it, when I need it.
You would have a WinXP OS on a section of your Mac hard drive. When you start it, you would be running a XP pc in a window with PC installed plotter software.
I know it sounds complicated, but its not, and is pretty common in the Mac community or people wanting to test Linux programs etc.
Looking at the plotter....I`m guessing it to be one of the generic chinese types, which isnt to say its not good, just that your driver - software backup is going to be a bitch.
Its the DRIVERS that are important, and thats where you usually struggle for Mac.
The only thing I use the plotter software for is the final `send to cut` command. I do everything else in Illustrator.
Honest advise would be , I`d spend £50 on a used laptop, that becomes purely my `plotter controller` .
If I can help out some more, I will.
I`ll have a look in some forums I know and get back to you, it has to be a common problem.

[barrythornton]

If working from MAC operating System you will need the additional FTDI Adapter, for the cutter to be compatible
Support SignCut Pro (PC & Mac*), Flexi-Starter (LiYu Edition for PC), Direct printing from Coral Draw (Windows Only)

Support all Windows (Vista 64bit require signature option Disable), Mac OS X 10.3+ support with Signcut Pro via Serial to usb adaptor*(Optional not included)

I`m beginning to see why plotters on Ebay are often pictured with an old PC included in the deal with all the software on it.

[digger303]

yep bit the bullet and resign yourself to having a old pc to run it. Save your self some head aches.

[CJSomerset]

yep bit the bullet and resign yourself to having a old pc to run it. Save your self some head aches.

Ha Ha borrowed a PC laptop to give it a try and got my daughters boyfriend who's at UNI doing computers to install the software.

HE COULDN'T! and didn't appreciate the constant "well that doesn't happen with a Mac" Comments.

[CJSomerset]

If I manage to get it running I'm hoping to use it for stencils, modelling stencils will be nice but I have a few larger air brush projects in mind as well.

What sort of Vinyl would that require? A brand name would be great?

[barrythornton]

It depends what youre doing........ for doing decals (sticker type - not model), a decent `sign` vinyl like Oracal is rated for outdoor use (shop front / or exterior car decal)..plenty on the Bay from plotter suppliers.
but if were talking models, (we are), it doesnt matter, cause youre gonna have to `detac` them anyway, dont want `paint pull`.
Ive just got a roll of frisket to do masks, its clear-ish and low tac. its what airbrush artist types would use for masking.
For test purposes Lidl just had some rolls of vinyl for next to nothing, for upgrading cupboard doors, some patterned but I picked up some White.
Hope you get sorted, and if it helps.....best way to get your head round having to buy a cheap laptop is .... youve been given an expensive TV with no remote. Thats all the lappy is gonna do.....tell it to cut, You wont have to lose your Mac
What graphics s/ware you got on Mac ?
this may help ...refers specifically to `Chinese` cutter installs...
[youtube]WifbRzYhwhk[/youtube]

[CJSomerset]

Thanks Barry

What graphics s/ware you got on Mac ?

I was a pro photographer for 30 years so mainly know Photoshop and Lightroom. I started on Photoshop 2! It can on 4 floppy discs

But I do have the whole Adobe creative suite. I dabbled with Illustrator and got resealable good with In design. I'm guessing illustrator would be the way to go. But as I haven't got the cutter working yet I don't know what file type it will want to use.

[barrythornton]

I started on Photoshop 2! It can on 4 floppy discs

Yeah, i remember downloading it over a couple of days
Illustrator will be your weapon of choice.
much more accurate, better tracing facility when needed etc etc.
As far as file types, that may depend on the cutting software you got with the plotter. But it will definitely be vector.
I`ve been lucky... my cutter can use an Illustrator plug-in, so I can send from there.
After that its a case of convert or import to what the sign software can use.
good luck with it all.

[cutedjpro]

What kind of vinyl cutting are you using? if you are using Silhouette or Liyu Cutter, try Easy Cut Studio for Mac, it works great with macOS. Easy Cut Studio is now supported with more than 500 vinyl cutters , You can view a full list at
https://www.easycutstudio.com/supported ... tters.html