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4 Tips For New Silhouette Portrait Users

March 7, 2014 By Kelly 70 Comments

I have been using the Silhouette Portrait for a few weeks and love it! Here are 4 things that I learned that would help a new Silhouette Portrait users.

4 tips for new Silhouette Portrait users by Simply Kelly Designs

{Disclosure: There are affiliate links in this post}

1. Built In Rachet Cap

I have blogged about this tip before in this post. A rachet cap is needed to change the blade depth. I lost my rachet cap after my first project and ordered a new blade so I could get another rachet cap. I had to wait several days to receive the blade and couldn’t do anything with my Portrait during that time. A few days later, I noticed the built in rachet cap all the way to the left side of the machine.

Silhouette Portrait Built In Rachet Cap

2. Load Buttons

There are two buttons on the Silhouette Portrait for loading into the machine. The top button is for loading a mat and the bottom button is loading media.

Silhouette Portrait Load Mat Vs. Load Media

The load media button doesn’t load the mat into the machine as far as the load mat button. What happens if you use load media to load a mat? The machine starts cutting before the edge of the paper and results in cutting through the mat as seen below.

Silhouette Portrait Load Mat Vs. Load Media

I hit load media while trying to load a mat during one of the first few times I used my Portrait. I was lucky that I could still use my mat.

3. Calibration

When I did my first print and cut project, my Portrait cut just out my project just slightly to the left of where it was should. I thought I had to live with this small offset but then I discovered that you can calibrate your machine. The calibration is accessed through the menu File->Calibration. This simple process involves printing out the paper from Silhouette Studio and making some test cuts and adjusting the placement of the rulers in the calibration window. Full details on the calibration process are detailed here. The entire process only took about 5 minutes to complete. This is how my Portrait is calibrated.

Silhouette Portrait Calibration

 4. Loading Mats

This next tip will help with the longevity of your mat. There is an arrow on one side of the mat that indicates how the mat should be loaded into the machine highlighted by a white circle below.

Silhouette Portrait Loading Mat Tips

One day I realized that the distance between the paper area edge and the top of the mat is the same on both ends. The yellow square is the same size as the green square. The mat can be loaded in the other direction (the green square side) as well. Most of the time our designs are grouped at the top or the left side of the cutting mat so this will help make the mat last longer. You can tell on this mat that I have cut more by loading the mat in by the side with the arrow.

I hope these tips have helped you! Feel free to look around the blog and take a look at my Silhouette projects. If you are looking for an in depth book about the Silhouette cutting machine, buy The Ultimate Silhouette Guide by Silhouette School’s Melissa Viscount.

I hope you will love your Silhouette as much as I do!

SKD_Logo_Square72_1inch

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. That means if you order through the links I receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting Simply Kelly Designs.

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Filed Under: Silhouette

Comments

  1. Kathy says

    June 12, 2018 at 3:13 PM

    Hi Kelly,
    So happy I found your site. I’ve had a portrait machine for a couple of days. Was so excited to start using it., first cut, cut through my mat, my text was slanting uphill. I knew it was an “operator error” but didn’t know how until I read this site today. I am so pleased!!!!!! Even though I’ve had to buy new mats, I now know I probably hit the load data button and not the load mat button. Ready to give it an effort again. Thanks so much.

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      June 14, 2018 at 12:53 PM

      I’m glad that this post helped you Kathy! Happy crafting.

      Reply
      • Kathy says

        June 14, 2018 at 3:00 PM

        Thanks for the reply Kelly, I’m getting more comfortable, used my portrait for a few hours today.(Yah, it’s a lot but I had such a backload of scrapbooking ideas ready to try).

        I love getting to know more by the minute and being a little more daring. Value your insight a great deal. Thanks again.

        Reply
  2. Kandi says

    April 28, 2018 at 3:06 AM

    Kelly thank you so much! Could not figure out why it was cutting above my vinyl. Was using the wrong button to load! It’s 3 am but when I get up I can’t wait to try again. If you’re ever in MD look me up I owe you some nice steamed blue crabs! So excited!!

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      April 28, 2018 at 2:04 PM

      Glad I was able to help you!

      Reply
  3. Linda says

    March 5, 2017 at 9:46 PM

    Thanks for this post! When you change the mat size to portrait, I noticed that the registration marks do not change. Do the images outside of the mat get cut off even though they fit in the registration marks?

    Reply
  4. Karen says

    February 8, 2017 at 8:19 PM

    I’m a new portrait owner, I tried to cut a rhinestone template it says that it has cut but never does. What am I doing wrong? Very confused and disappointed.

    Reply
  5. Kayley says

    November 25, 2016 at 3:52 PM

    When I try to cut something it’s says the selected cutting mat is to wide to be used? What should i do? The cutting mat came with the machine?

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      November 26, 2016 at 4:10 PM

      Hi Kayley. You probably just need to change the cutting mat size under Design Page Settings.

      Reply
      • Liv says

        January 25, 2018 at 7:40 PM

        I am trying to use the 12×12 cutting mat and I have selected that under Design Page Settings. I’m not sure what to try next. Thanks for your help!

        Reply
  6. caz says

    September 16, 2016 at 9:20 AM

    Hello, I hope this message reaches you. Can the Portrait machine print to FULL size A4?? Because The cutter guide doesn’t go all the way to the edge so I have to keep shrinking my artwork to fit and I need my picture slightly bigger :/

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      September 18, 2016 at 8:27 AM

      If you’ve tried it and it doesn’t work, you may need to contact Silhouette Customer Support to see if it is possible or if they have a different solution for you.

      Reply
  7. Ranjit Samrai says

    August 16, 2016 at 1:20 PM

    Hi my portrait doesnt get passed scanning the regisration marks, it says registration failed. Any ideas? its my first project!!

    Reply
  8. Jaimie says

    May 11, 2016 at 1:55 AM

    My portrait is not syncing with the computer. It will say syncing and won’t leave that step. It will not proceed to being synced.

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      May 11, 2016 at 11:55 AM

      Hi Jaimie. I don’t think I have ever heard about that problem. Try restarting your computer and your Silhouette. If it still occurs, you should probably contact Silhouette tech support. Wish I could be more help. Good luck.

      Reply
  9. Bonnie says

    March 27, 2016 at 7:26 PM

    I’m a new silhouette portrait user and I have been struggling to figure out for the past week why my machine was not registering the registration marks. Then I stumbled on your post and there was my answer. I was using the wrong button to load the machine. Silly how something so easy was causing me grief. i was pressing load media button instead of load mat button. Thank you, you have a new fan!

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      March 27, 2016 at 7:39 PM

      I am so glad this post helped you Bonnie! I wish I had this info when I first started too. I hope you love your Silhouette as much as I do!

      Reply
  10. Simone says

    February 19, 2016 at 5:42 AM

    Hi! Great tips! But let me ask you something: I’ve been a little upset with my print and cuts and I fell the same way as you, that I’d have to live with that. Then I tried calibration and it was perfect using 0,50mm on the horizontal line and 0,35mm on the vertical one. I was so happy that the cut was perfect on the test sheet.. but when I tried my first print and cut after the calibration I’ve got the register marks reading error. I was terrified! then I went back to the original calibration (0,0), and it worked again (after a lot of tries), but with that annoying little cut misplacement.

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      February 19, 2016 at 11:04 AM

      Hi Simone. Print and cut is kind of flakey. I find that it’s all about how you place the mat into the machine. If it can’t read my registration marks, I can move the mat (and thus the paper) a little differently to the left or right, reload and it will be able to read the registration marks. The other thing you can do is use a sharpie or black marker to darken your registration marks but be careful to stay within the lines. I have had success with these two methods. Good luck.

      Reply
  11. Karen Bell says

    February 3, 2016 at 9:29 AM

    I am having trouble with my portrait cutting. When I do the “test cut” it works perfectly, but when I then have it cut the project it does not cut through the card stock. I have even tried setting the blade as low as possible, the speed all the way down, and double cutting. I do not get why the test cut works, but the project does not cut.

    PLEASE help me.

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      February 4, 2016 at 10:46 PM

      Hi Karen. I don’t do test cuts so I’m not sure I can help you. When you try cutting the cardstock does the machine move around like it is cutting the shape you want? I usually use the Silhouette cut settings for different types of paper.

      Reply
      • Karen Bell says

        February 5, 2016 at 9:30 AM

        Yes it moves and cuts part way thru, but I can’t get a full cut.

        Reply
        • Kelly says

          February 6, 2016 at 12:08 PM

          I’m not sure what the problem would be. As I said before I don’t do test cuts. I hope you figure it out!

          Reply
  12. Janice says

    January 27, 2016 at 10:03 AM

    Trying to cut card on portrait but not cutting right through why help do I us mat

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      January 27, 2016 at 12:08 PM

      Hi Janice. You do need a mat to cut paper. Also choose the appropriate cut setting for the paper you are using.

      Reply
      • Janice says

        January 27, 2016 at 12:36 PM

        Tried setting 3 and 4 then even 6 but is not cutting through the card

        Reply
        • Kelly says

          January 27, 2016 at 12:40 PM

          Different thicknesses of paper require different cut settings. I can’t remember all the specific names but I think there there is plain paper, cardstock, coverstock, chipboard, etc. So decide what your paper’s thickness is and use that setting. Also make sure that your blade housing is all the way in and locked. Good luck!

          Reply
  13. emma says

    October 20, 2015 at 4:02 PM

    Hi
    I am a new user of the portrait however havent yet been able to use it as very time i try to cut it says the cutting mat is too wide for the machine and to find a compatible one? The mat i am using came with the machine and fits fine. What am i doing wrong?
    thanks

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      October 20, 2015 at 8:57 PM

      Hi Emma. Your error probably means that you have the incorrect mat size selected in Silhouette Studio. You can change that setting in the design page settings. Choose Portrait for the cutting mat option. Hope that helps.

      Reply
      • emma says

        October 21, 2015 at 3:47 AM

        Great thanks! Now it wont cut, is moving around like its cutting but nothing does?
        thanks

        Reply
        • Kelly says

          October 21, 2015 at 7:30 AM

          I would check your blade depth to make sure it is low enough to cut. Other than that I don’t know what else to suggest. It is something that would need to be looked at in person to easily figure out. Good luck!

          Reply
      • ERice says

        December 1, 2015 at 9:01 PM

        OMG I haven’t been able to figure out how to fix my error and you are the only place I found that helped! My hero! 😉

        Reply
        • Kelly says

          December 2, 2015 at 6:19 AM

          Glad I could help!

          Reply
  14. Megha jain says

    September 22, 2015 at 3:51 PM

    Hi
    I am using portrait for some time now and recently my Mat has started to shift on its own while the cutting is in progress. Due to this my whole cutting is getting messed up. Please suggest me what to do.

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      September 22, 2015 at 4:23 PM

      Hi. I think this might be due to your mat losing its stickiness. When this happens what you are cutting might move around. I would suggest buying a new replacement mat. http://amzn.to/1KyRBZg (Affiliate link)

      Reply
      • Megha jain says

        September 23, 2015 at 12:20 AM

        No the paper on the mat isn’t moving. The entire mat is slides. Initially even I thought that it is because mat not being sticky. So now I am using a new mat good stickiness.

        Reply
  15. Elle says

    September 18, 2015 at 6:21 PM

    These tips are very helpful but I’m at my wits end here looking for help with my new silhouette portrait. It is barely 2 weeks old and has stopped working. It just won’t load the mat anymore. I’m pressing the load mat button and nothing is happening. It worked fine this morning for 2 cuts and now it won’t do anything. The computer reads it so that’s not the problem, it just won’t load the mat. Help!!

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      September 18, 2015 at 7:06 PM

      Hi Elle. I have never had that issue. I would disconnect it from your computer, turn it off, wait a while and then turn it back on. Reboot your computer too. If that doesn’t work, I would contact Silhouette customer service: http://www.silhouetteamerica.com/contact Good luck!

      Reply
  16. Sarah @ 2paws Designs says

    July 12, 2015 at 8:02 AM

    Great tips! I had figured out the rachet cap one by accident (so much handier than that tiny one that is easy to loose!) and was struggling with my cuts going off the paper and on my mat. After reading your post, I think I’ve been using the wrong load button. Thanks for sharing these. Pinned to reference again later.

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      July 13, 2015 at 8:34 AM

      You are welcome Sarah. I still hit the wrong load button every once in a while when I am not paying attention but I usually catch it before I cut. I was happy to throw away the ratchet cap because I think it is also a choking hazard. Thanks for pinning.

      Reply
  17. jill d says

    May 25, 2015 at 3:08 AM

    I have a Portrait machine. I resize sil shop cards using corner arrows to proportionately fit A4 mat. Seems to work fine.

    Reply
  18. Alyssa says

    May 13, 2015 at 7:06 PM

    Can the Silhouette Portrait cut out A2 cards and A2 envelopes?

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      May 26, 2015 at 8:41 AM

      Hi Alyssa. I’m not sure about this because I don’t make A2 cards. If they can’t cut them full size you could resize them smaller.

      Reply
  19. rita says

    April 9, 2015 at 9:49 PM

    Hi kelly, you have some hood tips, my problem is trying to make A2 cards on my portraits, and I can, t just purchase it for christmas. To make bigger cards do I have to get a camerc? Thanks.

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      April 12, 2015 at 10:46 AM

      To make A2 cards you probably would have to purchase a cameo if you want to cut the card body out. If you just want to cut shapes to put on your card then you would be okay with a portrait.

      Reply
  20. LINDA says

    March 29, 2015 at 7:06 AM

    Thank you for sharing. I will look back for more tips. My most unsolved challenge has been to find fonts, phrases that cut well for A2 cards. Do you have any tips for how to choose fonts to get a good cut?

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      April 5, 2015 at 7:08 PM

      What sorts of problems are you having with the fonts Linda? If they are too thin, you can add an offset to make them thicker.

      Reply
  21. kren says

    February 19, 2015 at 5:04 PM

    Do I need to resize all the card designs that come from the Silhouette Design Store? Some say A2 but many don’t have any size mentioned at all. I made a center step card and a square card and they were really on the large size.

    Do I need to make a cheat sheet of all the sizes for fancy fold cards and matting sizes for A2 cards? For example, a side step card when folded is A2, but when extended for cutting is a totally different dimension.
    Help!

    Reply
    • Kelly Hedgespeth says

      February 19, 2015 at 7:29 PM

      Are you using a portrait or a cameo. The cameo can cut a full sized A2 card just fine. For a portrait, it depends on the design.

      Reply
  22. Barb says

    February 4, 2015 at 9:46 PM

    I am so happy! You mentioned that most of the cutting is done top left … bingo!! My mat IS still sticky at the bottom. I just flipped it around and got perfect cuts. (That is such a no-brainer. Why didn’t I think of that?) Thank you! Thank you!

    Reply
    • Kelly Hedgespeth says

      February 5, 2015 at 8:25 AM

      You are welcome! I’m glad you found this post useful Barb!

      Reply
  23. kren says

    January 26, 2015 at 10:34 AM

    I’m only asking because I just watched a print and cut video that said to load the Cameo mat differently and the Cameo lines are different.

    Reply
  24. kren says

    January 26, 2015 at 10:32 AM

    Which of all the lines on the left side of the Portrait is the one to line up the mat with? Am I centering the paper / card stock with the rollers when the paper is put in the upper left of the sticky mat? New user…

    Reply
    • Kelly Hedgespeth says

      January 26, 2015 at 1:16 PM

      I don’t think I have ever tried to line up the mat with anything. I just make sure that the mat is in between the two white pieces that help guide the mat through the machine.

      Reply
  25. Margaret says

    December 5, 2014 at 9:06 AM

    Thank you, Kelly! I feel so foolish for pushing the wrong button to load!

    Reply
    • Kelly Hedgespeth says

      December 5, 2014 at 12:14 PM

      Don’t feel silly Margaret. I still do it every once in a while! 🙂

      Reply
  26. Lori says

    March 17, 2014 at 7:41 AM

    Thank you for the tips. I also did the load media button (didn’t really pay attention to what the buttons did) and kept wondering why it started before the paper. Now I know. Guess I was just to eager to get going with it. I really appreciate the help. Thank you. Lori

    Reply
    • Kelly Hedgespeth says

      March 17, 2014 at 8:15 AM

      Hi Lori. I actually looked at both buttons and said, they both look the same… why don’t I try the other button. I should have known better! LOL! Have a great day.

      Reply
  27. Joyce Fisher says

    March 8, 2014 at 10:22 AM

    Hi Kelly,

    Thanks for the information about calibrating the Silhouette. Learning how to print & cut is next on my list of “Things to Learn” and now I’ll calibrate my machine first. I’m sure this will save me lots of frustration!!!

    Also great tip about flipping the mat around.

    Peace, Love and Joy,
    Joyce

    Reply
    • Kelly Hedgespeth says

      March 9, 2014 at 11:41 AM

      Print and cut is awesome Joyce! I think it is one of my favorite features and I foresee myself using it very often!

      Reply
  28. Hannah says

    March 8, 2014 at 1:42 AM

    got any tips for when it rips the paper. I already tried slowing the speed by half and it still has some rips, although not as many.

    Reply
    • Kelly Hedgespeth says

      March 8, 2014 at 8:08 AM

      I haven’t had the paper tear on the Silhouette before but did sometimes in my Cricut. Sometimes depending on the paper you need to adjust your speed to go faster or have the blade not go as deep depending on the material. The Silhouette settings for each type of paper has worked fine for me so far.

      Reply
    • Kristy says

      February 12, 2016 at 3:37 AM

      I’m a first time user a d I try and cut and it says the selected cutting mat is too wide…. any suggestions

      Reply
      • Kelly says

        February 12, 2016 at 8:04 AM

        My guess is that you are using a Portrait and your Silhouette Studio software is setup to cut on a Cameo mat. Just change the mat size.

        Reply
        • Kristy says

          February 12, 2016 at 8:15 AM

          I figured that out lol now it keeps saying it can’t connect while it’s in middle of cutting

          Reply
        • Elllen L says

          March 30, 2016 at 6:09 PM

          Where can you change the mat size? I have the
          silhouette SD so i think it only takes one size.

          Reply
        • kevin says

          January 27, 2017 at 8:48 AM

          i’m being told the same as Kirsty is the resize setting on the Pc screen?

          Reply
          • Kelly says

            January 27, 2017 at 9:08 AM

            Design page settings

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