New to scrapbooking - Cruicut questions

I have the Cricut Explore Air 2, and it is a great machine! I don’t care for the software, but it’s very basic, and easy to use for those who are not as tech savvy.

I also have the Silhouette Cameo 3, which I use far more than my Cricut, mainly because it has far better, more capable software. I also like their designs better than most Cricut designs.

My suggestion is to download the software for both machines, and see which you like better.

I also recommend that you look at what designs are available for purchase in their online stores. Some people offer free SVG designs, which can be imported into the software for both machines (although the Silhouette software needs to be the Designer edition, which is a one time upgrade). Cricut has Disney designs. Silhouette doesn’t. That’s one reason that I bought a Cricut. However, overall, most Cricut designs are not really to my taste, and I don’t care for their subscription program. I prefer the Silhouette subscription, which allows me to buy the files for a significantly discounted price. Then they are mine to use for life, even if I stop subscribing. The Cricut sub lets you use a ton of their files (but NOT Disney), as long as you have the subscription. That works for some people, but not me. Based on the type sub that I have with Silhouette, I pay $11.80 per month, and I get to download $150 worth of designs of my choice, and if I stop my sub, I keep everything I have downloaded.

I don’t know if Cricut has changed the user ability to use it offline, but you used to have to be tied to the internet to cut their files. That also bugged me. Silhouette software isn’t tied to the internet.

Overall, I personally think that Silhouette is a better company and has better customer service. There are a lot of policies that Cricut has that I don’t like. They’ll be limiting uploads/imports to the Cricut software if you aren’t signed up before the end of this year. Next year, those freebies you download from other sites will be limited in how many you can upload to the Cricut software. Silhouette has no such limitations.

The Silhouette Cameo 3 is not available anymore, unfortunately. Now you have to either buy a Portrait (not 12x12) or get the Cameo 4, which is more comparable to the Cricut Maker. It has features that I don’t expect to ever use, so when I replaced my original Cameo, I got the Cameo 3, since it was $100 less than the Cameo 4. The Cameo 3 is comparable to the Cricut Explore Air 2, but the Explore does cut small, intricate details slightly better. For what you are currently interested in doing, the Portrait would probably be sufficient, if you decide to go with a Silhouette cutter.

I know that is a lot to throw at you, but I really recommend that you compare the software for both, at least as a starting point. You should be able to find free tutorials online for both, so don’t be intimidated by the Silhouette software. Both companies have great machines. Where they differ is customer service, software, and designs. You should compare both, if you haven’t already. If you already have, and you still want to go with Cricut, I recommend the Explore Air 2. It is a great machine.

Just as an alternative, you may want to check craigs list or facebook marketplace (I am not on FB, so have no real knowledge of how that works) for a "baby bug" (the small cricut) package. I sold mine last year for 75 dollars and included 5 cartridges and mats too. For someone starting out, especially this lady who did not want to be on the internet while scrapbooking, it was a great deal. I kind of miss that little machine.

Here's an example and only 50 bucks


minneapolis.craigslist.org/dak/art/d/northfield-cricut-create-cartridges/7412960260.html

ETA: If you are buying a used machine and hope to someday upgrade and "link" your cartridges to an online account, you may want to check with the seller and see if they have been linked already. If not no worries, if so, you will not be able to link them. For me this is NBD, and I guess I would not worry about it for a few cartridges. However, if I was buying into a whole set up (big new cricut, like the explore or newer, 40+ cartridiges, etc....) I would not like them linked.