Best Die-Cut Machine: The Silhouette Cameo

The Silhouette Cameo is a 12×10′ cartridge-less electronic die-cutting machine. By connecting to your computer directly, you can cut True Type fonts and images, as well as images purchased online or designed by you. Not only can you find thousands of FREE fonts and images online, you can purchase thousands more available from Silhouette’s Online Store. There is not a more versatile electronic die-cutting machine on the market.

The Silhouette Cameo keeps all the great functions of the Original and the Silhouette SD but now cuts up to 12″ wide by 10 feet long, will read registration marks for cutting along printed lines (which gives your cut marks an outline), and an adjustable blade. That means you can cut cardstock and patterned paper for layouts and cards, Silhouette’s removable vinyl for window decals, gorgeous wall art or creative labels for totes and tubs throughout the home.

The biggest benefits the Cameo has:

  • No cartridges required. Unlike the Cricut and the Cricut Expression, you can cut virtually anything you can design or see on your computer screen. That means a big savings in terms of cost — no more buying cartridges, and no more storage issues.
  • It cuts 12×12″. Because the standard scrapbook layout is 12×12″, you can now design backgrounds and images that will fit perfectly on your pages and in your albums.
  • Great support. Silhouette provides email support online and has fantastic response times. If you have any problem, from loading the blade to downloading images, they’re available to help you quickly.
  • Fantastic variety. Take a look through the online gallery and you’ll see tons of images in a variety of styles, including from your favorite scrapbook manufacturers like Echo Park. You can also design your own images.
  • Plug-and-play. The Cameo is so easy to use. You just plug it into your computer and you’ll have it up and running in a matter of minutes. And if you do have issues, you can email support (see above).
  • You can cut a variety of media, using the adjustable blade. You can easily adjust the blade and cutting speed to fit the media you’re cutting, from vinyl to the thinnest patterned paper.
  • Lots of great examples online. You can find tons of examples of projects and ideas on web sites, blogs, YouTube, and forums. A quick Google search will give you plenty of options!

The Silhouette Cameo truly is the best die-cutting machine available today.