# VinylCut 5 — cut settings & connection concepts (no first cutter named)

Software concepts only. Eric skipped choosing a first practice cutter — learn the dialog and vocabulary now; bind to a model later.

Sources: [vinylcut.co.za/cutting](https://vinylcut.co.za/cutting) cut-settings mini-series · [updating VinylCut 5 install/setup](https://updating.co.za/vinylcut-5-install-setup) · softwaretraining connection / overview videos.

## How to open cut settings

- Toolbar icon that looks like a cutter / blade on paper, **or**
- Menu **Cutter** → **Cut with** → listed model / connection profile.

Dialog tabs (overview Part 1): **General**, **Layers**, **Cut by colour**, **Tiles**, **Extras** (plus related cut-mode / orientation parts in the series).

## Connection concepts (Part 2)

Independent of which AM machine you eventually pick:

| Concept | Meaning |
|---------|---------|
| **Model** | Which cutter profile is selected — options change with model (ports, features). |
| **Connection type** | Common: USB, serial/COM, and on some models **TCP/IP** (network / Wi-Fi capable machines). |
| **Port** | Specific COM / USB serial device; **Auto Detect** is fine for first tests when hardware exists. |
| **Refresh** | Rescan ports if the machine was plugged in after opening the dialog. |
| **Test connection** | Moves roller/blade a short distance — verifies PC↔software↔cutter link **without** cutting the job. |
| **Model Settings** | Advanced (size calibration, baud, registration mark size/thickness, job distance / jog increments). Prefer leave defaults until a manual or tech says otherwise; **Set to default** recovers mistakes. |

### AM plug-and-cut pattern (when a machine is present)

From AM install guidance (no separate Windows printer driver for most modern setups):

1. USB-connect cutter → power on → launch VinylCut.  
2. Cutter settings → pick connection family appropriate to that machine line → Auto Detect → **Test Connection**.  
3. If unsure, leave Auto Detect and try connection options one-by-one with Test until the machine responds.  
4. Reboot PC if no device appears right after install.

Do **not** invent a first model here — wait for Eric.

## Cut mode / fancy options (Part 3)

Learn vocabulary: cut selection only, flip, isolate selection, other mode toggles shown for the active profile. Exact labels follow the on-screen dialog.

## Cutting & drawing presets (Part 4)

- Some devices cut **and** draw (pen carriage) — presets cover both.
- Save shop presets once Eric defines safe defaults; until then treat presets as read-only experiments on Monitor-PC.

## Cut by colour

| Mode | Idea |
|------|------|
| **Single job** (Part 5) | One send; colour handling inside one job. |
| **Separate jobs** (Part 6) | One colour at a time — typical multi-vinyl colour stacks. |

Design colours on the mat drive which paths go in which pass.

## Tiles (Part 7)

Split oversized artwork into tiles that fit media width / length. Preview orientation in the cut dialog before sending.

## Extras / duplicate / order / layers

- **Part 8** — duplicate / extra cut options for shapes.  
- **Part 9** — **cut order** (what cuts when).  
- **Part 10** — **Layers** tab inside cut settings (which layers participate).  
- **Part 11** — cut **orientation** vs mat feed direction.  
- **Part 12** — additional cut modes under settings.

Full link list lives in `sources/training/vinylcut-cutting.md` and [vinylcut.co.za/cutting](https://vinylcut.co.za/cutting).

## Print + cut / contour (software side)

- Cut dialog includes **Print + Cut** style workflows for stickers/decals when using contour-capable hardware later.
- Contour = cut outline on **pre-printed** media using registration / optical eye — printing itself is **outside** VinylCut (and outside InkRIP unless that is the shop RIP). Keep RIP learning in the InkRIP tree.

## Software-only study plan for this page

1. Watch Parts 1–2 (overview + connection) with the dialog open on Monitor-PC.  
2. Click through every tab; screenshot privately if useful (do not store secrets).  
3. Do **not** send a job until a cutter and Eric’s presets exist.  
4. Map each tab to a future shop SOP (presets, colour jobs, tiling).

Updated: 2026-09-05 (SAST).