# VinylCut 5 — core workflow: design → cut

VinylCut-only path. Do not route print/RIP steps through this page.

## 1. Launch and project

1. Open **VinylCut 5** (`VinylCut 5.exe`).
2. New project: name + cutting / media dimensions → OK.
3. Learn UI first (toolbars, workspace, layers/visibility) — [https://8i.co.za/data/amcoza/software/vinylcut/ui-overview.md](https://8i.co.za/data/amcoza/software/vinylcut/ui-overview.md) + softwaretraining UI overview mini-series.

## 2. Design (Craft Design side)

Typical steps (AM training coverage) — detail in [https://8i.co.za/data/amcoza/software/vinylcut/design-tools.md](https://8i.co.za/data/amcoza/software/vinylcut/design-tools.md):

- Draw with **shape tool**; edit nodes / paths / Béziers.
- Import artwork ([https://8i.co.za/data/amcoza/software/vinylcut/file-types-and-pitfalls.md](https://8i.co.za/data/amcoza/software/vinylcut/file-types-and-pitfalls.md)); **trace image** when starting from raster.
- Text (weld overlapping letters), borders/frames, distribute/align objects.
- **Nest** to save vinyl.
- Layers / show-hide for complex files; lock what must not move.
- Fill and Stroke: stroke **none** unless intentional; style set for **Cut** ([remove strokes](https://softwaretraining.co.za/vinylcut-remove-strokes)).
- Optional: rhinestones, library mats/patterns/pens (installed under the VinylCut 5 tree).
- For print-and-cut later on a cutter with optical eye: place / use **registration marks** (VinylCut 5.030 marks training exists in KB; Monitor-PC is on 5.028).

Design goal: clean vector cut paths (weedable, correct size, correct cut colour separation if multi-colour vinyl).

### Software-only checkpoint (no cutter)

Save the project. Confirm: closed paths, correct size, colours named/separated, no hidden strokes, nest preview acceptable.

## 3. Connect cutter (deferred until hardware chosen)

Eric skipped naming a first practice cutter. Concepts only — [https://8i.co.za/data/amcoza/software/vinylcut/cut-settings-concepts.md](https://8i.co.za/data/amcoza/software/vinylcut/cut-settings-concepts.md):

1. USB-connect AM cutter; power on (when available).
2. In VinylCut: open **Cutter** settings.
3. Select model profile + connection / port (USB, COM, or TCP/IP as offered).
4. **Test Connection** before any job.
5. For AM lines: many setups are plug-and-cut without a separate Windows driver (see updating.co.za VinylCut 5 install/setup).

## 4. Cut settings → send

From the cut-settings mini-series (softwaretraining / vinylcut.co.za/cutting):

1. Overview of cutter cut settings.
2. Connection settings.
3. Cut mode / fancy options.
4. Cutting & drawing presets.
5. Cut by colour — single job vs separate jobs.
6. Tile large designs.
7. Duplicate / extras; cut order; layers tab; orientation.

Then send the job to the cutter. Weed / apply per shop practice (outside software).

## 5. Contour cutting (print-then-cut)

Separate from InkRIP printing:

1. Print the graphic with whatever print workflow the shop uses (outside VinylCut).
2. Load printed media on an AM contour-capable cutter (when chosen).
3. Use VinylCut contour / registration / optical-eye alignment (V-Smart / V-Smart Plus training on vinylcut.co.za/contour-cutting).
4. Cut contour paths only.

## 6. Activation / license hygiene

- Demo has limitations (see activate/deactivate mini-series Part 1).
- Activate online or offline (Parts 2–3); deactivate before moving a seat (Part 4).
- Monitor-PC seat: **activated 2026-09-05** — do not put codes in this tree.

## Related briefs

- [https://8i.co.za/data/amcoza/software/vinylcut/file-types-and-pitfalls.md](https://8i.co.za/data/amcoza/software/vinylcut/file-types-and-pitfalls.md) — imports and mistakes  
- [https://8i.co.za/data/amcoza/software/vinylcut/training-map.md](https://8i.co.za/data/amcoza/software/vinylcut/training-map.md) — ordered software-only next steps  

Updated: 2026-09-05 (SAST).