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Two Ways to Use PNG files in Silhouette Studio

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I share a lot of freebies on the Cutting for Business Facebook page – and one of the things that I regularly share are PNG files. I get asked all the time – “What can I do with this file in Silhouette Studio?” Today, I’ll share 2 ways to use a PNG file.

Note: During this tutorial, I’m using a free bundle from Creative Market. You can pick it up this week at this link.

What is a PNG file?

PNG stands for Portable Network Graphics and is a format for pictures. It was originally created to replace GIF images because you can compress the file without losing quality.

Two Ways to Use PNG Files in Silhouette Studio

Print and Cut Images.

  1. You can open a PNG file in Silhouette Studio by going to “File, then “Open”. Resize your graphic as needed. Two Ways to Use PNG files in Silhouette Studio by cuttingforbusiness.com
  2. Turn on registration marks by going to the “Registration Marks” icon in the top panel. Then selecting “Type 1”. Two Ways to Use PNG files in Silhouette Studio by cuttingforbusiness.com
  3. Duplicate the graphic as many times as you need by going to “Object”, then “Replicate”. Two Ways to Use PNG files in Silhouette Studio by cuttingforbusiness.com
  4. Your files are ready are ready to print and cut. Two Ways to Use PNG files in Silhouette Studio by cuttingforbusiness.com

Cut Files

  1.  After opening the PNG file in Silhouette Studio, go to “Object”, then “Trace”. Two Ways to Use PNG files in Silhouette Studio by cuttingforbusiness.com
  2. On the right hand side, click “Select Trace Area”. Two Ways to Use PNG files in Silhouette Studio by cuttingforbusiness.com
  3. Draw a tracing box around the design. Two Ways to Use PNG files in Silhouette Studio by cuttingforbusiness.com
  4. On the right hand side, adjust the “High Pass Filter” until the entire design turns yellow. Then click “Trace”.Two Ways to Use PNG files in Silhouette Studio by cuttingforbusiness.com
  5. Move over the original design file and – voila! – you’ve got the same design ready to be cut out in paper, vinyl, or another material. Two Ways to Use PNG files in Silhouette Studio by cuttingforbusiness.com

Now, be sure that you follow Cutting for Business on Facebook so I can share a lot of freebies with you!

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Two Ways to Use PNG files in Silhouette Studio by cuttingforbusiness.com

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Elisabeth

Thursday 22nd of June 2017

Once it has become a png file, can I edit it? How do I convert it back to an editable file?

Thank you!

Christine

Sunday 25th of June 2017

No, once it is a PNG it is flattened an uneditable. You can't go back.

Lucia Gonzalez

Saturday 28th of January 2017

Thank you so much, I just learn something really usefull for me, you're so king for sharing.

Christine

Monday 30th of January 2017

Happy to help!

Sharon Quinn

Thursday 19th of January 2017

I have a PNG file sent to me by a client. It has 3 colors in it and I would need to layer it onto a sweatshirt. When I trace it the one layer will not trace. It does not turn yellow no matter what adjustment I do to it. What am I doing wrong?

Christine

Friday 20th of January 2017

Some pictures don't trace as well. You could use an outside photo editor to try to bring out the layer you need and retrace.