DIY Macbook Keyboard Skin with Silhouette Cameo
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Whether it is designing and cutting, listing products for sale, or handling customer inquiries – Silhouette and Cricut small business owners spend a lot of time on the computer. I thought today that I would share the tutorial on how I made a keyboard skin for my MacBook Pro. If you have a recent Mac, the files should work for you, too. If you don’t use a Mac computer, I’ve included the method I used to make the file later in the post.
Supplies Needed
Silhouette Cameo
Pixscan mat
Printable vinyl
Macbook Pro Keyboard Skin Tutorial
- Purchase or download a 300 dpi seamless background of your choice. You can find these all over online. The floral print background that I’ve used on my keyboard can be found in this Etsy shop.
- Download the zip file for this tutorial at this link. It’s important that you not resize any of the files I have provided.
- Open your background in Silhouette Studio.Â
- Open the file called “KeyboardLetters.studio3” (downloaded in step 2) and place it on top of your background like shown in the photo.Â
5. Print the design on printable adhesive vinyl. I used a matte finish vinyl, but you could also use your favorite sticker paper. Cut the design in half. Unfortunately, the keyboard decal is slightly larger than the print area for a standard printer. So, I’ve broken it into two halves. 
6. Place the design onto your Picscan mat. Take a clear photo of the design on your mat. 
7. Upload the Pixscan image to Silhouette Studio. 
8. Overlay the file RightKeyboard.studio3 onto your Pixscan image. You’ll need to move it around to make sure the placement is perfect. I found it easiest to zoom in on the design to get it lined up just right. 
9. Load your Pixscan mat into your Silhouette and cut the keyboard decal. 
10. Weed the excess vinyl from the keyboard decal. 
11. Apply transfer paper to the decal. Turn your computer off and apply the decal to the keys.
12. Repeat steps 6 to 11 to do the other side of your keyboard using the LeftKeyboard.studio3 file you downloaded earlier.
Now, if you don’t have a recent Mac computer – or you are interested in the process – here’s how I did this:
- I took a good photo of my computer keyboard from above. I then opened it in Silhouette Studio. Next, I measured the keyboard and resized it to the exact same size in Silhouette Studio using the “Scale” function.
- I drew squares and rectangles over each of the keys. I stopped several times and did actual cuts on my Silhouette to make sure that the decals would fit the keys.Â
- After all the keys had boxes on them, I deleted the photo of my keyboard. Here’s what I was left with:
- I then typed each letter onto the keys using Arial font. I used the “Align” function to make sure the letters were all lined up. Then, I traced the icons that I couldn’t type using the “Trace” function.Â
I’d be lying if I said this was a quick project to design from scratch. It took me longer than I expected, but I absolutely love my new keyboard decal!
Save this tutorial to Pinterest or Facebook – just hover over the image below or tap it on mobile:
Since 2015, Christine Schinagl has been helping crafters start and run craft businesses through her blog, Cutting for Business. As a Silhouette and Cricut crafter herself, she has a unique take on what works and what doesn’t work in the craft business world. She also enjoys teaching other crafters how to create digital SVG designs, available through the Design with Me series.
I love this! I would consider designing for my HP computer, but I’m wondering, exactly what vinyl did you use? (Your link goes to a non-printable product.) I had keyboard decals at one time, but it left a sticky residue on my screen. And it didn’t matter how often I cleaned it, every time I closed the lid, when I opened, I’d have an “imprint” of my keys on the screen. I removed the decals after several months, but even a couple years later, I’m having residual effects. If I do this again, I want to use the right product!
I fixed the link. I personally used Cricut vinyl. When I remove them, I’ll just use Goo Gone or something to remove the residue. 🙂
I click the link but it wont open, it says i need to open with another app the my apple store cant find, what can i do?
Files are stored in Dropbox. You’ll need to download to your computer or a Dropbox app on a tablet.
Is using the PixScan method better than just a standard print and cut? I haven’t purchased a PixScan mat yet because I hadn’t seen a project that I was interested in doing. This tutorial may have changed that.
I like using the Pixscan so that I can see exactly where my cuts will go in relation to the pattern. I usually also use it for cutting patterned fabric. You don’t have to use a Pixscan, but it’s my preferred method.
Thank you for doing this I have a MacBook Air. And I THINK the keyboard layout is the same as the MacBook Pro. At least I hope so. You did *a lot* of work to get this just right. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Awesome! Have fun creating!
Is the template for a 13″ or 15″ imac pro?? Thanks.
Hello! The keyboard sizes are the same.
Hi there,
I am a total newbie to using my Silhouette Cameo (it’s been sitting on my desk for about a year & I’ve yet to use it, seriously!) The software “intimidates” me but, I’m ready! I bought the Designer Edition, so I’m good there…however, I just read a blog post that suggested the best way to get started was to just pick a project & “just do it” (to get over that intimidation whole thing) So, I found your tutorial and thought I’d ask….
Am I crazy to start with this project? I have the pixscan mat & I have vinyl (a solid cricut color, a glitter cricut vinyl, a glitter silhouette vinyl, as well as the vinyl samples that came with the Silhouette Vinyl Bundle.
I did read somewhere that the Silhouette brand vinyl isn’t the “best” so I thought I’d try using that as a rough draft? Or, do you think I should purchase a specific bundle pack of a specific brand that is a better quality (I don’t mind purchasing a bundle pack – I plan on making a LOT of vinyl home decor projects for myself and gift giving)
ANY advice you could offer would be greatly appreciated!!!!
TY in advance and, GREAT TUTORIAl – thanks for sharing!!
This probably wouldn’t be your best project to start with. Perhaps try a a few decals to get comfortable cutting.
Is there a comparable file for Cricut? I would love to put this on my Mac.
Also, I am just happy to find your site. I just bought my Cricut with the intention of crafting to make money. I have just been OVERWHELMED with all of the options. I think your books will help me bring it home. Thanks!
I do not have a Cricut tutorial for this particular project.
This is a great tutorial, thank you!! I was planning to do this and I’m glad that I found your post to help me out 🙂 I was wondering how the decals have held up over time. Are they fading or peeling at all? Thanks again!
My decals held up great for about 6 to 8 months. A few were starting to fade so I took them off when I didn’t a laptop makeover!