In this tutorial, I will show you how to make stickers from a PDF file using the Silhouette Cameo or Portrait cutting machine as well as the Circuit Explorer and Brother Scan and Cut cutting machines.
Supplies Needed
Hopefully, you already have a cutting machine. If not, I HIGHLY recommend the Silhouette machine. 
But, if you want something that doesn’t require a computer, consider the Brother Scan and Cut. If you’d like to support our ministry with your purchase, here are are our affiliate links:
- Silhouette Portrait (smaller version): http://amzn.to/2sJjqfz
- Silhouette Cameo (larger version): http://amzn.to/2sJiIiB
- Cricut Explore Air 2: http://amzn.to/2sMaqGQ
- Brother Scan and Cut: http://amzn.to/2sVJPar
- White Sticker Paper: http://amzn.to/2ufbAP7
- Clear Sticker Paper: http://amzn.to/2uXfKbU
- All printables are available on our site at: www.BibleJournalingMinistries.com/shop
Make Stickers from a PDF File Using the Silhouette Cutting Machine
The Silhouette Cameo or Portrait is an electronic cutting machine that can cut many different materials including paper, vinyl, cardstock, and fabric. The software is included, but it is the standard Silhouette Studio edition. The version that I use is the Silhouette Cameo Edition. I purchased this machine quite a few years ago. And it still works today. I have not had to upgrade it, which is a wonderful thing considering how much technology changes from year to year.
The best part about this technique is that the cut doesn’t go all the way through the sticker paper! That means you can peel them off when you want to use them and you don’t have to fuss with trying to get the sticker off the backing. That saves both time and frustration! Yay!
Video Demonstration Using Silhouette to Cut PDF Stickers
Written Instructions
Step 1: Open the File in the Silhouette Software
To cut a PDF file from the silhouette, first open the file in the Designer Edition of the software. f you don’t have Designer Edition, you’ll need to convert your .pdf file to a .png file. Here’s a link to a converter: http://pdf2png.com/ although I haven’t needed to use it myself.
Step 2: Import the File
I import my files as a Vector, but some people import them as an image. Either works fine! Click group and 300 dpi, which is the resolution that I save the files in. Then click Import.
Step 3: Add Registration Marks
Click open the registrations mark icon. Select your machine from the style menu.
Step 4: Trace the PDF File
Click the Trace icon.
- Click Select Trace Area until you see the cross hairs on your digital mat.
- Then drag the crosshairs until you get everything in the box.
- De-select high pass filter.
- Click low pass filter.
- Adjust your threshold to approximately 91% until the area you want to cut is highlighted in yellow.
- Click Trace Outer Edge
Step 5: Print the File
Select the printer icon to print the file.
Step 6: Cut the File
- Click the Silhouette icon.
- Click Adjust settings:
- For White Sticker Paper:
- Select the White Paper Sticker setting and adjust it as follows:
- Rachet = 2 (IMPORTANT: Make sure change the blade in your machine too!)
- Speed = 5
- Thickness (now called “force”)= 5
- Do not double cut the sticker paper. Make sure double cut is not selected.
- For Clear Sticker Paper:
- Select the White Paper Sticker setting and adjust it as follows:
- Rachet = 2 (IMPORTANT: Make sure change the blade in your machine too!)
- Speed = 3
- Thickness (now called “force”) = 4
- Do not double cut the sticker paper. Make sure double cut is not selected.
Cutting Square Alphas
1. Select trace area
2. Trace Preview = solid fill
3. Threshold = 68 (that’s what I set the the blue one too, but it may be different for the other colors.
4. All other settings at zero
5. Trace Outer Edge
If you don’t like your traced lines you can try again or double click the image and select simplfy. I usually hit that button 3 or 4 times. Press undo if you do it too many times.
Making Stickers from a PDF File Using the Circuit Cutting Machine
As far as I know, you can’t print and cut using anything except the latest Circuit Explorer models. That’s because print and cut functionality only exists in Cricut Design Space, which can only be used with newer models. Unfortunately, I only have a Cricut Expression (sad face) and Cricut Craft Room does not have a print and cut function. I doubt they will add it the functionality because they probably want everyone to upgrade. I can’t justify upgrading my Cricut since I have the Silhouette and this functionality has been around for years with that brand.
Because I don’t have a Cricut Explorer, I’ve decided to share a video from someone else. She did an excellent job sharing how to print and cut from a pdf using the Cricut machine.
Video Demonstration Using Cricut to Cut PDF Stickers
This video is not by me. It’s by Moe! You can find her YouTube channel here.
How to Change a PDF to PNG for the Cricut
Go to Pdf2png.com and upload the document
Wait for it to upload…
Click download and unzip the file by double-clicking it:
Go to your downloads folder and find your pngs 🙂
Video Demonstration Using Brother to Cut PDF Stickers
While we’re at it…here’s a video for those of you who have the Brother Scan and Cut. It didn’t feel right leaving them out.
As always. You can always fussy cut your stickers. You don’t need a machine to do it for you. I just happen to like the clean lines that I get with mine.
Which do you prefer? Fussy cut? Cricut? Silhouette? Brother? I’d really love to know!
I always wondered if it actually saves money to make your own stickers as the machines seem to cost quite a bit and then there is the price of the sticker paper, etc. What is your opinion on this?
Great question. The answer is that it depends. For me…I have this tool for creating cards…so it’s well paid off in not needing to buy cards anymore and I give cards away as gifts so it’s saved me there as well. Because I use it for multiple things…and I REALLY USE IT…then I only need to consider the cost of blades, mat, and sticker sheets. I believe that it cost me .10-.15 per sheet of stickers factoring the cost of consumables. If you’re not going to use it very much, I wouldn’t buy it.
Tracie,
Hello! What kind of sticker sheets do you buy and where? I got some clear ones from Office Depot but they are like $10 for a pack and there are only 7 sheets in a pack. The white background page are $15 but I think there’s 15 sheets in their packs.
Thanks,
Dina
Wow – that’s expensive. Here’s our amazon store link: http://www.amazon.com/shop/biblejournalingministries There’s a category on the sticker paper I use including clear and white. Hopefully that helps 🙂
This is awesome. I did not know that you can follow a groups link. So happy to support you through your link.
Wow! I’m here I’m cutting all the stickers one sitting right next to my cricket air. But I don’t think the cricket here with i’m hand cutting all the stickers one sitting right next to my cricket here. But I don’t think the cricket here will do that? ????But it is so cool that it can be done!
Hi Becky! Some Cricuts will do the print and cut, but unfortunately not all of them. I don’t think the air can do it. Sorry 🙁
Hi Tracie, I see that this video is quite a few years old. I am shopping for a new cutter as my old Sizzix has died. The Silhouette cameo 4 is the new model. Will this work with those pdf’s as well?
It should! They advertise that it does.
Hi Tracie, do you know if the new Silhouette Cameo 4 will convert the PDF file and does it work the same as the older machines?
The ad for the S4 Cameo says it will print and cut – so it should work similarly. My guess is that you’ll need to upgrade to the design version just like the older versions required.