Addition to or Instead of Design Software

[MrsBigE]

Hello!
I am just learning of the SCAL software and I am still new to usage of my Cricut Expression. Needless to say I was ecstatic to learn of this amazing software but in learning of it, I have also only added to my already confused state of mind.. so much to learn...
I have been looking to purchase the Cricut Design Software and in my research learned of SCAL. I am wondering if you saged users could help me make a decision about which way I need to go. Would you all recommend purchasing SCAL in addition to the design software or in addition to? If I don't "need" both then I dont want both but if they enhance each other by doing what the other cant then I understand the "need."
Also, I dont understand how you get your designs over to the Cricut from your computer. I have been reading posts and haven't read any that mention that actual transfer. Is it as easy as hooking up the computer to the Cricut? If so, is there a special cable that is needed or should that have come with my Cricut?
Thank you all for your help!
Peg
aka, MrsBigE

[Judy*]

You do not need both. With the Design (I don't have it) my understanding is that you still require cartridges. With SCAL, all you need is the software, a usb cable to hook up your cricut to your computor and your off! You can downloand FREE svg's or purchase sets through various providers such as www.svgcuts.com
I purchased SCAL as I could not afford all the cartridges. I own three which I rarely use now that I own SCAL. It is definetly worth the investment.
Good luck on your decision.

[scrappinvt]

I have both & I only use scal now.

[talanhart]

Once you have SCAL, you won't need anything else except for a USB printer cable.

[MrsBigE]

In essence the Cricut becomes an output device?

Another question. Can you take any image and convert it to svg? For instance, what I read first here is that this is great for fonts but when I keep reading I see others using for pictures and other files. What file types can be converted to svg using this software? And, is Inkscape's role here simply to be used as the drawing board or tablet to rearrange or "fix" images?

[Sweetness4713]

Inkscape can be used to create your own images or fix others.. so for both... You can use basically any image except for a few to convert to an svg image... You can also take a jpeg image or any other that is used with SCAL and open that image right up in SCAL instead of inkscape... If you check in the tutorial sections or search on youtube you will find all sorts of lessons on using both..

[TheresaTT]

i have both. I use SCAL most. DS allows you to see a bigger view of your cut from the cart and to alter it somewhat. BUT, if you download the PDF files of the older carts, you can do that in INK,convert to svg- and won't need DS. also kinda depends on how much time to learning all this you have. once you have it you can't live without it.
I WOULD DEFINITELY BUY SCAL BEFORE DS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. So many more options and the peeps on here are great at sharing their creations or helping with whatever.

[MrsBigE]

Thank you all so much! You all have been incredibly helpful and it is really appreciated. I downloaded Ink and then downloaded the trial versions of the design software and SCAL. Hopefully this weekend I can take time with both and see which will be a best fit with my brain.
There is so much to learn with the Cricut alone, and I don't find the Cricut instructions to be well documented. What's worse is the Cricut website, just poorly constructed and horrible to navigate. If I could fix two things about Cricut it would be the instructions/tutorials and their website.
I am glad to have found this website, the instructions are great, even for things that aren't directly related to the software (i.e. downloading fonts etc...) I'm really happy with the instructions, the website and the people.
It's been a banner week for me and my Cricut.
Thanks again!

[sandyj]

The two programs look the same, but they do different things.

DS ONLY works with the cartridges you own. You can't import designs to it, or do anything except what is on the cartridges. You can SEE what is on all the cartridges, but you can only CUT what you own.

SCAL DOESN'T work with cartridges. There are various ways to get cartridge designs INTO SCAL, usually involving copying a picture or the design and outlining, or the even more sneaky way of finding the booklets with the svg's in them, but you CAN'T access the cartridges directly from SCAL.

So, you have to think about how you want to use the program. Do you have lots of cartridges and want an easier way to use them? Then DS is for you.

Don't have a lot of cartridges, or don't want to have to buy them (or can't afford them)? Want to create your own designs? Then SCAL is for you, since you can make anything you want, or download a ton of free patterns from the net.