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Silhouette Portrait 3 Electronic Cutting Tool,White
Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | Silhouette America |
Color | White |
Product Dimensions | 8"D x 18"W x 9"H |
Operation Mode | Automatic,Manual |
Item Weight | 1.6 Kilograms |
About this item
- Silhouette Portrait 3 with Bluetooth and autoblade
- Cuts a variety of materials including: cardstock, fabric, heat transfer material, transparencies, paper, vellum, adhesive vinyland magnet paper. Maximum Cutting Force is 210 gf
- Mac and PC compatible software included
- Automatic tool detection
- Note: Kindly refer user manual before use
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Product information
Brand | Silhouette America |
---|---|
Color | White |
Product Dimensions | 8"D x 18"W x 9"H |
Operation Mode | Automatic,Manual |
Item Weight | 1.6 Kilograms |
Print media | Card stock, Fabric |
Item model number | SILHOUETTE-PORTRAIT-2-4T |
ASIN | B009GZUPFA |
Customer Reviews |
4.3 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #23,911 in Arts, Crafts & Sewing (See Top 100 in Arts, Crafts & Sewing) #78 in Scrapbooking Die-Cut Machines |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Item Weight | 3.52 pounds |
Manufacturer | Silhouette America, Inc. |
Date First Available | September 25, 2012 |
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Product Description
Product Description
The Silhouette Portrait is an electronic cutting machine for personal use. Like a home printer, it plugs into your PC or Mac with a simple USB cable. However, instead of printing, it uses a small blade to cut paper, cardstock, vinyl, fabric, and other material up to 8 inches wide and 10 feet long. The Silhouette Portrait 2 features Bluetooth technology (US, Canada, EU only) and is compatible with Silhouettes new AutoBlade. The machine also has the ability to register and cut printed materials and is PixScan compatible. The Silhouette Portrait 2 also has a higher 2 mm clearance, so it is compatible with the deep-cut blade.
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Silhouette Portrait
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From the brand
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Silhouette America is a leading brand in the crafting and DIY industry, dedicated to empowering artists and enthusiasts alike. Our cutting-edge technology, top-quality products, and vibrant community foster boundless creative possibilities. Craft with confidence as our line of Cameo, Plus, Pro, and Portrait vinyl cutters and accessories help bring your project to life! Also, Check out our Curio embossing machine or Alta+ 3D printer!
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From the manufacturer
What's in the box
Videos
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Silhouette Portrait 2
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Customer Review: Smaller and better than Cricut for stickers
Rose Smith
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Customer Review: It’s worth the money!!
krystal Kinney
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Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the portability and value of the die cut machine. They say it's super light weight and perfect for small projects. Customers also appreciate the simplicity of the software and the ease of set up. They also appreciate appearance, size, and performance. However, some customers have reported durability issues with the blades falling apart and the cutting mat not lasting. Customers disagree on quality.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the performance of the die cut machine. They say it works perfectly for what they want, handles that extremely well, and the machine itself is very good. The blade that comes standard does a very good job, and it works best on vinyl.
"This machine is AMAZING!!!!! VERY easy to learn/use-I showed my 11-yr old son how to use it in less than 5 minutes!..." Read more
"...it comes with takes a minute or two to figure out but it does a lot of useful things including a "fill page" option, which is great for..." Read more
"...It's cute, has a small footprint, and has the functions I need." Read more
"...One issue I had was that the autoblade kept resetting to zero, and it wouldn't cut...." Read more
Customers like the ease of use of the die cut machine. They say that the software is very straightforward, the set up was pretty easy, and the blade settings and paper feeder are easy to use. They also appreciate the simple design and the ability to design your own images. They mention that the machine saves time and doesn't cause pain in their wrist. Overall, customers are happy with the quality and the hours of entertainment it provides.
"...my home PC and has a built in library with maybe 20 or so designs, an intuitive (but powerful) built in design studio...." Read more
"...So I gave it a try. Glad I did. It is simple to use, accurate, most vinyls come with cut setting instructions suited to the Silhouette that work..." Read more
"...The machine works fine, and learning to work with the software is a breeze, especially with the online videos by fellow users...." Read more
"...And this device does that with great precission.It was also quite easy and took just a short trial to set the needed preasure and cutting..." Read more
Customers like the value of the die cut machine. They say it's worth the money to invest and that the subscriptions are incredibly reasonable.
"...new "hobby/craft" and this machine makes it so much easier and more affordable!!" Read more
"...The portrait was perfect for me, small, but not too small. Inexpensive, but well liked by other reviewers. So I gave it a try. Glad I did...." Read more
"...I went with the silhouette because it was more cost effective than even some of the used cricut machinesi saw online...." Read more
"...Guess what? So far, a complete failure and a waste of time." Read more
Customers like the appearance of the die cut machine. They mention that it's a very unique piece of equipment and they can make professional looking crafts and projects very easily. They also say it' s sleek design and it can be stored anywhere. They say it makes creating decorations for birthdays and any other occasion a breeze. They love the fact that it is invaluable for anyone customizing shoes and that it can make decals and stencils.
"...USES YOUR OWN INSTALLED FONTS/GRAPHICS!! Plus, you can purchase individual designs at their online store which literally has something like..." Read more
"...I still love my portrait 3! It makes crafting so much easier because 98% of my projects don't need a mat, and mats are one of my least favorite..." Read more
"...I love that you can completely make your own designs, but that Silhouette provides a bunch of great ones as well...." Read more
"...The cuts were so intricate and so beautiful. I had no problems getting them off the very sticky mat with only minimal spatula and scraper use...." Read more
Customers like the size of the die cut machine. They say it is small, easy to fit on a computer, and important for tight work spaces. The machine is wide enough for most things and is also able to make larger pieces in 8 x 11 chunks.
"...The portrait was perfect for me, small, but not too small. Inexpensive, but well liked by other reviewers. So I gave it a try. Glad I did...." Read more
"...So glad I decided to get the portrait. It's cute, has a small footprint, and has the functions I need." Read more
"...It’s much smaller than a cricut so it will take up much less space on the desk, is cheaper, and will do everything you need to do...." Read more
"...It can not handle this.Pros:1. It's small, super light weight.2...." Read more
Customers like the portability of the die cut machine. They say it's easy to use and perfect for small projects. The machine is super light weight and easy to move around.
"...Pros:1. It's small, super light weight.2. It's faster at cutting than my Cricut explore 2 was.2...." Read more
"...Again, I also love that the actual machine is very compact and unobtrusive...." Read more
"...The Portrait is a great desktop size as well -- light and easy to transport if you're a mobile crafter and small enough to fit in a desk drawer or..." Read more
"...This is easier to travel with than the cameo.There are some cons......" Read more
Customers are mixed about the quality of the die cut machine. Some mention that it cuts fabulously, while others say that it doesn't cut. The fill page option is great for making cutouts, and the machine always cuts precisely. However, some customers also say that the machine ALWAYS CUTS WRONG, the adhesive on the mat can get stuck, and paper curls and rips.
"...Glad I did. It is simple to use, accurate, most vinyls come with cut setting instructions suited to the Silhouette that work with the Portrait..." Read more
"...The paper curled and ripped, the mat was WAY too sticky. Second, just as bad (having buyer's remorse for sure)...." Read more
"...things including a "fill page" option, which is great for making cutouts... it will fill the page with the shape you load/create at the size..." Read more
"...If they don't respond, I will be returning the machine as it is faulty, and customer service is not helpful...." Read more
Customers are dissatisfied with the durability of the die cut machine. They mention that the blades fall apart right away, the adhesive on the cutting mat doesn't last, and the paper tears when they try to remove it. Some say that the machine has completely worn out after a few days of use.
"...mat (I almost immediately needed) is like $9 for one, and they're VERY "flimsy" compared to the Cricut, of which you can buy two new mini-mats for..." Read more
"...Otherwise its destroying your paper. Ug. Not saying I have any better ideas on how to hold your paper in place...." Read more
"...to it, since the mat was extra sticky since it was new, the paper ripped and tore when i tried to release the shape...." Read more
"...From blades falling apart right away, to needing to recalibrate from cutting in the wrong places, to more and my new project of the week "failing to..." Read more
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Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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My first project: FAIL! I'd tried to simply type my son's name in the hope of making a little sign for his room (using normal scrapbooking paper). The paper curled and ripped, the mat was WAY too sticky. Second, just as bad (having buyer's remorse for sure). By the third, piece of cake, a very intricate 3d mini lantern, pillow boxes and a mini-stationary set came out PERFECTLY, every minuscule detail PERFECT!! Unfortunately, I'd already cut my mat to shreds-clean through in some areas.
1) Although the instructions very clearly show you how to create a design, load the media, set the blade, and cut, it was only once I started "futzing" with the media thickness setting AND using the "test cut" (it will cut a little triangle in the upper far corner of your selected media to see if it cuts properly-duh?) going from cutting through my mat to not cutting at all in areas that I understood how to compensate for the different media instead of thinking I was stuck only choosing between "printer paper", "cardstock", "heavy cardstock" (hint: I shredded my mat using the "cardstock" setting, which is what the paper is labelled as, instead of choosing that setting, but lowering the media thickness-once I figured out how to adjust this, do a test cut-it was a breeze-just too bad it wasn't BEFORE I'd shredded the mat!!).
2) **Evidently EVERY mat is 'too sticky' the first use/requires some 'breaking in' (not just this brand). I've read many tips about sticking a t-shirt to the surface at first to let the fibers reduce some of the "stickiness" before using paper, (particularly THIN, regular scrapbooking paper as I had for my first few projects). OR, use a MUCH thicker cardstock for the first few projects.
3) USES YOUR OWN INSTALLED FONTS/GRAPHICS!! Plus, you can purchase individual designs at their online store which literally has something like 38,000+ designs-very searchable, and they give away a free design every week. I've seen some of the $50+ cartridges for Cricut, and while there may be 4 or 5 fonts/designs I'd actually REALLY want and use ($4 or $5 worth?) the other $45 could easily be used buying more paper and consumables. This machine allows for that. Plus, it seems to be an "open source" type of library system where individuals can constantly create and upload new designs of their own.
What I particularly liked about this is the "3D projects". I downloaded a fairly intricate 4-sided mini-lantern design. With the included "studio", which came out perfectly and was very easy to put together. I can easily break apart this design (keeping the foundation shape/perforations and cuts) and continue to customize it however I chose!!
4) Has "print & cut" functionality. You can create a design with a printed pattern. Send it to your normal printer, which will add in registration marks to the design, so that you can properly place and cut out the design on the Silhouette! To me, that kind of removes the whole concept of additional "sketch pen" functionality....??
5). One HUGE shocker was that the replacement mat for this is almost double what the Cricut is!? I think the idea was to gain revenue, BUT, I see this FAR surpassing Cricut and other brands both for the versatility AND being more cost effective to own-gaining money on uploaded/contributed designs of their library. The replacement mat (I almost immediately needed) is like $9 for one, and they're VERY "flimsy" compared to the Cricut, of which you can buy two new mini-mats for around $11. With some research, I've discovered that you can use the slightly larger (1/2" overall) Cricut mat, you simply need to apply tape over the outer 1/4" adhesive on each edge so that the Silhouette's rollers don't get sticky (place it over the top of your Silhouette mat with the green protective sheet in place for proper application). You also need to adjust for a slightly thicker media, since the mats are thicker (thus less likely for "cut-through"). I've also seen many "mat refurbishing kits" that consist of adhesive remover (nail polish remover/acetone) and spray cans of repositionable adhesive. You mask off the non-sticky area of your 'naked' mat so that the adhesive only gets applied to the right area.
6) I didn't purchase the additional tool kit. Have used an old credit card as a squeegee, have tweezers, pins, etc. and have been able to utilize other objects. I'm a bit disappointed the tool kit (or even a cheap version) isn't included since it would definitely help, particularly when trying to create projects using normal printer and scrapbooking paper due to the amount of curl.
Overall, I am constantly seeing new possibilities for developing another new "hobby/craft" and this machine makes it so much easier and more affordable!!
A couple of years ago I didn't even know what a cutting tool did. I bought some vinyl and realized you can't do a good cutting job on vinyl without a cutting tool. I did some research and landed on Silhouette. The portrait was perfect for me, small, but not too small. Inexpensive, but well liked by other reviewers. So I gave it a try. Glad I did. It is simple to use, accurate, most vinyls come with cut setting instructions suited to the Silhouette that work with the Portrait 3.
I'm now making my own designs and cutting them on this device. The software from the Silhouette company works great. It's a good tool for anyone working in vinyl, for both heat pressing or adhesive vinyl.
I purchased it to make items for my wedding including custom mats for photo frames, shaped cut-outs for notes from guests, and stencils for various decorations.
It cuts a wide variety of papers, though it would not cut through a heavy-weight plastic folder we wanted to use as a stencil... but I would have had trouble cutting it with scissors, so I don't blame the Silhouette for that.
The software it comes with takes a minute or two to figure out but it does a lot of useful things including a "fill page" option, which is great for making cutouts... it will fill the page with the shape you load/create at the size you choose.
One warning with the print and cut option, the Silhouette may not be able to find the markers on shiny/glittery paper. We were using a slightly shimmery paper for our gift tags and wanted to print out the text for them and then cut them out but the Silhouette could not recognize the markers, though it worked fine on plain printer paper. Fortunately, we figured out where exactly we needed to place the paper on the cutting mat and into the machine and got them close enough without using the markers. Print and cut is great for really detailed stuff but if you have a bit of give, you can just eyeball it... this is particularly useful as the print and registration marker actually cut down a lot of your cut-able area.
The cutting mat is great and lasts really well as long as you're careful with your blade depth! The one that comes with the Silhouette is very sticky at the beginning and is not appropriate for standard-weight papers unless you're okay with them curling (or even tearing) when you you try to unstick them, so I recommend using only cardstock-weight or above on new regular mats. After some use, they become less sticky, so you can use them with regular weight papers. Apparently they offer lower stick mats, so get one of those if you want to do medium-light weight paper.
Seems like a machine for someone that already had a cutter before and not for newbies. However if you persevere (please do test with copy paper before trying the higher quality stuff) you will find a capable little machine.
PS: Remember to calibrate the machine first .
Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2023
Seems like a machine for someone that already had a cutter before and not for newbies. However if you persevere (please do test with copy paper before trying the higher quality stuff) you will find a capable little machine.
PS: Remember to calibrate the machine first .
Top reviews from other countries
Zum Design lässt sich sagen, dass das Gerät an sich optisch sehr ansprechend ist. Der Umgang mit dem Gerät ist nahezu komplett intuitiv möglich. Es ist leicht an Gewicht und auch leicht zu bedienen. Die Software verfügt über alles, was man zum Erstellen von Plottermotiven braucht. Motiv wählen, Bereich markieren, Detaillierungsgrad einstellen, Medium einstellen (Papier, Vinyl, etc.), los geht's.
Sind die Schnittmarken erstellt, lässt sich das Motiv verlustfrei skalieren, drehen, spiegeln und anders verwalten. Text lässt sich direkt mit allen verfügbaren Schriftarten in den Schnittbereich schreiben. Dieser wird sofort als Schnittbild angezeigt.
Je nach Detaillierungsgrad lässt sich auch die Schnittgeschwindigkeit einstellen. Je höher der Detaillierungsgrad, desto langsamer sollte man schneiden.
Es empfiehlt sich, Plotterfolie zu benutzen. Sie besitzt die richtige Haftung an der richtigen Stelle. Klebefolie für Möbel zum Beispiel kann man zwar auch verwenden, allerdings bleibt das Motiv gerne an der restlichen Folie kleben und lässt sich nur mühsam entfernen. Bei hohem Detaillierungsgrad kommt da schon gerne mal Frust auf.
Vinylfolie kann mit und ohne Schneidebrett benutzt werden. Verzichtet man auf das Schneidebrett, muss man jedoch darauf achten, dass die Folie straff eingezogen wird, damit ein sauberes Schnittbild entsteht.
Mit einer Arbeitsbreite von rund 20 cm lassen sich kleine bis mittlere Motive problemlos erstellen. Für den Hobbyplottermeister sehr zu empfehlen.
My wife likes to make homemade cards for birthdays and holidays, that was the original reason why we bought it. It does a great job of cutting card stock and even does a decent job of ultra heavy weight cover stock. We've found it really handy for cutting intricate designs for the cards that just weren't possible using scissors or a craft blade.
After purchasing our little Silhouette Portrait we've found so many other uses for it as well. We probably use it now more for cutting vinyl decals than cardstock. It does a great job cutting vinyl decals, the possibilities are endless.
Why chose a Silhouette over a Cricket?
The Cricket uses cartridges that only cut predefined patterns, each cartridge comes with an additional cost. The silhouette comes with software similar to Microsoft publisher that can be used to cut any shape you want for free, or if you want, there's access to the silhouette store where you can purchase patterns for $0.99 each. I haven't used a cricket to compare how clean it cuts compared to the silhouette, however I have no complaints about the silhouettes ability to make clean cuts.
Portrait or Cameo?
If you think you will be using your silhouette for years to come and can afford it, buy the Cameo. Both have the same abilities except the Cameo is 4 inches wider. At some point you will want to cut something that's wider than the portrait and will kick yourself for it. However we've managed with our portrait just fine, only occasionally have we had to cut a pattern that was wider that 8 inches and had to do it in 2 pieces. Vinyl is also more widely available in 12 inch width, so you won't have to always cut it down for the portrait. Saying all this, the portrait is an amazing device for the price and you are still getting great value.
Ease of use?
We've found everything pretty straight forward. The software interface is very similar to publisher, and there's lots of how to videos on Youtube. Before you cut the software will tell you the recommended settings based on the paper you are using. Removing the blade to adjust the blade is straight forward, but it is something you need to remember to set so you don't accidentally cut through your mat. There is a print and cut function where it scans the paper for printed reference lines and it usually takes me a couple tries to get it to line everything up. But that's usually because I'm trying to fit everything I can onto one cut sheet.
After 2+ years of use
We are on our third cutting mat, the first two eventually lost their adhesive and after cutting same things over and over again, it got thin in areas. We are on our second cutting blade, although could probably use a third now and will be picking one up shortly. Blades do have a finite lifetime and over time will start to dull and tear instead of cut. I recommend buying the replacement fabric blades, they are identical except can be popped apart to clean out any tiny pieces that can get caught inside it. (blades and mats are here on amazon)
So in summary, the Silhouette has proven to be a really handy tool for our household, glad we purchased it 2 years ago.