The short answer
A .studio3 file only opens in Silhouette's own software. Cricut Design Space reads SVG (it also takes DXF and pictures, but SVG keeps the most). So the job is to turn the .studio3 into an SVG that Design Space understands, then upload it as a cut image.
How to do it
- Open the .studio3 file at the top of this page and check the preview looks right.
- Set SVG style to Filled shapes, for Cricut. Design Space treats each closed shape as a solid piece to cut, so filled shapes show you exactly what will come off the mat. Holes, such as the inside of a letter O, stay open.
- Set Area to Just the design unless you need the shapes to keep their place on a page.
- Download the SVG and upload it in Design Space as a new image.
- Check the size of one shape you know. If Design Space shows a different size, resize it there before cutting.
.studio3 and SVG side by side
| .studio3 | SVG | |
|---|---|---|
| Opens in | Silhouette Studio and Silhouette apps | Cricut Design Space, Inkscape, Illustrator, laser and most cutting software |
| Outlines | Bézier curves in millimetres | The same curves, kept exactly by Cutpeek |
| Layers | Silhouette layers | Groups named after each layer |
| Text | Editable text and its outlines | Outlines only, no font needed |
| Cut settings | Blade, force, speed, passes | Not stored; you choose them in your own software |
| Print and cut | Pictures plus Silhouette registration marks | Cut lines only from Cutpeek |
What doesn't carry over
Cut settings never travel between brands, because the blades and machines differ. Print-and-cut designs need extra care: Silhouette and Cricut use different registration marks, so the Silhouette marks are no use on a Cricut. Cutpeek converts the cut lines; add the printed picture in Design Space and let it place its own marks.
Grouping in Design Space
Design Space decides for itself how to split an uploaded SVG into layers, usually by colour and group. If one design arrives as many separate pieces, select them and use Attach to keep their positions on the mat, or Weld to merge overlapping shapes into one cut.