Instructions Brother electronic cutting machines

On this page, you can read how to use Brother ScanNCut plotter machines. You will find explanations about scanning, cutting, designing, choosing the right mat and useful tips for a neat result. The Brother ScanNCut is an electronic cutting machine with a built-in scanner, ideal for creative projects with paper, cardstock, vinyl, heat transfer vinyl, flock vinyl, fabric, felt and foam.

What is the Brother ScanNCut?

The Brother ScanNCut is a smart electronic cutting machine that allows you to scan, edit, draw and cut out designs. Thanks to the built-in scanner, you can scan a drawing, image, pattern or text, for example, and convert it into a cutting file.

Depending on the model, you can work with built-in designs, fonts, an LCD touchscreen, background scan, USB connection, CanvasWorkspace and automatic material thickness detection. With the ScanNCut DX models, the automatic blade detects the thickness of the material, so you need to adjust fewer settings manually.

Watch this short video to see what you can do with the Brother ScanNCut and how the machine combines scanning and cutting for creative projects.

Basics: how does the Brother ScanNCut work?

With the ScanNCut, you place your material on a cutting mat and load it into the machine. Then you choose a built-in design, scan an image or use a file from CanvasWorkspace. You can adjust the design on the screen and then cut, draw or scan it.

Important:

• Use the right mat for your material.
• Place the material flat and firmly on the mat.
• Check that your design fits within the cutting area.
• Always make a test cut first when using a new material.
• Use a blade that suits the material and its thickness.
• Carefully remove cut paper, foil or fabric from the mat.
• Save good settings so you can use them again later.

Scanning and cutting with the ScanNCut

The built-in scanner makes the ScanNCut especially useful for personal designs. You can scan drawings, texts, stamped images, patterns or pictures and then cut them out or save them as a cutting file.

With Direct Cut, the machine recognises the outlines of an image and cuts it out directly. This works well with clear shapes and enough contrast. Does your design have many details or a busy background? Then Scan to Cut Data is a better option. This allows you to choose more precisely which parts of the design you want to use.

Is an image not recognised properly? Check whether the contrast is clear enough, the background is not too busy and the scanner glass is clean.

In this video, you can see how the Brother ScanNCut DX SDX1250 works and how to scan, position and cut designs with the machine.

Working with CanvasWorkspace

CanvasWorkspace is Brother's free software that allows you to create, edit and prepare designs for your ScanNCut. You can modify shapes, add text, use SVG files and send designs directly to the machine.

You do not always need CanvasWorkspace, as you can also work directly on the machine using built-in designs and the touchscreen. The software is especially useful if you want more design freedom or wish to use your own files.

Which mat should you use?

The right mat helps keep your material in place and ensures clean cutting results.

• Use a low-tack mat for delicate materials such as thin paper, vellum, printer paper, thin patterned paper and certain types of foil.
• Use a standard mat for sturdier materials such as cardstock, glitter cardstock, chipboard, cardboard, vinyl, denim, leather and other heavier materials.
• When working with fabric, use a suitable fabric mat or a fabric support sheet. This helps keep the fabric in place while cutting.

Is your mat too sticky for thin paper? Avoid pressing the paper down too firmly and remove it carefully immediately after cutting. If the paper still tears, use a low-tack mat instead.

Cutting paper, vinyl and fabric

Paper and cardstock are ideal materials to start with. Always make a test cut first when using a new type of paper. This helps prevent the material from not being cut properly or the blade cutting too deeply into the mat.

For vinyl, heat transfer vinyl and flock vinyl, it is important that the material lies smooth and flat on the mat. When using iron-on vinyl, always check whether you need to mirror the design before cutting.

Do you want to cut fabric? Iron the fabric smooth first and use stabiliser or an iron-on backing if needed. Place the fabric tightly on the mat and press it down gently. Fabric can react differently depending on the type, so a test cut is especially important.

Accessories for creative extras

In addition to cutting and drawing, you can expand the Brother ScanNCut with various accessories. Think of extra mats, blades, pens, foil transfer sheets, embossing tools, calligraphy accessories, stamp sets and rhinestone kits.

These accessories are especially useful if you want to get more out of your machine or create projects with extra details, shine or texture.

Want to make your designs sparkle? See how to use the Rhinestone Kit to add rhinestone details to ScanNCut projects.

Frequently asked questions about the Brother ScanNCut

Do I need a computer?

No, not always. The ScanNCut has built-in designs and a touchscreen, allowing you to work directly on the machine. For extra design options, you can use CanvasWorkspace.

Can I scan my own drawings?

Yes. With the built-in scanner, you can scan drawings, text or images and convert them into cutting files. Make sure there is enough contrast and a clear shape.

Which materials can I cut?

You can cut materials such as paper, cardstock, vinyl, heat transfer vinyl, flock vinyl, fabric, felt and foam. The maximum thickness differs per model and blade. Always check the specifications of your machine.

Why should I make a test cut?

A test cut helps you check whether the blade, pressure and speed are set correctly for your material. This prevents cutting into the mat or the material not being cut properly.

My paper tears when I remove it. What should I do?

Use less pressure when pressing it down, remove the paper carefully and try a low-tack mat for thin paper. Remove paper and small details from the mat immediately after cutting.

Which mat do I need for fabric?

Use a suitable fabric mat or fabric support sheet for fabric. For the best result, iron the fabric first and, if needed, reinforce it with an iron-on backing or stabiliser.

Can I cut several layers of fabric at once?

No, this is not recommended. It is better to cut fabric layer by layer for an accurate result.

Maintenance and storage

Keep your ScanNCut clean and regularly remove paper scraps, dust and small cutting particles. If needed, carefully clean the scanner with a dry, lint-free cloth.

Store mats with the protective sheet on top, so the adhesive layer lasts longer. Do not use adhesive spray on the mats. Replace blades and mats when you notice the cutting results are becoming less precise.

Get started with your Brother ScanNCut

With the Brother ScanNCut, you can easily scan, design, draw and cut for all kinds of creative projects. By choosing the right mat, positioning your material correctly and always making a test cut first, you can work accurately and avoid mistakes.

Whether you are making cards, scrapbooking, cutting stickers, personalising textiles or creating decorative projects, the ScanNCut gives every project a professional and personal finish.