Brother SDX325 User manual

Be sure to read this document before using the machine.
Operation Manual
Cutting Machine
Product Code: 893-Z11

i
Terms of Use
IMPORTANT-PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:
This Terms of Use (“Agreement”) is a legal agreement between Brother Industries, Ltd. (“Company”) and you
that governs your use of any Software, installed on or made available by Company for use with sewing or craft
products (“Company Product”). The term of “Software” means any and all contents data, design data, data
format, firmware of Company Product, and PC application or mobile device application.
By using the Software and Company Product, you shall be deemed to have agreed to be bound by the terms of
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and you are not allowed to use the Software. Amendments and supplements to this Agreement may be attached
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An individual who accepts this Agreement on behalf of an entity represents to Company that he or she has the
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Terms and Conditions
1 Grant of License.
1.1 Subject to this Agreement, Company hereby grants you a personal, non-exclusive, non-
transferable and revocable license to use the Software only within the Company Product.
1.2 Your right to use of the Software is licensed and not sold, and solely for your use subject to this
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2 Restrictions
2.1 Except as expressly set out in this Agreement or as required by any local law, you shall undertake:
2.1.1 not to disassemble, de-compile, reverse engineer, translate or otherwise attempt to learn
the source code of the Software(including the data or contents created by using the
Company Product or contents editing application software; hereinafter the same shall
apply in this Clause 2.);
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unauthorized sewing/craft products or software) other than as provided under Clause 1 of
this Agreement.
3Nowarranty
TO THE EXTENT PERMISSIBLE BY APPLICABLE LAW, THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED TO YOU
"AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, WHETHER ORAL OR
WRITTEN, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. COMPANY SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY, SATISFACTORY QUALITY, NON-
INFRINGEMENT AND/OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
4 Limitation of liability
4.1 COMPANY SHALL NOT BE LIABLE TO YOU, ITS END-USERS OR ANY OTHER ENTITY FOR
ANY LOSS OF PROFITS OR INCOME OR SAVINGS, LOSS OF DATA, INTERRUPTION OF USE,
OR CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE OR INDIRECT DAMAGES
INCURRED BY SUCH PARTY (WHETHER IN AN ACTION IN CONTRACT OR TORT), EVEN IF
COMPANY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, ARISING OUT
OF OR RELATING TO THE SOFTWARE, SUPPORT SERVICE OR THIS AGREEMENT. THESE

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LIMITATIONS SHALL APPLY TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT ALLOWED BY APPLICABLE LAW
NOTWITHSTANDING ANY FAILURE OF ESSENTIAL PURPOSE OF ANY LIMITED REMEDY.
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PURPORT TO EXCLUDE OR RESTRICT COMPANY'S LIABILITY FOR DEATH OR PERSONAL
INJURY RESULTING FROM NEGLIGENCE OR LIMIT THE STATUTORY RIGHTS OF A
CONSUMER.
5Termination
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notice to you if you commit a material breach of any terms of this Agreement and fail to
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shall delete contents or design data created by you from the Company Product in your
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6 Miscellaneous terms
6.1 You shall not export or re-export the Software or any copy or adaptation thereof in violation of
any applicable laws or regulations.
6.2 You shall not assign all or any part of this Agreement to any third party or any interest therein,
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Agreement.
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monetary damages would not be an adequate remedy and Company shall be entitled to seek
equitable relief in addition to any remedies it may have hereunder or at law without a bond,
other security, or proof of damages.
6.4 If any provisions of this Agreement shall be declared or determined as void or unenforceable by a
court of competent jurisdiction, such provisions shall be severable and independent from the
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6.5 This Agreement, together with all exhibits or other attachments referenced herein, constitutes the
entire agreement between the parties on the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all proposals,
oral and written, between the parties on this subject.
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Company does not enforce any rights against you, or if Company delay in doing so, that will not
mean that Company have waived any rights against you and will not mean that you do not have
to comply with those obligations. If Company does waive a default by you, Company will only
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jurisdiction with respect to this Agreement except with regard to enforcement in which case the
jurisdiction of the Japanese Courts shall be non-exclusive.
6.8 The Company may update this Agreement in the below cases: A) When the changes are made for
the users’ benefit, or B) When the updates to the Agreement are adequate, reasonable, and not
contrary to the purposes of the Agreement. The Company will notify you and give you the
opportunity to review any material changes or updates to the Agreement, by posting a notice on
the Company’s website or a website specified by the Company at least 30 days before the
Agreement enters into effect. Once the updated Agreement is in effect, you will be bound by it if
you continue to use the Software.

1
Thank you for purchasing this machine.
Before using this machine or attempting any maintenance, carefully read the “IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS” on the Product Safety Guide, and then read the Operation Manual for the correct operation of
the various functions. In addition, after you have finished reading this manual, store it where it can quickly be
accessed for future reference. Failure to follow these instructions may result in an increased risk of personal
injury or damage to property, including through fire, electrical shock, burns or suffocation.
●This machine is intended for household use.
●This machine is approved for use in the country of purchase only.
●Due to product quality improvements, the specifications or appearance of this machine may change without notice.
●The screens in this manual are for illustration purposes only and may differ from the actual screens.
●The contents of this document are subject to change without notice.
●The contents of this document may not be duplicated or reproduced, partially or in full, without permission.
●We assume no responsibility for damages arising from earthquakes, fire, other disasters, actions of third parties, the user’s
intentional or negligent operation, misuse or operation under other special conditions.
●For additional product information, visit our web site at www.brother.com
Symbols Used in This Document
The following symbols are used in this document.
INTRODUCTION
IMPORTANT NOTICE
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING
Failure to observe instructions with this marking may result in fatal or
critical injuries.
CAUTION
Failure to observe instructions with this marking may result in serious
injuries.

2
Terms of Use .................................................. i
INTRODUCTION .......................................... 1
IMPORTANT NOTICE ................................... 1
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ......... 1
Symbols Used in This Document........................... 1
FEATURES...................................................... 4
Patterns (“Pattern” mode) ...................................... 4
Scanning (“Scan” mode)........................................ 4
Transferring Data using the Wireless Network
Connection Function.............................................. 5
1 GETTING STARTED............6
PARTS AND FUNCTIONS ............................. 6
Unit Descriptions - Front........................................ 6
Unit Descriptions - Rear......................................... 7
Unit Descriptions - Operation Panel ...................... 7
Included Accessories ............................................. 7
BEFORE USE .................................................. 8
Placing the Machine............................................... 8
Removing the Packing Materials............................ 8
Turning On/Off the Machine................................... 8
Preparing for Feeding the Mat ............................... 9
Operation of LCD Panel ......................................... 9
MACHINE SETTINGS .................................. 10
Settings Screen.................................................... 10
Auto Shutdown..................................................... 12
2 BASIC OPERATIONS........13
FIRST STEPS................................................. 13
Selecting the Mat and Blade Appropriate for the
Material................................................................. 13
Reference Table of Mat, Blade and Material
Combinations ....................................................... 15
Attaching the Material to the Mat......................... 18
Installing and Uninstalling the Holder................... 26
Test Cut (Trial Cut) ............................................... 27
PATTERN CUTTING .................................... 31
Tutorial 1 - Cutting Patterns................................. 31
Tutorial 2 - Cutting Advanced Patterns................ 34
Tutorial 3 - Adding a Weeding Box to a Pattern .. 39
PATTERN SELECTION ................................. 41
Selecting a Single Pattern.................................... 41
Selecting Multiple Patterns .................................. 41
3 ADVANCED OPERATIONS ...43
CUTTING AND EDITING FUNCTIONS ...... 43
Pattern Editing Functions..................................... 43
Pattern Editing Functions - Multiple Patterns ...... 44
Mat Layout Screen............................................... 44
Layout Editing Functions...................................... 45
Object Editing Screen .......................................... 46
Undoing an Operation.......................................... 47
Grouping/Ungrouping Patterns............................ 47
Welding (Merging the Outlines of Multiple Patterns)
............................................................................. 49
Adding an Offset Line to the Pattern.................... 50
Aligning Patterns .................................................. 51
Auto Layout Functions ......................................... 53
Scanning a Background Image............................ 53
Character Input Functions.................................... 55
DRAWING FUNCTIONS .............................57
Drawing ................................................................ 57
Cutting Around Drawings..................................... 58
Using Drawing Functions to Fill Patterns/Make
Outlines Thicker ................................................... 62
MEMORY FUNCTIONS ...............................64
Saving .................................................................. 64
Retrieve Data........................................................ 65
Importing Designs ................................................ 66
4 SCANNING FUNCTIONS ... 67
SCANNING FOR CUTTING (Direct Cut).....67
Tutorial 4 - Scanning and Cutting ........................ 67
Advanced Cutting Functions for “Direct Cut” ...... 71
CREATING CUTTING DATA (Scan to Cut
Data)............................................................73
Tutorial 5 - Creating Cutting Data ........................ 73
Adjusting Image Detection Levels........................ 79
SCANNING IMAGES (Scan to USB).............81
Notes on Scanning............................................... 81
Tutorial 6 - Scanning to USB ............................... 81
Selecting the Area to be Saved............................ 83
Transferring an Image to CanvasWorkspace....... 83
5 WIRELESS NETWORK
CONNECTION FUNCTION ... 85
Machine Wireless Network Connection
Settings ........................................................85
Enable the Wireless Network Function ................ 85
Set up the Wireless Network................................ 85
Check the Wireless Network Setup/Status.......... 88
Using the “Others” Menu ..................................... 88
Register Machine Under
CanvasWorkspace........................................89
6 DATA TRANSFER
FUNCTION ......................... 92
Retrieving Data from CanvasWorkspace......92
Retrieve Transferred Patterns from
CanvasWorkspace (Using a Wireless Network) ... 92
Retrieve Transferred Patterns from
CanvasWorkspace (Using a USB Cable) (compatible
only with Windows) .............................................. 93
Batch Download a Pattern Collection from
CanvasWorkspace (compatible only with the Web
version)................................................................. 94
My Connection Function..............................96
CONTENTS

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Retrieving Embroidery Data for Cutting
(Compatible Models Only) .......................... 97
Preparing .phc, .phx or .pes Files ........................ 97
Retrieving the Pattern to the Cutting Machine..... 97
Creating Appliqué Data........................................ 98
Creating Embroidering Line Data......................... 98
7 APPENDIX......................101
CONSUMABLES ........................................ 101
Replacement Criteria.......................................... 101
Replacing the Blade ........................................... 101
CARE AND MAINTENANCE...................... 103
Cleaning ............................................................. 103
Cleaning the Scanner Glass............................... 105
Adjusting the Screen.......................................... 106
Adjusting the Scanning/Cutting Position ........... 106
Adjusting the Position of the Feed Roller........... 108
TROUBLESHOOTING ............................... 109
How can I Find the Wireless Security Information
(Network Name (SSID) and Network
Password)........................................................... 113
ERROR MESSAGES .................................... 114
UPDATING THE SOFTWARE .................... 119
Automatic Update Function ............................... 119
Update Procedure Using USB Flash Drive ........ 120
Update Procedure Using the Application
(CanvasWorkspace) ........................................... 120
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES ........................ 122
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS .................... 123
INDEX ....................................................... 124

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Patterns (“Pattern” mode)
Select a pattern and edit it to create your own design.
By simply loading craft paper or fabric, you can
quickly create precision paper and fabric cutouts.
The editing functions of ScanNCut DX will allow you to
easily edit the built-in patterns to create your own
design.
Scanning (“Scan” mode)
Scan an illustration, photo or your own drawing to
create personalized cut designs. The design can then
be cut out or saved as data.
Without your PC or mobile device, you can scan your
choice of pattern, use/edit the scanned design, and
save the pattern for later use.
FEATURES
Home screen
Select a pattern.
“Tutorial 1 - Cutting Patterns”
on page 31
“Tutorial 2 - Cutting
Advanced Patterns” on
page 34
Scan an image.
“Tutorial 4 - Scanning and
Cutting” on page 67
“Tutorial 5 - Creating Cutting
Data” on page 73
“Tutorial 6 - Scanning to
USB” on page 81

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Transferring Data using the Wireless Network Connection Function
This machine is equipped with a wireless network connection function. With this function, patterns edited in the
dedicated application CanvasWorkspace can be transferred to the machine, or pattern data can be shared with
Brother embroidery machines (*) via a wireless network connection. It is also possible to download software
directly to the machine. Refer to the following to use the wireless network function.
* Compatible models only. For details on compatible models, check http://s.brother/cnxaa/.
* Transferable data can only be sent one file at a time. If continuous transmission operations are performed from any
device, only the most recent file can be recalled by the receiving device.
* Transferred data is sent and received via the shared Temporary Data Pocket. (Excluding uploads to CanvasWorkspace)
1. Connecting to a wireless network:
Touch or in the home screen to specify the wireless network connection settings. For the
connection procedure, refer to “WIRELESS NETWORK CONNECTION FUNCTION” on page 85.
2. Register machine under CanvasWorkspace
In order to save or retrieve patterns using the wireless network function, your machine must first be
registered with CanvasWorkspace.
Log into CanvasWorkspace (Web) to register your machine.
A CanvasWorkspace Login ID is required to use CanvasWorkspace.
If you do not already have a free account, create an account from [Member Registration].
For details, refer to “WIRELESS NETWORK CONNECTION FUNCTION” on page 85.
3. Retrieving/saving patterns:
Patterns can be downloaded or uploaded, without using a USB flash drive. For details, see “Saving” on
page 64 and “Retrieve Data” on page 65.
CanvasWorkspace (Windows/Mac) is a PC based application that allows you to create and edit cutting or
drawing pattern data to download to your cutting machine. This application allows you to edit the pattern data
without an Internet connection.
You can download the application from the Brother support website (http://s.brother/cuoad/).
Also, by accessing CanvasWorkspace (Web) <http://CanvasWorkspace.Brother.com>, you can download
Canvas Project recipes.

6
Chapter 1 GETTING STARTED
Unit Descriptions - Front
aOperation Panel
Allows you to control the unit and specify settings with
the LCD panel and operating buttons. The angle of the
operation panel can be adjusted.
bTool Tray
Stores accessories for easy access during use.
cCarriage
Moves the installed holder for cutting or drawing.
1Holder
Installs in the carriage to cut or draw on craft paper
or fabric. Use the holder designed specifically for
cutting or drawing.
2Holder Guide
The guide secures the holder.
3Holder Lock Lever
Releases the holder when the lever is raised. Locks
the holder when the lever is lowered.
dScanner Lever
Adjusted according to the operation being performed.
For details, see “Preparing for Feeding the Mat” on
page 9.
eGrips
Grasped when moving the machine.
fFeed Rollers
Should be adjusted on the right side when the
optional roll feeder is used. For details, see “Adjusting
the Position of the Feed Roller” on page 108.
gShaft
Drives a feed roller on each end to feed the mat.
hFeeder Release Lever
Locks or releases the shaft when the optional roll
feeder is used. For normal operations, set to the
locked position. For details, see “Adjusting the
Position of the Feed Roller” on page 108.
iTool Holder
Holds accessories upright for easy access during use.
jStorage
Stores accessories.
kFront Tray Cover
Protects the feed rollers, carriage and holder. Open
the cover while the machine is operating.
lFeed Slot
Feeds in the mat when it is loaded.
PARTS AND FUNCTIONS
h
i
a
b
c
e
d
e
fgk
j
l
f
a
b
c

7
1
Unit Descriptions - Rear
aUSB Port (for a USB flash drive)
Allows a USB flash drive to be connected for saving
and recalling data.
bUSB Port (for a computer)
Allows a USB cable to be connected for saving and
recalling data. For Computers and Operating
Systems, see “Connecting Your Machine to the
Computer” on page 93.
cScanner Glass (inside of machine)
Can be maintained after the rear tray has been
removed. For details, see “Cleaning the Scanner
Glass” on page 105.
dSlot
Allows a mat to be fed back and forth during an
operation. Do not place any objects near the slot that
would prevent the mat from being fed out.
eRear Tray
Supports the mat when it is fed out of the slot during
operation. Be sure to pull out this tray before using the
machine.
fAC Power Jack
gAC Power Cord
Unit Descriptions - Operation Panel
aLCD Panel
Displays operation screens, preview images of
patterns and error messages.
bPower Button
Turns the machine on/off.
cPower Indicator
Lights up when the machine is turned on, and flashes
when the machine enters the sleep mode (power-
saving mode) or the machine’s software is being
updated.
dHome Button
Displays the home screen (starting screen for
operating this machine).
eFeed Button
Feeds the loaded mat in to or out from the feed slot.
Be sure to press this button to feed the mat when
loading or unloading it.
fPause/Stop Button
Stops or pauses operation being performed by the
machine.
Included Accessories
For details on the included accessories, refer to the
“Included Accessories” insertion.
a
cg
d
f f
e
b
a
b
d
f
e
c

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Placing the Machine
Open the front cover, and check that the entire cover
fits completely within the area of the desktop. When
using a cutting mat, since the mat travels back and
forth, make sure to keep enough space behind the
machine.
a30 cm or more of open space
Removing the Packing Materials
Before turning on the machine, open the front tray
cover, and then remove all shipping tapes (in front
and back of the machine) and the cardboard shock-
absorbing material.
aShipping tape
bCardboard shock-absorbing material
Note
• If the packing materials were removed after the
machine was turned on, turn the machine off,
then on again. Continuing to use the machine
without restarting it may result in incorrect
operation.
Turning On/Off the Machine
aConnect the power cord to the machine.
aPower cord
bPlug the power cord into an electrical outlet.
cPress in the operation panel.
When the opening screen appears, touch anywhere on
the display.
When the following message appears, touch the
“OK” key.
BEFORE USE
1
b
a
a

9
1
The home screen appears.
Memo
• LCD panels commonly have bright spots
(permanently lit dots) and dark spots (unlit
dots). It may cause some unexpected luminous
spots to appear and tiny picture elements to be
missed in the screen. Please note that this is
not a sign of malfunction.
dTo turn off the machine, press in the
operation panel.
eUnplug the power cord from the electrical
outlet.
fDisconnect the power cord from the machine.
Preparing for Feeding the Mat
aPull out the rear tray.
Before using the machine, be sure to pull out the rear
tray.
bRaise the scanner lever (on the left side of the
machine) to “2”.
Memo
• Before scanning thin material, set the lever to
“1”. Leaving the lever raised may result in
blurred scans.
Operation of LCD Panel
After the machine is turned on, the operation screens
appear in the touch panel. To perform operations in
the screens, use the included touch pen (stylus).
Note
• Never use a hard or pointed object, such as a
mechanical pencil or screwdriver, to make a
selection on the screens. Otherwise, damage to
the machine may result.

10
Settings Screen
From the LCD panel, touch to select and adjust
the settings for each function.
This section contains descriptions of the machine
settings which will appear when is selected on
the home screen.
■Group 1
aTouch to display the previous or next item.
* Swiping the touch pen (stylus) over the screen
will also display a different screen.
bTouch to finish specifying settings.
Language
Select the display language. Touch this button, select
the desired display language, and then touch the
“OK” key.
Unit
Select either millimeters or inches as the displayed
measurement units.
Cut Area
Specify the area for cutting/drawing according to the
size of material to be used. Touch this button, and
then touch and drag the area resizing keys to specify
the area. When using a 12" × 24" (305 mm × 610 mm)
mat, touch to select a larger mat size, and
then specify the area size. When using a 12" × 12"
(305 mm × 305 mm) mat, touch .
aArea resizing key (Using the touch pen (stylus),
touch the key, and then drag it around the
screen to specify the area.)
bMat size key
• Touch the “OK” key to apply the settings.
Touch to return to the previous screen
without applying the settings.
Pattern Interval
Specify the spacing between patterns as well as white
space around the edges of cutting area when patterns
on the mat layout screen are automatically arranged.
The larger the number setting, the further spacing
between patterns.
Note
• Set the pattern interval to “3” or higher when
lightweight fabric is attached to the mat with a
high tack adhesive fabric support sheet.
• Set the pattern interval to “5” or higher when
using the rotary auto blade.
Background
Adjust the contrast of a background image scanned
with the background scanning function. For details,
see “Scanning a Background Image” on page 53.
■Group 2
Cut Speed
Adjust the cutting speed.
Cut Pressure
Adjust the cutting pressure.
Cut Pressure (Manual Blade)
Specify the cutting pressure when the optional
manual blade is used.
MACHINE SETTINGS
b
a
a
b
b

11
1
Cut Amount
Specify the cutting depth. Adjust the blade cut
amount when a pattern with a sharp corner is cut from
soft, thick material.
Half Cut
Select whether or not to make half-cuts. For details,
see “Half Cut (Kiss Cut) Settings” on page 30.
Cut Pressure (Half Cut)
Specify the cutting pressure for half-cuts.
Cut Mode (Rotary Blade)
Select the cutting mode for when using the rotary auto
blade holder. For details, refer to the instruction
manual of the rotary auto blade kit.
Blade Adjustment Area
Select from 1/4, 2/4, 3/4 or whole cutting area to be
used for blade adjustment. Before cutting out a
pattern, this machine performs an automatic blade
adjustment, which adjusts the direction of the blade
outside of the adhesive area of the mat.
• With each press of the left or right arrow key,
the size of the blade adjustment area changes
by 1/4.
a1/4
b2/4
c3/4
dEntire area
Blade Adjustment Area (Rotary Blade)
Set the blade adjustment area for when using the
rotary auto blade holder.
For details, refer to the instruction manual of the rotary
auto blade kit.
Draw Speed
Adjust the drawing speed.
Draw Pressure
Adjust the drawing pressure. Adjustments to the
drawing pressure will affect the finished product. Use
the same material that the pattern will be drawn on to
make the adjustments in advance. If the pressure is
too high, the pen tip may be damaged. Adjust the
pressure appropriately.
■Group 3
Seam Allowance
Specify the seam allowance. This is applied when
drawing on fabric, then cutting it, for example, when
making quilt pieces. For details, see “Cutting Around
Drawings” on page 58.
Memo
• When multiple patterns are cut at the same
time, the setting specified in this screen is
applied to all patterns.
• If cutting line data saved with a different seam
allowance is imported and used, the setting
specified in this screen will have priority over
the saved setting.
Fill
Select the design that will be used to fill patterns. For
details, see “Using Drawing Functions to Fill Patterns/
Make Outlines Thicker” on page 62.
Additional Line
With [Number of Additional Line], specify the number
of lines to be added. With [Additional Line Spacing],
specify the spacing of the lines to be added.
Memo
• For details for Fill and Additional Line setting,
refer to “Using Drawing Functions to Fill
Patterns/Make Outlines Thicker” on page 62.
■Group 4
Auto Shutdown
Specify the length of time for the auto shutdown
function. The setting can be specified in 1-hour
increments. For details, see “Auto Shutdown” on
page 12.
Buzzer Sound
Select whether or not an operation sound is
produced, for example, when a key is touched.
Opening Screen
Select whether the opening slide show is displayed
after the machine is turned on. If the slide show is
displayed, touch the screen to display the home
screen.
1234

12
Scanning/Cutting Position Adjustment
The scanning/cutting position can be adjusted. To
adjust the position, touch this button to display the
settings screen. For details, see “Adjusting the
Scanning/Cutting Position” on page 106.
■Group 5
No.
Displays the number for this machine.
Ver.
Displays the version information for this software.
Touch this button to update the machine’s software.
For details, see “UPDATING THE SOFTWARE” on
page 119.
Machine Information
Touch this button, this page displays machine
information.
■Group 6
Network
Touch this button to set up a wireless network. For
details, refer to “WIRELESS NETWORK
CONNECTION FUNCTION” on page 85.
Memo
• The wireless network connection can also be
set up by touching or in the home
screen.
■Group 7
CanvasWorkspace
Touch this button to specify settings for registering
the machine with CanvasWorkspace. These settings
are necessary in order to transfer patterns via a
wireless network connection. For details, refer to
“WIRELESS NETWORK CONNECTION FUNCTION”
on page 85.
■Group 8
Premium Functions
Activate optional accessories and specify settings for
their functions.
Auto Shutdown
If the machine is not used for a specified length of
time, it will automatically turn off. The length of time
until the machine turns off can be specified in the
settings screen.
If the machine is automatically turned off after you
reach the mat layout screen, the stored information
can be recalled when the machine is turned on
again. Following the instructions in the message
screen that appear when the machine is turned on
again, touch the “OK” key to display the mat layout
screen or touch the “Cancel” key to return to the
home screen.
aMessage screen
bMat layout screen
cHome screen
If the machine is automatically turned off before you
reach the mat layout screen, the home screen will be
displayed when the machine is turned on again.
a
b
c

13
2
Chapter 2 BASIC OPERATIONS
The following procedures describe basic operations, from preparing the material to performing trial cutting.
1. Selecting the Mat and Blade Appropriate for the Material .................P.13
2. Reference Table of Mat, Blade and Material Combinations ...............P.15
3. Attaching the Material to the Mat..........................................................P.18
4. Installing and Uninstalling the Holder ...................................................P.26
5. Test Cut (Trial Cut) ..................................................................................P.27
Selecting the Mat and Blade Appropriate for the Material
Refer to the following table and the “Reference Table of Mat, Blade and Material Combinations” on page 15 for
the appropriate mat, sheet for fabric cutting, and blade according to the material to be used for cutting or
drawing.
Depending on the machine model, some accessories listed in the chart may not be included. In that case, they
must be purchased separately.
FIRST STEPS
Mat
Sheet for fabric cutting
Use one of the following sheets
when cutting fabric.
Standard tack
adhesive mat
Our standard tack adhesive mat has a
high adhesive strength for use with
cutting.
* Use the low tack adhesive mat with
copy paper and smooth paper.
Since the standard tack adhesive
mat has a high adhesive strength,
materials may remain stuck to the
mat, causing the mat to become
unusable.
Iron-on fabric
appliqué
contact sheet
(white backing)
(See page 19)
• Reinforces the fabric so that various
patterns can be cut out.
• Original texture may change
because it remains attached to the
back of fabric.
* For use with the standard tack
adhesive mat.
* Do not place fabric backed with
iron-on contact sheet directly onto a
mat with high tack fabric support
sheet.
Low tack
adhesive mat
Low adhesive mat; suitable for copy
paper and smooth paper.
High tack
adhesive fabric
support sheet
(See page 23)
• For best results when cutting fabric,
attach the high tack adhesive fabric
support sheet to the standard tack
adhesive mat in order to increase
the strength of the adhesive.
• Depending on the shape, the pattern
may not be cleanly cut.
Fabric Mat Suitable for cutting quilt pieces of thin
cotton material (0.25 mm) and flannel
(0.5 mm). No sheet for fabric cutting
required.

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Auto Blade Holder (Blade)
Auto Blade (Black) • Blade suitable for cutting a variety of materials such as paper, thick fabric, vinyl, or
sponge sheets (0.1 mm to 3.0 mm thick, varies by material).
Thin Fabric Auto Blade
(Beige)
• Blade suitable for quilt pieces without interlining (0.25 mm to 0.5 mm thick, varies by
material).
Vinyl Auto Blade (Blue) • Blade suitable for cutting fine patterns. Use it with vinyl sticker sheets and iron heat
transfer sheets (0.1 mm to 1.0 mm thick, varies by material).
• Use it installed to the vinyl auto blade holder (included with the vinyl auto blade kit).
Rotary Auto Blade
(Turquoise)
• Blade that can minimize fraying and shape collapse of the cloth when peeling the
material from the mat, and suitable for maintaining the texture of cloth while cutting
(0.1 mm to 1.0 mm thick, varies by material).
• Use it installed to the rotary auto blade holder (included with the rotary auto blade
kit).

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2
Reference Table of Mat, Blade and Material Combinations
Use a mat and blade appropriate for the material, as referred to in this table. You can also check the latest
reference table at http://s.brother/cfokb/.
Before using materials from your project, test attaching the material to check the adhesion to the mat.
The optimal blade type will vary depending on the type or thickness of the material. Perform a test cut before
cutting the material. For test cutting, refer to “Test Cut (Trial Cut)” on page 27. Depending on the material, the
appropriate combination may differ from the table below. Always perform a test cut to be sure the material can
be cut without a problem.
If a problem cannot be resolved, check the Q&A on the Brother support website (http://s.brother/cpoac/).
Note
• The blade holder included with this machine is an auto blade holder. It detects the thickness of the material and
automatically adjusts the blade length.
• Thick or hard materials are automatically cut multiple times.
■Paper and Other Materials
* When cutting paper with a smooth surface
Material Thickness
Mat (for ScanNCut DX) Auto Blade Holder (Blade)
Standard Tack
Adhesive Mat
Low Tack
Adhesive Mat Auto Blade (Black) Vinyl Auto Blade (Blue)
Printer paper 80 g/m² (0.1 mm) 
Scrapbook paper
(thin)
120 g/m²
(0.15 mm) 
Scrapbook paper
(medium-thick)
200 g/m²
(0.25 mm) *
Cardstock 280 g/m²
(0.35 mm) *
Vellum, tracing paper 0.07 mm 
Poster board 400 g/m²
(0.5 mm) 
Plastic sheet (PP) 0.2 mm 
Vinyl 0.2 mm  
Magnet 0.3 mm 
Sticker or seal 0.2 mm 
Foam sheet 3 mm 

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■Fabric
*1 Attach the high tack adhesive fabric support sheet to the mat to use it. It is also possible to use the fabric mat by itself.
*2 Attach the iron-on fabric appliqué contact sheet to the fabric material to use it.
Memo
• When using a 12" × 12" (305 mm × 305 mm) mat, the maximum work area for cutting/drawing is 296 mm × 298
mm (11.65" × 11.73").
• When using an optional 12" × 24" (305 mm × 610 mm) mat, the maximum work area for cutting/drawing is 296
mm × 603 mm (11.65" × 23.74").
• Some fabrics with uneven surfaces can be cut if turned upside down.
Material Thickness
Mat (for ScanNCut DX) Auto Blade Holder (Blade)
Standard Tack
Adhesive Mat
Low Tack
Adhesive Mat
Auto Blade
(Black)
Thin Fabric
Auto Blade
(Beige)
Rotary Auto
Blade
(Turquoise)
Thin cotton fabric
(for quilt piece) 0.25 mm
*1
 
Thin cotton fabric
(except for quilt
piece)
0.25 mm
*2
 
Flannel (for quilt
piece) 0.5 mm
*1
 
Flannel (except for
quilt piece) 0.5 mm
*2
 
Felt 1 mm   
Felt 3 mm *2
Denim 14 oz 0.75 mm *2
Jersey 1 mm   
Lace 0.1 mm -
1mm  
Organza 0.1 mm -
1mm  

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2
Note
• Avoid using craft paper or fabric covered with decorative layer (that can easily separate), such as lamé or foil.
The separate layer may stick to the machine’s scanning device or feed rollers during operation, resulting in
damage to the machine. It may also damage the cutting blade. When using such material, be sure to clean the
scanner glass inside the machine after every use (page 105).
• Tape material that can easily peel off, such as foam sheets, to secure it in place.
• Be careful since tape with an extremely high adhesive strength may damage the mat.
• Do not affix masking tape, etc., over the scanning marks. Otherwise, the mat may not be correctly recognized or
images may not be correctly scanned.
aScanning marks
• Do not affix tape on both long edges of the cutting mat as it may attach to the feed rollers during operation.
• Do not attach any material or tape that will go beyond the adhesive area of the mat as the auto blade holder
may not recognize the material thickness and may not accurately cut the material.
a
a