Cricut DesignStudio

• DesignStudio is Cricut's in-house software program for its line of personal electronic cutters. When you purchase DesignStudio software, you also purchase the rights to Cricut's entire cartridge database. These cartridges are the templates for creating and cutting different shapes using your Cricut. Because DesignStudio is a Cricut product, it also comes with an online component that links your software to the company; this means any time Cricut adds images to its cartridges library, you'll be able to access and create the images on your computer. Cricut offers DesignStudio to users in two ways -- either by downloading a free trial, or by purchasing the software directly from Cricut or authorized third-party retailers like HSN.
  
  

Software For Macs

• Cricut's DesignStudio software is only compatible with computers running on Microsoft's operating system, specifically, 32-bit or higher versions of Windows XP or Vista. DesignStudio is not compatible with Apple's line of Macintosh computers, although as of July 2011, Cricut's website reports that it has received numerous requests from Cricut users to expand the list of operating systems supported by DesignStudio and is looking to create a version of DesignStudio specifically for Macs. As of July 2011, there is no Cricut cutter software compatible with Macs.
  
  

Third-Party Software

• Prior to April 2010, there were two other major players in the Cricut software market: Make The Cut! and Craft Edge, Inc. Make The Cut! software -- which is still in production -- is compatible with Klic-N-Kut, BossKut and CraftWell cutters, but no longer works with any Cricut products. Likewise, the "Sure Cuts A Lot" by Craft Edge, Inc., is still for sale on the U.S. market for use with the cutters listed above, as well as the Pazzles Inspiration, Silhouette SD and USCutter cutters. The Sure Cuts A Lot is compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems.
  
  

Lawsuits

• In 2010, Provo Craft -- Cricut's parent company -- sued the makers of the Make The Cut! over alleged copyright infringements concerning the creation of third-party software geared to Cricut's line of personal electronic cutters. In March 2011, the makers of the Make The Cut! had settled with Provo Craft and promised to immediately and permanently stop selling software for use with Cricut cutters. A few months earlier, Provo Craft filed a similar suit against Craft Edge, Inc., the maker of Sure Cuts A Lot software. As of July 2011, a settlement in that lawsuit has yet to be reached.