Please note that this article is being updated frequently so be sure to read all the way to the bottom.
As of Tuesday 4/26, version 3.7.206 became the current version of Silhouette Studio. My advice is that you DO NOT UPDATE at this time. It is a major change in that it requires you to participate in the new Silhouette Cloud in order to use the Library. We have received no information on exactly what this entails and early adopters have experienced issues with lost files and disorganized libraries. You might also want to join me in letting support@silhouetteamerica.com know that you want any cloud features to be optional and that we need more information ahead of major software changes. I’ll keep you posted …
Update: Thanks to all of you that have contacted Silhouette. We have gotten some clarification today and things are sounding more encouraging as the info (we should have had beforehand) is made available. This was posted to the Silh site today (Friday) http://www.silhouetteamerica.com/faq/solution/silhouette-cloud
Update 4/30: I still have a few important unanswered questions in to Silhouette, but the amazing Terri Johnson has a great post that has certainly soothed my nerves.
Update 5/1: Jin Yong and I tend to think a lot alike when it comes to how software ought to work. And, like me, she’s not afraid to tell you like it is. Please check out Jin’s detailed review.
Kay’s position as of now is that version 3.7 doesn’t seem to be anything nefarious, nor does it seem to be quite ready for release. I would wait for a bug fix version if you want to participate in the cloud.
Update 5/10: The bug fix version, 3.7.212 is out. I have been unable to install it due to multiple errors, crashes and failures, and have heard many similar reports. Still can not recommend updating at this time.
Thanks Kay! I always look to you for straight-forward advice.
Thank you Kay. As always, your support of Sil users is the best.
Thanks for the warning. I still mostly use the Legacy version, but occasionally open version 3. The cloud requirement for Cricut is the reason I will never purchase an Explore. I will never use software that requires me to work online and I will let Silhouette know this .
Thank-you for your advise as every time I have upgraded I lose my Designer issue, and I have had endless problems getting it back I would hate to lose my files as well
This is the response I received this morning from Silhouette….. “Thank you for your expressed concern. Please note that the present posting of the Silhouette Cloud is, at this time, an optionally downloaded release. We have made this version of the Studio software available so that users may be able to utilize the Cloud storage features included.”
This is the answer I just got, within minutes of my sending them a message about changing the update for the Cloud to be optional etc.
Hello,
Thank you for your expressed concern. Please note that the present posting of the Silhouette Cloud is, at this time, an optionally downloaded release. We have made this version of the Studio software available so that users may be able to utilize the Cloud storage features included.
The Silhouette Cloud is intended to allow for the sharing of personally created images and folder structures between devices.
After updating to the Cloud version of the Silhouette Studio software and the initial syncing of your Silhouette Studio library to the Cloud, an active internet connection is not required for the use of library images.
All content purchased from the Silhouette Design Store, once downloaded, is stored locally on the device.
As in the presently constituted iteration of Silhouette Studio, an internet connection is required to download newly purchased content and to recover (sync) images to a new device. Additionally, an internet connection would now be required to sync changes made to Cloud library structures or to upload/download personally created content from the Cloud. Any changes made to Cloud Library structures, or uploads initiated, while offline will await an active internet connection to process.
Within the library, there will be sections for the Local User (non-synced) content and Cloud User (synced) content. Upon initial update, any content purchased from the Silhouette Design Store, and their accompanying folders, will be moved into the Cloud User section of the library. Any personally created designs will remain within the Local User section and will not sync unless moved to the Cloud User section.
Please let us know if we can offer further assistance.
What is it with them at Silhuette, are they becoming completely stupid??
Big Thanks kay 🙂
Thank you so much for the info.
My version is 3.6.57ssde. Since the version you are talking about is a 2 point something, am I unaffected?
Oops! Sorry Kay….just saw that you changed the update number from the e-mail that I got. Please disregard my comment.
Thanks, Kay, as always you are right on top of things and thank goodness you are! I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge with us.
Thank you for the info. We own a company that works within the computer industry and have no faith in the security of the cloud. Almost anyone can by the equipment (basically disc drives) and sell the space for cloud storage. The data is spread all over the world and from what we can see, with no security.
Thank you I just emailed them and thankyou for letting me know.
Thank you so much:)
Thank you so much for sharing. As others have stated, I definitely would not want to have the only access to my library via internet.
Per your suggestion, I have sent an e-mail to the address you listed letting them know that this is the reason why I don’t use Cricut and it would definitely effect my satisfaction with their product if I couldn’t access my files because I didn’t have internet every time I use my Cameo.
So glad I didn’t do the update and I will also be spreading the word to others that I know!
Thanks, not needing the Internet is why I love my cameo so much.
Thank you Kay. I’m new to Silhouette and have been counting on helpful people like you to teach me the ins and out of things. I don’t want another this to learn, I am not sure yet how
to work the version I have.
I immediately sent an email to support upon reading your warning. ALL cloud interactions need to be user-requested and under our control. And for me – absolutely minimal.
MacLinda
Thanks for the information. I sent them an email at the support address you listed. Is there any way to download the previous update?
Thanks for you dedication to keeping us informed. I never update till you give your okay!!
I just received a response from Silhouette. They state that you do not have to use the cloud if you don’t want to. It’s a means to facilitate accessing your library between two systems. Your library can remain on your computer under ‘local’ control without using or accessing the cloud.
This sounds like it can be something that could be used to back up your library, or not, it’s a personal choice. But it’s an interesting concept to consider. I use a laptop to connect to my Silhouette, but sometimes when I’m in my office (on the other side of the house from my craft room where my laptop is) if I could access my library using the cloud, I could possibly create in either location in my home. My office desktop is ALWAYS connected to the internet (LOL), my laptop travels with me and internet connection isn’t always available.
That said, I’ll wait until some of the bugs are worked out so my library structure isn’t affected.
So it sounds like we do have a choice, I haven’t personally checked it out, but just passing along the information I received from Silhouette.
Yes, you have a choice, but not with this version. And yes, many of not most of us are going to want to take advantage of the cloud once all our questions are answered and it is proven reliable.
Hi Kay – Yes, I’ll certainly wait for a version that allows me the choice to select which one I would prefer at the time of updating, then be able to use the cloud if I so desired. As I said, I have done nothing as far as updating.
Looks like I was neglectful in saying thank you for the warning! I want to be in charge of making a choice, not have it foisted on me from the get go, as it sounds like it is with the information you’ve provided.
Thank you kindly for posting this helpful information.
Thanks, Kay, for keeping us informed!
Thank you for the warning, to me cloud is useless, I never trusted that gadget. So it would be very nice not to have to use this money grab if we don’t want to.
thanks for the warning!
Thanks for the information – always greatly appreciated!