Hi everyone, was super excited to finally receive my Cricut... Had a friend bring it for me from the US. So I log on to SCAL and MTC to check out/order the software and so disappointed that their applications are no longer compatible with Cricut. What to do? Any options out there? Is Cricut's version the same thing? Totally bummed

I have an early version of SCAL, which still works. The problem is if you get a new/latest version since they were forced to make them non-compatible with cricut. Maybe an early one is available for download somewhere, or perhaps you could email the SCAL developers and ask if you can buy an earlier version? Not sure what their response would be though...

Cricut = good landfill

Get a silhouette and you can use MTC and SCAL

ProvoCraft, makers of Cricut, also make the Gypsy and Design Studio softwared. My limited understanding is that these products allow you to create your layouts, resize, etc, in a PC type environment. The newer products will let you "work" with any of the Cricut cartridges. The downside is that to cut your designs, you must own the cartridge. Any cartridge except those for the Imagine will work with your machine.

There is now an online Craft Room at cricut dot com. Another option for working with cartridges, and it says you can purchase many of them online now (digital download).

It does not seem that any of these options allow you to create your own cutouts without buying cartridges, which was the joy of SCAL and MTC. Because of lawsuits, those are no longer an option. Unless you have an older version, and DO NOT update it, you will not be able to use any of these.

That's what I thought... Wanted them so I can scan/import images other than what's available on the cartridges. My Cricut is a couple of days old! Because of the lawsuit, SCAL won't provide you with the older version. I wanted one of those softwares purely for the flexibility offered, would have been able to scan logos, have Arabic text etc. Arabic calligraphy is beautiful and would have been fantastic to be able to incorporate it with the designs. Darn, can't believe my luck

Check old threads for a program called Fairy- something, I believe. Also, Cricut is coming out with a similar program from what I've read.

theres heaps of copys of the older scal on the net, i have a copy and i dont even own a cricut yet hahaha

What versions of SCAL and MTC are compatible?

I have SCAL 2 and a Cricut Expression that is about 3 years old. I can cut on my Cricut using designs from my SCAL 2. When I purchased SCAL 2 I had to update the firmware for my Cricut before installing SCAL 2. So I am good to go.

But now because the update is done online, Provocraft was able to change the update to prevent SCAL 2 from working on a new Cricut, and SCAL2 had to be edited to not allow it to work with the Cricut.

I can still use my Cricut and SCAL 2 because I did everything before the lawsuit. I have SCAL 2 Version 2.008, Copyright 2003-2006 Vertical Moon. You can try Ebay to see if you can find an earlier version like mine, but you will still have to update your firmware on the Cricut and that will stop you from being able to connect your computer.

Sorry you bought the Cricut without checking everything out. Can you return your Cricut and get a refund?