The xTool C1 Color Cutter takes aim at traditional craft cutters by combining printing, scanning and precision blade cutting in a single desktop workstation.
xTool, the company behind some of the most popular desktop laser engravers on the market, is stepping into new territory with the C1 Color Cutter, a machine that combines scanning, full-colour printing and precision blade cutting in a single desktop workstation. Announced on October 20, the C1 marks the company’s first move into the craft cutter market, a segment traditionally dominated by machines that handle only part of the creative process.
For anyone who has tried making a sheet of custom stickers with a conventional craft cutter, the process can be a hassle. Full-colour projects typically involve printing on a separate inkjet printer, transferring the sheet to a cutting mat and hoping the registration marks line up properly, a process that can waste both material and patience.
The C1 aims to simplify that workflow with a built-in CMYK inkjet printer that applies graphics directly to material placed on the cutting bed. A dynamic blade then trims the design without requiring registration marks, making better use of each sheet. Graphics printed with the company’s Duraproof ink are designed to be waterproof and fade-resistant, while xTool claims prints bonded to textiles can withstand up to 30 home washes.
An integrated Contact Image Sensor completes the package by scanning materials placed on the cutting bed and displaying a 1:1 preview in the companion software, allowing users to position designs precisely, even on leftover scraps. The scanner also supports automatic contour extraction from physical artwork and reads QR codes on official xTool materials to automatically configure cutting parameters. Meanwhile, the AI-powered Atomm creation suite can turn text prompts or images into cut-ready vectors, remove backgrounds with a single click and generate 3D papercraft templates.
Tool compatibility appears extensive, with support for fine-point, deep-point, rotary, and 3 mm cutting blades, plus foil-transfer tips and detail pens. Supported materials range from paper and cardstock to vinyl, faux leather, balsa wood and fabric. An optional roll holder also extends the cutting length to 12 feet, letting users work on larger projects without a cutting mat.
Pre-orders for the xTool C1 open today, with a refundable deposit of $10 USD or $15 CAD through the Canadian storefront. Pricing starts at $469 USD, and early buyers receive a bonus material kit with more than 10 crafting materials, a 20% materials discount card valid for 180 days, and entry into a livestream giveaway for a free unit. Final payments and global shipping are scheduled to begin Nov. 5.
