Yes you do need the cartridges for the design studio software, but you do not need to have the cartridges (really with this you need to have at least one to keep in the machine because it will not load the paper into the machine without one in it doesn't matter which one) for a program called sure cuts a lot. You can download fonts off the the computer from fontspace.com and you can also get free or design your own svg cuts. I own both and I use sure cuts a lot a lot. I love my cricut. you should check out cricut.com and go to the community and read the message boards they are really helpful and a lot of different ideas. I buy all my cartridges off ebay they are a lot cheaper there. you can also buy sure cuts a lot on ebay also. I hope that helped.