Abstract: An automated means and method for cutting matte board and other soft materials. A matte board having a front display surface and spaced rear surface is placed on a planar support in facing contact with the display surface. After the matte is fixed into position, at least one cutting blade is caused to initially move simultaneously in both a vertical and horizontal direction to make a bevel cut from the rear surface through to the front surface. Once the cutting blade has passed through the front surface, the blade is caused to move horizontally so as to form a bevel cut along a predetermined length of the matte board.