If you have been wondering about how to use Cricut Design Space with your Cricut then this post is for you! This post will explain the basics of the program along with some tips which will allow you to make awesome designs with your Cricut machine.
This post has been updated as of 3/2021.
This post contains affiliate links. This means, if you make a purchase through my links, I’ll receive a small portion of your purchase at no extra cost to you.
First, let’s open up Cricut Design Space. This tutorial uses the desktop computer version of Design Space.
You should see a screen similar to the one below.
You will notice that the top row is “My Projects”. You can click the green “View All” to see all your saved projects. If you would like to continue working on a project or edit a previous project, you can select it by clicking on the project.
If you keep scrolling down the page you can also browse any of the Ready to Make projects in the “Cricut Access” section. Ready to Make projects are projects that are already done for you and are super awesome! (You can read more about Ready to Make Projects on THIS post.) Make sure to click “View All” to see all of them if you want.
If you scroll even further down the page you will see projects from the Cricut Community. This are projects designed by Cricut users (like you!) that are shared to the community so you can make the project too. Again, click on “View All” if you want to see more of these projects. There are some pretty fun ones!
Let’s start a New Project. Scroll back up to the top of our page. You can select the “New Project” button either by clicking on the “+” symbol under “My Projects” or by clicking on the green “New Project” button in the top right-hand corner. A new blank canvas will open up.
If you have multiple Cricut machines, make sure the machine type you will be using for your project is selected in the menu on the top right of the window, as that will change some of the options available depending on your machine. If you only have one machine, your machine type should appear in the top right hand corner.
On the left hand side of your window you will see seven different menu options:
NEW
TEMPLATES
PROJECTS
IMAGES
TEXT
SHAPES
UPLOAD
I will explain what each of these options do in the following screen shots.
NEW PROJECT OPTION
Use this option at any time to start a new project and get a blank canvas. After you click on it you will be prompted if you want to save your current project or replace it with a blank canvas.
TEMPLATES TOOL
This is where you can set a specific type of template to help you visualize how your design will look on a certain item. It can be helpful for spacing and sizing. The template is not cut out. I usually just use a blank canvas, but that’s just my preference.
On some of the templates you can change the sizing in the drop down menu to match what you are working on. In the example below the apron size can be changed from Adult to Kid.
PROJECTS
Use this option to see all the available Cricut Access (Ready to Make Projects) These are projects that are already completed for you and you can just make them! Some of the projects are customizable once you open them.
You can search specifically for projects included with Cricut Access by using the drop down menu. There are also other categories such as “Free” or “Free for Cricut Joy” These free projects are great to try out if you are just learning to use your machine.
INSERT IMAGES TOOL
When you click on the Images tool, you will see the Cricut library of images open. This is where you can select from thousands of images that can be inserted into your project. You can search for a specific image by using the search bar, or you can select from a category below the search bar.
Let’s search for “heart” as an example.
Once, you type in heart in the search bar, all of images associated with that search term will appear. You can see there are 10,337 results. On the left hand side you will notice Filters. You can use these Filters to narrow down your results so you don’t have to search through all ten thousand images!
Click on the plus symbol next to each filter to open up your options. Click the minus symbol to close the options.
To select a filter, check the box next to it. For example, I clicked on “Cards” under Project type. Now the results will show cards with hearts, my original search term, and there are only 119 results. Much easier to look through.
You can select multiple filters at once which will narrow your search even more. There are options for Project Type, Operation Type, Image Complexity, Layers, Ownership, Brand, Material, and even Language. As you are searching images, you may change your mind on a filter, simply uncheck any filters you don’t want to use.
If you have Cricut Access and want to see only images that come with Cricut Access than make sure to check the box next to that filter at the very top. The images with the green “a” in the left corner are ones that are included with your Cricut Access (Click HERE to read more about Cricut Access.)
If you are not a Cricut Access member, a very helpful filter is the “free” one if you scroll down the page. Check this filter to see all the free images available with your search term.
Click on the image you would like to insert on to your canvas to select it. You can select multiple images at once. Selected images will be highlighted by a green box, and a small version of the image will appear at the bottom of the screen to show you what images you are going to insert. Click on the “Insert” button.
LINETYPE
Depending on which Cricut machine you have, there are various numbers of linetypes. The Cricut Maker has the most tools and therefore the most linetypes. For the Maker there are 8 different kinds of Linetypes depending on which blade (or pen) you are using. 
Cut: Usually the Fine Tip Blade (Cricut Maker, Explore Air 2 and Cricut Joy), but can also be Deep Cut (Cricut Maker, Cricut Explore Air 2), Knife Blade (Cricut Maker), Rotary Blade (Cricut Maker))
Draw: Pens (Cricut Joy, Cricut Explore Air 2, Cricut Maker)
Score: Scoring stylus (Cricut Explore Air 2 or Cricut Maker) or Scoring Wheel (Cricut Maker)
Engrave: Engraving Tip (Cricut Maker)
Deboss: Debossing Tip (Cricut Maker)
Wave: Wavy Blade (Cricut Maker)
Perf: Perforation blade (Cricut Maker)
Foil: Foil transfer kit, (Purchased separately that works with the Cricut Maker or Cricut Explore Air 2)
If you have a Cricut Explore Air 2, you will see the Cut, Draw, Score and Foil options.
If you have a Cricut Joy machine, you will see only two types of Linetypes, Cut and Draw.
Change your linetype to match the type of blade you will be using. Depending on what you choose, your image may change slightly. For example, when you select Draw from the Linetype Menu, the heart changes into a draw image and is no longer filled in. With Draw selected, you can click on the box next to the linetype to change the color.
You can also change the pen type by clicking on the drop down box within that menu. You’ll notice your line thickness of your image changes depending on the pen type selected.
If you have a cut image that you would like to print instead, select your image, and click on the Fill drop down menu. Select Print. Your cut image is now a printable image. For Print then Cut projects you will send your image to your printer and then your Cricut will cut it out. (Note: Print then Cut only works with the Cricut Maker and Cricut Explore Air 2 Machine, not the Cricut Joy.)
If you would like to change your image color or fill it with a pattern, click on the little box to the right of the Fill option. You can select a color swatch to make it that exact color, or click on the advanced menu to select a different color.
To select a pattern, click on the pattern and a large check mark will appear. You can also click on the Edit Pattern option at the bottom to edit your pattern.
You can change the scale (size) or your pattern by sliding the circle to the right or left or by changing the number in the drop down menu.
You can also change the placement of the pattern by changing the vertical and horizontal coordinates. You can also rotate or flip the pattern with the other options.
You can also change your material color for a cut image by selecting another color in the drop down menu. The material color you choose is what mat the machine will choose to cut those layers that are that color. For example if I make one circle pink and one circle red, they will cut on two different mats. If I want them on the same mat, make sure the color is the same.
When you insert a shape or design, you can click on the little lock bottom in the bottom left corner to unlock the shape. This allows you to freely size the shape. If you wanted an exact size shape you can also select the shape and change the numbers in the menu above. There are also options to rotate your shape or position it to an exact location.
TEXT TOOL
Next, let’s talk about the text tool.
When you select this option a text box will appear and you can type your desired text. The text you typed will then appear on your canvas.
To edit your text you will use the options in the tool bar across the top when your text is selected.
In the first drop down box you can change your Font. You can select from All Fonts, System Fonts (meaning ones from your computer) or Cricut fonts to browse. You can also use the search bar to look for a specific font.
A great feature is to use the Filter option on the far right side of the text menu. This allows you to filter your search. You can select either just one filter or you can select multiple criteria such as “My Fonts” and “Writing”. This will then only show results that meet both of those criteria. Writing is a great one to filter if you are looking for fonts to use your Cricut pens. In the example below I have selected “My Fonts” and “Writing” as my filters, so the only ones that show up meet those two criteria. Just click the options again to deselect them on your filters.
Multi-layer fonts are ones that have a shadow. When you type your text the default is that the shadow layer is hidden. You can simply click on the eye icon to show the shadow again. I selected a multi-layer font below, but the shadow layer is hidden until I click on the eye icon and have it shown again.
You will also notice some other text options such as Font Style, Font Size, Letter and Line Space, and Alignment. These are options you are probably used to, but you can click around for a few minutes and familiarize yourself with them.
Letter Space is a great tool to use when you have cursive letters and you want them to be closer together so they touch. Simply decrease the letter spacing by selecting the down arrow. You can see that I decreased the letter space for the word below. The font I have selected below is a “Writing” style font, meaning I can use pens to write when I make my project. Fonts that do not have a writing style will be the outline of the text (the text is not filled in when you make a project).
If you would like to edit an individual letter in your text, select your text on the canvas, click on “Ungroup” in the right hand corner. I use this to be able to rotate my letters, place them where I would like them or if I want a certain letter to be larger then the rest. Once you are done editing the text, select it again, right click and click group so all your text can be moved and edited together again.
In the image above, my letter are isolated so I can select each one separately and rotate them.
You can also use the Curve tool to curve your text. Select the text you wish to curve and slide the bar right or left to either curve your text downwards or upwards.
SHAPES TOOL
You can use this option to insert basic shapes into your design like a circle, square, heart, line etc. I will go into more detail on how you can edit these shapes later on in this post.
UPLOAD TOOL
This is where you can upload your very own images and designs. When you click on it you will see this screen below. You have the option to upload an image or a pattern fill. You can either drag and drop a file or selected a file by clicking on browse. Files must be .jpg, .gif, .png, .bmp, .svg, or .dxf. At the bottom of your screen you will see your recently uploaded images. *Patterns you upload will appear on the main canvas next to the fill menu, under print type, pattern.
This tool is really useful if your file is already in the .svg format. Files purchased from Etsy, etc. should have that as an option and be ready to use and you won’t need to do the following steps. Cleaning up other kinds of files can be a little tricky and works best with simpler, clean images. However, if you are willing to put in the time, you can also clean up harder images. For example, many people use this option to upload a photo of a loved ones handwriting to make into a keepsake.
Click on Upload Image and you will see the screen below. For example I selected a screen shot of my logo to upload.
Once you have selected a file, you will need to choose an image type. Each type has a short description next to it. Most often I use the complex image selection. Click on continue.
* Note: if your image is in .svg format already, it will be ready to use and just ask you to save the image you uploaded.
On this screen you will be able to use the tools on the left to erase the background and parts of your image you don’t want. There is the Wand, Eraser and Crop tool. You can also play around with the advanced options and reduce the number of colors in your image to try and make it easier to clean up. Please note, your final cut image will only be as good as your original image. If you have a grainy picture to start with, you will probably end up with a poor cut image.
In the example below, I used the Wand tool to erase the background of my logo. It now appears as a blue checkerboard background.
I used the Wand tool to also erase the mint flag behind my logo name. Then I used use the erase tool to remove the dots. You can click on the Preview button to see what your cut image will look like. This will allow you to erase any parts you don’t want showing up in your final image.
Once you are satisfied with your image, click on continue. Now, you will have two options to save your image: Save as Print then Cut Image or Save as Cut Image. I prefer to save my files almost always as a Print then Cut image. This allows me to be able to print the image if I wanted to OR cut it. If you save as just a Cut Image, you cannot make it a printable image if you change your mind.
Now that we’ve discussed the left hand side of the canvas, let’s discuss the options that are the right hand side.
LAYERS MENU
When you have the Layers Menu open on the right hand side of your screen, you will notice some different options on the very bottom- Slice, Weld, Attach, Flatten and Contour. These will be important when you are making your designs.
Slice– Split two overlapping layers into parts
Weld– Join multiple layers into one shape
Attach-Hold images into position for cutting, or adds writing to image layer
Flatten– Merge layers to a single printable image (very important when using Print then Cut)
Contour– Hide/Unhide lines on a layer
The Layers menu will show all of the different texts and images you have on your canvas. Each is it’s own layer. If you click on a layer, you will notice the menu bar across the top of the screen change.
COLOR SYNC TOOL
Another option on the left hand side of the screen is the Color Sync tool. It has a brief description right on the menu of what it does when you select it. You can drag and drop different layers to make them the same color. This helps when you are cutting out projects with multiple colors because it will ensure you are cutting all the pieces that are the same color at the same time. This will save you so much time of having to switch the materials you are cutting back and forth because you will cut all the same color at the same time!
HOW TO USE THE SLICE, WELD, ATTACH, FLATTEN AND CONTOUR TOOLS
SLICE TOOL
The Slice tool is used to slice two overlapping layers. You can only slice two layers at a time. This tool is useful if you want to cut out a shape or text from another shape in order to create new shapes. It is also very useful when you want a layered design but don’t want overlapping parts on top of each other.
Select your two layers to slice and click on the Slice tool. 
This will slice your two layers into three new layers as in the picture below. You can think of this process as using a cookie cutter and cutting cookie dough. When you are done slicing an image you will have the “cookie cutter” piece, the “cookie” piece, and the remaining “dough” piece or pieces.
You can delete any layers that you don’t want in your final design either by selecting them on the layer menu and hitting delete on your keyboard, or by right clicking and selecting delete.
WELD TOOL
The Weld tool is used to join images and/or text to create a single image. It removes any overlapping cut lines in the images or text. Weld is permanent. Once you have welded an image you cannot un-weld it!
TIP: If you think you may need something un-welded later on, make a copy of your images before welding. Make sure they are all selected then group them together using the Group tool on the Layers menu. Use the little eye symbol on the right-hand side of your group on the Layers menu to hide the group. Later on in your project if you need the un-welded images, simply click on the eye to un-hide them. If you don’t need them later on you can delete those layers.
When you weld, the layers you have selected will become one layer and one image.
ATTACH TOOL
If you want the Cricut to cut out something exactly how you have it on your canvas you will want to use the Attach option. 
The other function of the Attach tool is to attach a write or score line to a cut layer. For example, if you have text you want to write on an image, you will need to attach it.
FLATTEN TOOL
The Flatten tool is used with the Print then Cut feature in Design Space. It takes a multiple-layered image and “flattens” it into a single layer.
For example, in the image below I have two layers: text and a heart image. Notice that they are both cut images. Click on the Flatten tool.
Now, the layers have become one layer that is both cut and print. Your Cricut machine will print the text, but cut out the heart. You’ll also notice you can unflatten an image, or make it multiple layers again, by clicking Unflatten.
One problem I see a lot of people run into is having individual letters or images cut out when they don’t want them to. Notice in the screen shot below that I attached two printable cut images. They each have their own layer.
In this example, you would print out the heart with the words on it. But instead of just cutting out the heart, the Cricut machine would also cut out the letters in Love, which you don’t want. So make sure to flatten your images!
CONTOUR TOOL
The contour tool is probably one of the most under-utilized tools in my opinion. To be honest I didn’t really understand it at first. But now that I do, I find myself using it more often.
The contour tool is used to remove or hide unwanted pieces of an image or cut lines. It will only work with cut images and one layer.
For example, if you didn’t want to cut out all the pieces in the butterfly image below, select it and click on contour.
You can either click on pieces directly in the image or on the right-hand side menu which you which to remove. Images will appear light grey in the image or be highlighted meaning they are removed.
Click on the X to close the contour window. Now, you’ll see your image with the removed cuts.
Alternately, you could select the main portion of the butterfly in the Contour window to remove. This would leave you with just the butterfly markings to cut out. This could be useful if you planned to cut out a butterfly and then cut our vinyl butterfly markings.
Another example, uses this Hello I’m New Here Image. If you just wanted the “Hello” part of the image to cut out, click on Contour.
Select each piece of the “I’m New Here”. Click on the X to close the Contour window.
Now, just the “Hello” will be cut out.
OTHER IMPORTANT TIPS
When you are ready to make your project you will click on Make It in the top right corner. . 
This will open the mat preview screen where there are a lot of options you can change. First of all, when you click on your image, three little dots will appear in the corner and an arrow will also appear. The three little dots give you the options to move your image to another mat or hide it. (In this example there is only have one mat right now, but later on in the example I will use the move option.) If you didn’t want the selected image to cut you would select the Hide option.
The circular arrow on the right of the image allows you to rotate your image how you would like it cut. You can also move your image where you would like it on the mat.
MAKE MULTIPLE PROJECT COPIES
Another important option is Project Copies in the top left corner. Here you can select how many copies you want to cut out of your image
Select 8 copies by typing it in the box or using the drop down menu. Select Apply and 8copies will populate on the screen, and there are now two mats.
To move one of the hearts to the first mat, click on the image, use the three dot option to select “move it” , and then select which mat. Use the rotate tool to make the image fit on my first mat. You can see on the left hand side that there are now 5 hearts on one mat and three on the other.
CHANGE YOUR MAT SIZE
Design Space defaults to 12X12 material size but you can also change to your desired size right in the preview screen. Click on the drop down menu and pick which size material you are using.
Below the 12X24 size is selected and now all the hearts fit on one mat. The next step is to click continue and then cut out my images.
CHANGE THE CANVAS GRIDLINES
You can change the gridlines that show on your canvas. Simply click on the corner square by the zero mark, Clicking the square once will make the smaller grid lines disappear.
Clicking it twice will make all gridlines disappear. And clicking a third time will reset the gridlines as they were in the beginning.
FIND OUT WHAT FONT OR IMAGE YOU USED
If you want to find out what image you used you can right click on the image itself or right click on it in the Layers menu. This will bring up a drop down menu.
Click on Image Info and you will see the exact number of the image you used.
You can search for that exact image using the entire number including the hashtag in the image search in Cricut Design Space. This image number is #M3C305.
You can also use this feature to find out a font that you used if you can’t remember. Once you weld fonts or otherwise manipulate them, the font name disappears from the Layers menu. Again, right click on the font to see the image info. In the example below the image info tells us the font name is Dream Catcher.
COMBINE MULTIPLE PROJECTS INTO ONE
You can combine multiple projects into one project on Cricut Design Space very easily.
Open up the project you want to copy. Open a new window in Cricut Design Space. You can select another project you wish to copy to in this window, or just choose a blank project. Select the image or images you wish to copy and right click on them. Select Copy from the menu. In your new window, right click and select Paste. Now your images from your other project will be in this window.
You can select images from multiple projects to copy by opening them up and following the same steps.
USE PRINT THEN CUT TO PREVIEW INFUSIBLE INK PATTERNS
Here’s a little tip I like to use to see a mock-up of how an Infusible Ink Design will look.
Find the Infusible Ink pattern you are using on Cricut’s website. Click on the swatch and take a screen shot of the pattern.
Use the Upload tool in Cricut Design Space and select Pattern Fill. Make sure to name your pattern after the Infusible Ink you used.
Select your image you wish to mock-up and change it to a print image in the Fill menu. Select the square next to Fill and select Pattern in the drop down menu. You should see your pattern swatch. Click on advanced to adjust the pattern scale.
You’ll want to make the scale as high as it can go to get the most accurate preview you can. For some patterns, the scale may still be a little small.
Now you have a mock-up/ preview of what your Infusible Ink design will look like! Remember this is just to be able to get an idea of what your design will look like and you’ll need to switch back to a cut image to make your project.
Whew. I know that was a lot of information, but I hope you found it helpful!
If you have any other questions, please let me know in the comments below!
*You can also view my post about these tips on the official Cricut blog here.
I really enjoyed this. I just got the Explor Air2. You gave some great tips and answered a ? I had about editing text. I have another ? though. I cut out a ready made card project but ran out of time and had to stop after the last page cut. I went to put it together the next day and I’m confused. Can’t figure out what goes were. I have looked for the instructions everywhere and can’t find them. Is there a place to go to find them without cutting out the project again? Thanks for your help. and for your post! Cj Reed
Hi Cj! Glad I could answer some of your questions about your Cricut. I found a post that someone did about the first card project. Is this the one you are talking about? Hopefully it explains how to put it together. Let me know if you have any other questions!
No that was not the card. The one I’m having trouble with is the Russian Nesting Dolls card. There are a lot of layers and a piece I’m not sure I need! I’m very frustrated and have set it aside. I’ll probably just end up searching “You Tube” but thanks for the tips and I did go over it again. Thanks again. Cj
Oh darn it. I’m sorry! I hope you are able to find some instructions. Searching YouTube is a great idea. I’m guessing someone has put it together on there.
Thank you for this post. I just receive the Explore Air 2 and had so many questions. Thanks you!!
Nancy, you’re welcome! I hope you have so much fun with your Explore Air 2. I love mine!
Thank you for the tutorial. I am learning to make notes as I don’t use my cricut a lot yet and I tend to forget easily. So this helps a lot!
You are welcome! I’m glad it helps. 🙂
Do you know if you can get rid of the black box that appears when printing in cricut as it’s causing me only to be allowed certain size which is too small
The maximum print size for print then cut is 9.25″ x 6.75″. I know that stinks because you want to use the entire piece of paper.
I’ve had my Cricut Explore Air 2 for awhile now, I’ve messed around with it did a few things and put it up and haven’t done much with it. Honestly I felt overwhelmed with it. It seemed like a lot of work, a lot harder than I thought it was going to be! But I think I’m going to get it back out and give it another try! Thanks for the Tips and Tricks!
Nikki I am so glad to hear you are going to try again! There is a bit of a learning curve, but the Cricut is SO much fun! I love mine and use it all the time. If you have any other questions let me know and I will try and answer them for you 🙂
I am having a serious problem connecting my laptop to the Cricut. This came about after an auto update on my laptop. Now when I go to continue to cut the project, my design space says I am not connected to cricut, although every thing on my laptop says Bluetooth is connected. Any suggestions. I am at my wits end.
Hi Elaine! I’m so sorry you were having troubles with connecting your Cricut. I’ve been traveling and I am just getting back to answer my blog comments. I hope you were able to find a solution.
I am wanting to print a bear image that i got from Cricut Access and then cut it out and iron it on to a onesie. I have only made one project so far with my Cricut. The bear is brown and black with detail. How do i go about printing it and then cutting it? Do i print it on my regular printer and then cut it with my Cricut? Sorry, this is confusing me. I hope you can help.
Hi Courtney! Yes, to use use the print then cut feature you would print your image on your own printer and then put it on a mat and load it into your machine to be cut. Design Space should walk your through the process when you click make it. It will first tell you to print and then move on to the cutting step. When the design is printed a box is printed around it that machine reads and then cuts out your image. If you are doing a onesie I’m assuming you printable iron on?
I’m trying to print and cut but I’m having trouble. I have a simple teapot with text in the middle. I’m trying to get it to print the text and cut the shape. I’ve tried a few different things but maybe need a set of fresh eyes. The problem is that it is cutting the shape i want but also cutting the text out. I’ve tried flattening, unflattening, attaching, grouping ect. Not sure what i am doing wrong. Any suggestions?
Hi Stephanie! Do you have both the teapot and the text selected when you choose “Flatten”? After you choose flatten there should only be one layer showing in the Layers panel as a printable image. Once you select Make It, it should prompt you to print it out and then cut around the teapot with the registration marks.
I am making Valentine shirts for my grands using HTV. The design is 3 different colors with none of them touching.
Daddy’s
💖. 💖
SWEET
💖
Daddy’s is silver, the 3 hearts are pink and sweet is purple.
While I know it saves vinyl to cut and place each color free hand, but how do I cut each color so I can place it as layers?
Hi Connie. I’m trying to understand your question a little better. Was the image one you designed? Or it is an uploaded image? Does is currently have the different layers or just one?
Hi, I’m looking for instruction to change text (i.e. change words, font or color,) on the “ready to make projects.”
Thanks so much,
Quanah
Hi Quanah! On Ready-To-Make Projects when you click on the project, there is a “Customize” button next to the “Make it” Button if it’s one that can be customized. When you click on Customize, it should open the project up in Design Space and you can edit the text. Hope that helps!
Hello! I just got the cricut air 2 last week and I’ve struggled to find a blog where the basics like this are laid out so well!
Thank you so much for this post. I look forward to reading more!!
Janina, I’m so glad I could help! Thanks for leaving a comment to let me know. I hope you enjoy your Cricut!
Thank you so much for this help. I’ve just had a Cricut Maker for Christmas – am so over the moon! But have been a little overwhelmed with Design Space. I am so grateful for your help, you have made this accessible for me now and I can’t wait to get started. Thank you again your help is greatly appreciated.
Hi Heather! Hooray for getting a Maker for Christmas! I’m so glad I could help! I hope you love your Maker!
Thank you so much for this help. I’ve just had a Cricut Maker for Christmas – am so over the moon! But have been a little overwhelmed with Design Space. I am so grateful for your help, you have made this accessible for me now and I can’t wait to get started. Thank you again your help is greatly appreciated.
Help please, I am trying to make my own design (StoryBots) for my Grandson birthday. I made a purple storybook and have it grouped. How do I name the group so that I know what I am looking at?
Thanks for the help.
Hi Deborah! As far as I know you can’t change the name of the group, unfortunately. I will double check with Cricut though and let you know if that’s changed.
Thank you SOOOOO much for posting this! I received a Cricut years ago as a Christmas gift but have never worked with. I own a boutique and have seen the leather earrings everywhere, so I decided I would attempt to make some on my own. Of course, I was at a complete loss when I got my machine out. So this post is very helpful. Thank you for taking the time to share 🙂
You’re very welcome Beth! Glad you found it helpful. Leather earrings are fun to make with the Cricut. 🙂
Beth, I’m so thankful I found your post. I received a Cricut Maker for Christmas and have been so overwhelmed!! It’s all so knew and I was feeling discouraged. Then I found your post which was
So easy to understand. Feeling thankful 😀 I sure hope you have other tips and tricks!! Thanks again.
I’m glad the post helped you Suzee! The hope you love your Cricut Maker once you start using it. 🙂
I just received a new Cricut Explore Air 2. Never used a Cricut before. I opened up the Cricut Design Space and found lots of projects I’d like to make but don’t have time to make now. Can I select project and save to make later?
Hi Ernestine! There’s unfortunately not an option yet to save or like a project, but I know Cricut has received feedback on it and are looking into possibly adding it in the future.
I have been looking for hours to solve this mystery w/my Cricut. I get a border around ‘print and cut’ and no registration marks on cut when I upload an image. Any ideas?
Hi Lindy! The older version of Design Space used little registration marks in the corner. The updated version is a border which is the registration marks. You can learn more about it here -https://help.cricut.com/help/design-space-print-then-cut Hope that helps!
I am having the worst time with my cricut explore air 2 trying to change the material size. As soon as I hit make it..a yellow strip appears at the top of the screen that says image is too big. Instructions are confusing as to how to resolve this. I can’t seem to find the place where I can change the size. Please help, thanks.
Hi Cindy! Do you have the image you are trying to make set as a printable image? Look at the Layers panel on the left hand side. If there is a little printer in the circle next to your image then it’s a print then cut. The maximum size for a print then cut is 9.25 X 6.75. To reduce the size you can select the entire image then reduce the size using the arrows in the corner or by selecting exact measurements in the top tool bar that appears when the image is selected.
If you didn’t want to do a print then cut you will need to select your image in the Layers panel on the left by clicking on it and choosing Cut instead of Print. Little scissors will appear next to the image to show it is being cut. Again if you need to resize it smaller select it and then use the the little arrows that appear to reduce the size in the Design screen before selecting Make it. Hope that helps!
Im having trouble with my Cricut Maker cutting above the perimeter of the mat. It’s happened twice. I move the items and try again and it has worked. Weird!
Make sure when you load your mat that it’s firmly pressed against the rollers before hitting the load button. I think that should solve the problem of it cutting above the mat perimeter. I had that happen once when I didn’t do that.
Thanks Jenny, I’ll double check! Q
Hi,
I use my cricut to make buildings, houses etc. on my N-Scale train layout. So the images are drawn in TuboCad.
When I load the image on to the canvas it is a picture of my wall. (which is a good thing!) When I cut it, instead of cutting the image it cuts every line in the drawing separately across the top of the card stock.
I know I’m doing something wrong, but I don’t know what ! Any help would be GREATLY APPRECIATED.
Thanks,Tom
Hi Tom! Is your image attached in the Design Space screen? That should hold it in place for cutting.
Is there any way to get rid of the margins? I would like to cut a card out with a border. If I was cutting it on 8 1/2 x 11, I could get 2. On the Cricut because of the margins, I can only get 1.
Hi Rena! There isn’t a way to remove the margins. Have you tried moving it by clicking on the three dots? Sometimes even though it tells me I need more than one mat I can manually move it and make it work.
What an awesome blog! Thanks so much for all the helpful tips. I too have just received a cricut maker and I am using it to make invitations for my sister’s wedding shower. I am having trouble printing the written part of the invitation. I want the cricut to print all the wording on my personal computer and then cut out the perimeter of the card and a small design in the upper corner. I have managed to print it out beautifully on my printer, but when I put it on the mat to have the cricut cut out the perimeter of the card and the small flower design it insists on cutting out all of my printed words as well! I’ve tried changing the line type for the writing to print, and I’ve also tried flattening the words ….. neither have helped…
Please help!! 😀
Patricia
Hi Patricia! Were you able to figure it out? Flatten should work. Sometimes it helps to log out of Design Space, and close your windows, then restart it.
Hello! Tell me, please, why distortions may occur in the image to the svg format when importing into the program of Cricut Design Space? There are stripes and spots, which in the graphics program when creating and saving was not. What can be done in this situation?
Hi! I’m not sure why that’s happening. The svg might not be the best quality and it has it in the original just not as noticeable?
Hi! I just got my cricut explore. I am using vertical text but I cannot seem to align them. There are a couple of videos online but they are from 2015 and aren’t accurate any longer. HELP!!
Hi Mikki! I would try selecting the entire word you want to align then using the ungroup tool. Once it’s ungrouped select it all again and the align tool should let you align it. Hope that helps.
Hi! I’m trying to use the “classic tshirt” template to create a toddler 5t-6t shirt. Once the template is on the screen, it measure approximately 4″ wide. It is way too small for any toddler. I measured one of my sons shirts and they are approximately 13″ wide. I’m hoping to create a lot of tshirts for him and would love to simply be able to use the template. Can you tell me what I’m doing wrong? Thanks so much… This has been the most useful site as I get to know my new Cricut Maker:)
Hi Ann! Glad my post has been helpful. I opened up the Classic T-shirt template and selected the children’s size and noticed that it was super small like you were talking about. I would suggest contacting Cricut on their help page (there’s a chat option) and letting them know the issue. The adult size of the classic tee is correct, but something must have gone wrong with the scale for the kids. They should be able to look at it and send it to the right people to correct it.
Hi! I have a new Explore Air 2 I received for Christmas. I was so excited to use it, but I am equally as frustrated trying to use it. Your post looks like it is just the help I need! However, from the very first step my design space looks VERY different from yours! Does it matter what device I am using? I have downloaded the app on my Verizon LG tablet. Help!! Please!
Hi Kelly! The screen shots I took are from a desktop, the app does look different on a tablet. I couldn’t find a video specific for a tablet but this video goes over the app and I think it may be similar? Hope that helps. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAYitjAI75Q
Hi Jenny
Is there any easier way to view the fonts without having to go out of the font options? I’m new to this so I’m still learning the fonts.
Thanks
Hi Joanne! In the drop down fonts menu you can see an example of what the fonts look like. You do have to select a font and go out of the menu to see the words you type in the selected font. I wish you could just scroll and your words would change to that font. It would be much easier to decide!
I wanted to make sure I wasn’t missing something!! Thanks for you help!!
Hi Jenny! I have explore air 2 and learning. How to use it. I tried the Nesting dolls and they turned out beautifully. I made three of them. All did was insert image and press make it. I tried to make another one and when I do that they are small and not the proper scale. That is also happing to other images that previously worked. Can you give me some assistance. It’s a little frustrating. Thanks
Hi Pamala! I’m sorry to hear that the projects aren’t working for you. Unfortunately, I’m not sure what the problem is without having more details. Have you tried contacting Cricut? They have a chat feature and would probably be able to help you figure out why the scale is messed up.
How do you cut delicate and single thin line fonts and small svgs? All I’ve found is reduce speed. I’ve been trying to cut a verse that is a script and it keeps tearing or crinkled up in a mess. Any help you can offer would be gratefully appreciated. Thank you.
Hi Kathy! What material are you trying to cut? Paper? Vinyl? Make sure you are using the correct grip mat and have a nice sharp blade in place.
I am new to Cricut design space, and I have a question about cutting out fonts on regular craft cardstock. When it is cutting the word (s), it sometimes crinkles up the letters, and part of them are torn in half. Can you please tell me what I can do to correct this. What kind of mat, setting, letter spacing… I have the Cricut Air 2. Thank you in advance. Deidre
Hi Deidre! For cardstock I use the blue mat. Make sure you have it pressed securely to the mat. Also, make sure your blade is sharp. If the cardstock has texture that can affect the cut and you might need to select the more pressure setting. I would suggest testing just a few words and get the settings just right before cutting your final project. The letters will crinkle if the blade isn’t cutting all the way through or isn’t nice and sharp.
Hello!! I just got my Cricut Explore Air 2 for my birthday and am stoked!! When trying to make my very first attempt with cutting a name out on cardstock and even on paper with the blue mat, it cuts through the letters as it repositions while cutting. It basically cuts a triangle through the name, so the letters are cut into pieces. I’ve tried it with my creation and with an already made project. Same thing. I’m so frustrated because I am so ready to have some fun!!! Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks so much, in advance.
Brittani
Brittani! Yay for getting a Cricut Explore Air 2! I’m glad you are already using it! Its hard to say exactly whats happening with your project from your description but I would recommend chatting with Cricut’s online help. They can help you troubleshoot and figure out what’s going wrong. Do you have your machine set to Cardstock? Sometimes different brands are thinner so you have to set it to a lesser setting so it won’t cut as deep.
Hi Jenny,
Thanks for sharing your expertise!
I am trying to make some playing cards for my son with lots of design elements. I want to use the “print to cut” feature but every time I print then insert into the explore air to cut, it cuts each element inside the defined rectangle. I just want it to follow the rectangle outline only. Any idea what I am doing wrong?
Warmest Regards
Scott
Hi Scott! Are you flattening your image?
Hi, Jenny,
I am confused when I save a project and want to go back and make it but also want to edit it by putting in different initials for example. Once I save a project, is there a way to edit it? I have tried to pull it up and click on edit (no luck), and wanted to just keep the same font, etc. If you can provide any help, I would be so appreciative.
Kelly
Hi Kelly! You should be able to edit your projects. When you click on your project, there is a “Customize” button and a “Make It” button. Click on customize to edit your project. If you have welded something and saved it, you won’t be able to unweld it. One trick is to make a copy of your unwelded image and then hide it and save it. That way if you need to come back and edit that you have one you can work with. Hope that helps!
I have been trying to do monograms for a cup but I CANNOT get the contour to “turn on” in the bottom right of my screen. Please help.
Hi Melinda! Sorry I’m just getting off break and seeing your comment. I hope you were able to figure it out.
Hi Jenny. I just got my Cricut for Christmas and am eager to start making text signs but am having trouble sizing the letters. For a 10” x 11” sign I would like my letters to be 2” but how do I do this? I can’t find any videos on utube showing me how to actually size my words 🙁
Hi Patti! When you have your text selected you should be able to change the size in inches using the size option (you can unlock it by clicking on the lock.) You can also choose font size.
I could use some help. My husband bought me a Cricut Maker for Christmas. I went through the test card no problem and was playing around with the word “enjoy” using the available fonts. I wanted to print it and put it on a small chalkboard and design space is trying to charge me $4.99. I know this machine costs hundreds of dollars, I have spent a hundred on vinyl and extra tools, and $9.95 for a monthly subscription (for who knows what). My question is am I going to have to pay for it every time I want to use the machine for something I design?!?! Are people paying $5 to put names on cups. I really hope I am missing something or this money hungry machine is going back to the store. Super frustrated and could use any guidance! Thanks in advance.
Hi Tracy! That’s exciting that you got a Maker for Christmas. The short answer to your question, is no you don’t have to pay for your own designs. You can use the Upload tool to upload any design and then cut it out. If you pay for a subscription that gives you access to Cricut’s library and you are able to cut out those images for free. If a Design is not included in Cricut Access, there is a fee associated with it, that you pay one time. But then you own that image and can cut out as many times as you would like. Same with fonts. But you can always upload your own free fonts from sites like Dafont.com. If you are logged into your Design Space account and it is still asking you to pay for images included with Access I would contact customer care and see if they can help you. Hope that helps!
Is there a way to rename layers in design space? I design a lot of my own projects and find the repetitive and random layer names to make things more difficult to work with. Would love to be able to customize the layers.
There isn’t a way to rename them at this time. I hope it’s something they update in Design Space in the future.
I have spoken with the Cricut help desk and they suggested that as many people as possible put in a request for this change. She said they read all suggestions and if they see a demand, they will introduce the change.
Hey guys! I am currently working on a smash book (similar to a scrapbook) and I am trying to cut out a word from cardstock paper. I am having trouble getting the word off the mat without the letters being misplaced. I know I can group the letters together, but even then, what if I don’t want to use cursive or what if my letters consist of the letters “i” and “j” therefore the little dot will be misplaced. I am such a freak and like for everything to be nice and even. Is there a tip or trick for this? Maybe something I can use similar to transfer tape for vinyl. Thanks in advance for all your help.
Hi Emery! I’ve heard of crafters using drywall mesh tape as transfer tape for paper pieces to keep them all together. Hope that helps!
Finally, instructions that I can actually follow!!!! Thank you so much!!!
I’m so glad to hear that! 🙂
Hi Jenny!
So glad I found your instructions, so helpful with my new Cricut! Question for you, I am trying to cut out some names in a script font on card stock to be used at table place settings. Do you know if there is a way to move the dot of an i? I want to be able to move it down toward the body of the letter so that it is barely touching and I can weld it together so that when it cuts it is part of the name.
Thanks in advance!
Stacy
I think you could slice the dot of the “i” with a small circle, delete the extra parts and then be able to move it to weld it.
Hello. Is there a way to simply pick the number of an item I want cut and the size of the material I’m using and have Design Space place the items so that there is less material wasted? It seems so simple but I can’t figure it out! I am attempting to just cut a banner/bunting from cardstock but there must be an easier way… 🤦🏽♀️
Hi Susan! When you click on “Make it” you can edit your mats to select your material size from the drop down menu and the number of copies you want of a design. So if you have a single pendant for your banner, select the number of copies, and your material size and hit apply.
Good monring. I am trying to cut a 7 X 2 box vertically in a specific location on the print mat. I have selected my X and Y position and positioned my box vertically, yet Cricut defaults to cutting horizontally and beginning the cut at the very top of the cut mat. How can I choose the exact position I want cut and make it cut vertically?
TIA
Hi Shawna! You can move the shape you are cutting on the mat preview once you have selected Make it. Simply click on your shape and drag it where you want it to cut. You can also use the little arrow that appears on the right corner of your image to rotate it the way you want it. Hope that helps
This was the EXACT thing I have been looking for!!!! THANK YOU!!!
You’re welcome!!
How do I change the color of a font? I can’t seem to figure out how that is done. 🤔 I’m sure it is something simple and I am just missing it. Thanks for your help!
GrammaJ
Hi Jan! Cricut updated Design Space about a month ago and I need to update my post. You can change the font color by clicking on the small square in the upper left side of the toolbar above your text options. It’s between line type and fill.
I really like how you explained and showed pictures for the step by step process. I’m getting the hang of my Cricut but it’s one small step and one there. Nobody has really explained it that way that I have seen. I do have a question though, the hubster got me some cartridges I linked them but am not seeing the fonts nor can I edit the pre loaded images with my own words I’ve searched and searched and just can’t find anything. Any tips would be more than welcome and so appreciated. Thanks in advance!!
Amy
Hi Amy! Your best bet is to call Cricut support. They can help you figure out why your linked cartridges aren’t showing up and help them to work for you!
Please help! An I just too simple minded to use this machine or what! I’ve spent a week trying to learn/figure out how to address a envelope! It’s killing me ! It cuts-NOpe wrong one- fix it- then it prints huge- now fix that- then it prints off Map …I just can’t figure this machine out …I just want to insert the pen, address a stack of envelopes for graduation ! Something must be wrong with me or my brain I’m guessing! Please help???
Hi Christy! Sorry, I’m just seeing your comment today. I hope you were able to figure it out!
Is there any way to make an image stay in the exact spot that I have placed it on the canvas when I go to cut or draw it? Attaching does not work because I am using only one image/shape and not multiple. Paper saver keeps moving the image and I can’t get it placed in the right spot in print preview because the position has to be exact (using coordinates).
You can use the Snapmat feature on an ipad to cut an image exactly were you want it. In the preview screen you can also manually move the image on the mat to the coordinates you want it at.
Hi
You answered several questions. But I have a new one. I saved a made project. Now I want to edit it. I’m making shirts for a family vaca. How can I edit my font?? It won’t let me as I have grouped n welded the images together. And of course I saved everything since I’m doing this on different days. Can you help?
Sorry for my delayed reply. Once you weld an image and save the project it can’t be unwelded unfortunately. I suggest making a copy of your words before welding and then hiding the layer. Then you always have it to edit it if needed.
I want to do writing with my cricut maker. I done all the steps on left. Got font but with on right side I see text either in cut or print I am able under layer attributes to see pen colors or the scissors and circle. What step am I missing?
Hi Susan, do you have your Linetype set to write?
Jenny,
When I was using the Cricut software v5.4.10 I would design something and the size changed when I went to the make it screen. I’m used to working on construction blueprints so I am used to working with scales, so when I draw it as a certain size, I want it the same size when I go to the cut screen. But it comes out a different size. Any ideas what’s going on? We were doing little hearts and I figured out how many we would need and how many we could cut out on the construction paper and in the design screen it was fine, but it got really weird on the cutting screen.
I guess the good news is, when I read this blog post I found out I could just do one and the machine will figure out how many can go on a sheet, so thanks for teaching me that!! 🙂
Hey Patti! It’s funny you mentioned the sizing being off because I noticed this on my latest project I was designing. I haven’t had that problem before and thought maybe I was crazy, haha! I’m guessing there must be something off with the latest update. Since the size is so crucial to your project I would suggest contacting the Cricut help line to let them know. Multiple people telling them they have a problem will get them to look into it and fix it.
Wow. Great tips! This must’ve been time-consuming to make – writing, editing pics, uploading them etc. Thanks so much for your effort.
Just bought a Cricut Joy, first Cricut machine ever so now I’m learning quickly how to use the Design Space.
Kate, you’re welcome! So glad I could help! The Cricut Joy is a fun little machine 🙂
Hi I am a new cricket explore air two owner had it for about a month and I keep trying to do stuff like cards and things that need scoring. I have the scoring stylist I came with the kit that I got now my question is everything that I try to do says I need a scoring wheel which I know is only for the maker now when I connected to my cricket will automatically switch and say to put in my scoring stylist or do I have to edit it somehow and change it to the stylist from the scoring wheel or am I not able to do that project at all because I don’t have the maker? I know that was kind of a run-on question I’m very sorry and I hope you understand it I’m just really confused and want to make cute projects LOL.
Hey Jessica, this link should answer your question about how to select the stylus instead of the scoring wheel: https://help.cricut.com/hc/en-us/articles/360009601993-Cricut-Maker-Scoring-Wheel-FAQ (the third question down)
Hi and Help!. I need to know how to take a one shape one layer image and keep it on the mat in the place I put it before cutting it. The attach button will not light up unless I have 2 layers. Can someone help me an easy way of keeping it in the position I make it in the canvas area before it changes in the cutting view? Thank you so much!!! Much appreciated!!
When you click Make it you can move your image to the desired location on your mat preview screen.
Is there a way to move a print then cut image to print in a different spot? It is always in the left hand corner. I want to move it. Is that possible?
I don’t believe there is any way to move a print then cut image. I wish they would add this feature.
Hi Jenny I found you on Google. I was looking for a way to move the template on my canvas in Design Space. Your tutorial covered moving images, like the hearts in your example. But I am designing a T shirt with words that wrap around the neckline on the back of the shirt. I’m having a hard time with the curve, because every time I choose my design, it has a dropdown that blocks the part of the template that I need. If I could move it down a couple inches, that would be fine. Any ideas for me? Thank you for this guide. It is simple to understand, and I can tell you put a lot of time in it. Please keep me in mind for further posts.
Thanks! Karen Brown
Hi Karen! It’s hard to understand what you’re trying to explain without seeing it. I don’t think there is a way to move templates though. Have you tried zooming out (bottom left hand corner) to give you a better view?
Hello Jenny, I was so happy to google and find your tips and your way of thoroughly explaining things. I got an Explore Air 2 for Christmas and am in a learning phase. I am endeavouring to alter wording in a saved project. Could you explain what I need to do after I have brought up the text after tapping on Customise. I don’t seem to be able to make any changes. Thank you.