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Cricut Explore User Manual
Cricut Explore User Manual
Machine Setup
Set up MAC users
Step 1 Plug in your Cricut Explore machine and power it on.
Step 2 Connect your Cricut Explore machine to your computer using the USB cord.
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Section 1A
Machine Setup - Set up MAC users
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Section 1A
Machine Setup - Set up MAC users
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Section 1A
Machine Setup - Set up MAC users
Step 8 Go to the Downloads folder on your computer and double-click the CricutDesignSpace file.
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Section 1A
Machine Setup - Set up MAC users
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Section 1A
Machine Setup - Set up MAC users
Step 12 Close the Cricut Design Space and Downloads windows to return to your browser.
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Section 1A
Machine Setup - Set up MAC users
Step 14 Click Detect Machine. When your machine has been detected, click Continue.
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Section 1A
Machine Setup - Set up MAC users
Your free trial subscription to the Cricut Image Library gives you access to over 25,000 images
and 200 fonts. There are no strings attached and no credit cards requiredjust enjoy your access to all
non-licensed images in the Cricut Library, over 25,000 images during your free subscription trail.
Get more information including a list of all images and image sets included in the subscription, at
us.cricut.com/subscriptionlist
Tip: To gain access to your free trial subscription, please make sure the check box is marked before
clicking Continue.
Step 16 Your Cricut Explore machine is all set up and youre ready to write and cut your first project!
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Section 1B
Machine Setup - Set up PC users
Step 2 Connect your Cricut Explore machine to your computer using the USB cord.
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Section 1B
Machine Setup - Set up PC users
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Section 1B
Machine Setup - Set up PC users
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Section 1B
Machine Setup - Set up PC users
Step 8 Click the Start menu and then open your Documents folder.
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Section 1B
Machine Setup - Set up PC users
Step 10 The Setup Cricut Design Space window will open. Click Next to continue.
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Section 1B
Machine Setup - Set up PC users
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Section 1B
Machine Setup - Set up PC users
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Section 1B
Machine Setup - Set up PC users
Step 16 Click Detect Machine. When your machine has been detected, click Continue.
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Section 1B
4B
Machine
Image library
Setup- Insert/Search
- Set up PC users
for images
Your free trial subscription to the Cricut Image Library gives you access to over 25,000 images
and 200 fonts. There are no strings attached and no credit cards requiredjust enjoy your access to all
non-licensed images in the Cricut Libraryover 25,000 imagesduring your free subscription trial.
Get more information including a list of all images and image sets included in the subscription, at
us.cricut.com/subscriptionlist
Tip: To gain access to your free trial subscription, please make sure the check box is marked before
clicking Continue.
Step 18 Your Cricut Explore machine is all set up and youre ready to write and cut your first project!
Section 1B Page 9
Section 1C
Machine setup - First Project
First Project
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Section 1C
Machine setup - First Project
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Section 1C
Machine setup - First Project
Tip: Set this cover aside while you cut but be sure to replace to protect the mats adhesive
during the times it is not in use.
Step 6 Align your paper to the gridlines in the top left corner your mat and smooth
the paper onto the surface.
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Section 1C
Machine setup - First Project
Tip: You will know the mat is loaded correctly when the Cricut logo on the mat is directly under the
machine rollers.
Step 8 Follow the prompts on the computer to cut and write your Thank You card all in one step.
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Section 1C
Machine setup - First Project
Tip: Be sure to remove your penjust open accessory clamp A and pull the pen straight up.
Dont forget to cap the pen!
Step 10 Remove your card by gently bending the mat until one edge of the card releases.
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Section 1C
Machine setup - First Project
Tip: A Cricut scraper can be used to easily remove excess material from the cutting mat.
Step 12 Line up the corners of the card and fold it in half horizontally.
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Section 1C
Machine setup - First Project
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Section 2A
Smart Set Dial
Blade: Standard
Mat: StandardGrip
Material
thickness: 0.20 mm
Blade: Standard Blade: Standard
Mat: LightGrip* Mat: StandardGrip
Material Material
thickness: 0.10 mm thickness: 0.20 mm
*Not included.
**For an optimal cutting experience, we recommend using the Deep Cut Blade when cutting thicker materials such
as heavy fabric, poster board, chipboard, magnet board, and leather. The Cricut Deep Cut Blade can cut most
materials up to 1mm in thickness using the multi-cut feature.
Tip: The Smart Set dial has been calibrated to work best with Cricut branded products. If settings
either dont cut all the way through the material or the blade is cutting too deeply into your mat, use the
half settings located between the material markings on the dial which will increase or decrease
the pressure.
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Section 2A
Smart Set Dial
Vinyl: Use for home dcor vinyl. Produces a kiss cut. (A kiss cut is when the blade just cuts the top layer
of material and leaves the backing sheet uncut. This makes it easier to weed out leftover pieces after
the cut, and then use transfer tape to apply.)
Iron-on: Use for heat transfer vinyl. Produces a kiss cut. (A kiss cut is when the blade just cuts the top
layer of material and leaves the backing sheet uncut.)
Light Cardstock: Use for paper rated at 60 65 lb. weights, a little heavier than text-weight papers
often found in patterned, printed or decorative papers.
Cardstock: Use for paper rated at 80 90 lb. weights, such as playing cards or most solid-colored
crafting papers.
Fabric: Use for light-weight cotton or cotton/polyester fabrics which have been backed with an iron-on
adhesive interfacing. (Fabric backing required to cut fabrics.)
Fabric +: Use for mid-weight fabrics which have been backed with an iron-on adhesive interfacing. The
setting will perform a multi-cut, meaning it will cut twice along the same lines. (Fabric backing
required to cut fabrics.)
Poster board: Use for heavier materials such as display board used for signs or school projects.
Poster board +: Use for heavier display boards. The setting will perform a multi-cut, meaning it will
cut twice along the same lines.
Tip: For an optimal cutting experience, we recommend using the Cricut Deep Cut Blade when cutting
thicker materials such as heavy fabric, poster board, chipboard, magnet board, and leather. The Deep
Cut Blade can cut most materials up to 2mm in thickness using the multi-cut feature.
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Section 2A
Smart Set Dial
Step 1 Once your project in Cricut Design Space is ready to cut, click Go. From the Cut Preview
window, follow the prompts to load your cutting mat into the machine.
Step 2 Turn the Smart Set dial on the Cricut Explore machine to the Custom setting.
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Section 2B
Smart Set Dial - Custom Settings
Step 1 Once your project is in the Cricut Design Space ready to cut, click Go. From the Cut Preview
window, follow the prompts to load your cutting mat into the machine.
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Section 2B
Smart Set Dial - Custom Settings
Step 3 In Cricut Design Space, click the Material Settings to add your own custom setting.
This will open a new window where you can adjust or add materials settings.
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Section 2B
Smart Set Dial - Custom Settings
Step 5 Type the name of your custom material in the Material Name text box.
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Section 2B
Smart Set Dial - Custom Settings
Step 7 Adjust the pressure by dragging the arrow to the desired number. The lower the number, the
lighter the pressure. The higher the number, the more pressure is applied.
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Section 2B
Smart Set Dial - Custom Settings
Step 9 Click Done to close the window in Cricut Design Space and press the Go button on your
Cricut Explore machine.
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Section 2B
Smart Set Dial - Custom Settings
Step 1 You have the option to update or adjust the predefined settings and any setting you have
entered. By doing so you can fine tune the settings to your specific materials. Once your project is in
Cricut Design Space ready to cut, click Go. From the Cut Preview window, follow the prompts to
load your cutting mat into the machine.
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Section 2B
Smart Set Dial - Custom Settings
Step 4 Click on the material you would like to update. Make the changes by adjusting the
pressure and multi-cut options and then click Save.
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Section 2B
Smart Set Dial - Custom Settings
Step 1 You have the option to delete any of your defined custom settings. Once your project is ready to
cut, click Go. From the Cut Preview window, follow the prompts to load your cutting mat into
the machine.
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Section 2B
Smart Set Dial - Custom Settings
Step 3 Click Material Settings. This will open a new window where you can delete the
unwanted material.
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Section 2B
Smart Set Dial - Custom Settings
Step 5 Once you have finished removing the unwanted material, click Done to close the window.
Section 2B Page 10
Section 3
Cartridge Linking
Cartridge Linking
The Cricut Explore machine was designed to work with Cricut Design Space online software. You
can still use cartridges youve purchased by linking them to your Cricut account through the port on
your Cricut Explore machine. If you have already linked your cartridges to the Cricut Craft Room
design software, or linked your cartridges to your Cricut Gypsy device and then linked your Gypsy to
your Cricut.com account, you have permanent digital access to those images. Havent linked yet?
Heres how.
Step 1 Open your web browser to www.cricut.com/design. Click on the green account button and log
into Cricut Design Space using your Cricut.com account.
Step 2 Once youve logged in, click again on the green account button and select Cartridge Linking
from the drop-down menu.
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Section 3
Cartridge Linking
Step 4 Insert the Cricut cartridge firmly into the port on the Cricut Explore machine.
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Section 3
Cartridge Linking
Step 6 Messaging on screen will indicate once cartridge has been successfully linked.
Once your cartridge is linked, you are free to remove it from the machine.
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Section 3
Cartridge Linking
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Section 3
Cartridge Linking
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Section 4A
Image Library - Search/Insert Images
Image library
The Cricut Design Space Image Library contains over 50,000 images, with more being added all the
time. You dont need to own an image to try it outCricut Design Space lets you design with an image
before you buy so you can make sure it will work on your project.
Note: Available images may vary by region based on your residential address and the licensing agreements.
A new window will open containing the Image Library, where you can search for images.
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Section 4A
Image Library - Search/Insert Images
All Images: displays all images in the Cricut Design Space Image Library
All Image Sets: displays all image sets or cartridges in the Cricut Design Space Image library
My Images: displays all images youve purchased, plus free images, images from linked cartridges,
and images included in your subscription plan (if you have subscribed)
My Image Sets: displays all coordinated image sets or cartridges youve purchased including free
images, linked cartridges, or images included in the subscription plan (if you have subscribed)
Step 3 Search for a specific image by typing in a key word or phrase into the search box and
clicking the magnifying glass. This will narrow down the number of items you have to choose from.
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Section 4A
Image Library - Search/Insert Images
For more information about the image, hover over the image until it expands.
You can now see the name of the image, your level of access, the image number, and the image set it
belongs to (if available).
Tip: If you would like additional images in the image set, click on the image set title to see the entire
offering. Images within image sets usually have a similar design feel.
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Section 4A
Image Library - Search/Insert Images
Tip: To view images which have been selected, click anywhere in the queue at the bottom of the window.
You can now see all images prior to inserting them onto your canvas. If you would like to deselect
an image, simply click on the image again and it will be removed from your queue.
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Section 4A
Image Library - Search/Insert Images
Step 7 The selected images will be added to your design screen. You can now move and size images to
visualize how theyll look on your project.
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Section 4B
Image Library - Search for Image Sets/Cartridges
A new window will open containing the Cricut Design Space Image Library and all images
youve purchased.
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Section 4B
Image Library - Search for Image Sets/Cartridges
Step 3 If you own a large number of images or cartridges, you can narrow them down by doing a
keyword search.
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Section 4B
Image Library - Search for Image Sets/Cartridges
Tip: Image sets or cartridges are shown with multiple images in the tile
along with the name of the cartridge. Click on the tile to display all the images
found within that cartridge or image set.
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Section 4B
Image Library
library --Insert/Search
Search for Image
for images
Sets/Cartridges
Step 6 The image will be added to your design screen. You can now move and size images to
visualize how theyll look on your project.
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Section 4C
Image Library - Using Image Filters
A new window will open containing the Image Library, where you can narrow the set
of images displayed using filters.
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Section 4C
Image Library - Using Image Filters
Step 3 Narrow the set of images you would like shown in the library by clicking on the check box next
to one or more of the filters. Only those images tagged by the selected filters will be displayed. Choose
from options such as the number of layers your image has, the type of project you would like to make,
or the category or theme of the image you are looking for.
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Section 4C
Image Library - Using Image Filters
Step 4 Once you have chosen one or more images, click Insert Images.
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Section 4C
Image Library - Using Image Filters
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Section 5
Make It Now Projects
Step 1 From the Cricut Design Space landing page scroll through the hundreds of
Make It Now projects.
Step 2 Use the filter located at the top of the screen to narrow down the project selections to a
specific category.
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Section 5
Make It Now Projects
Step 4 A window will open listing all the project details you will need to create the project including:
project name, project description, difficulty level, estimated completion time, materials
and instructions, and image cost.
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Section 5
Make It Now Projects
Step 6 Below the picture you will find images that are needed to complete this project. Below each
image youll see if you own the image, if its available in a subscription, if its free, or how much
it is to purchase.
Tip: If the Make It Now creator changed the image or deleted any layers of the image, dont worry
when you purchase the image you will own the original image design with all of its layers. You will also
be able to use the images of this project for any future projects.
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Section 5
Make It Now Projects
Click Customize should you like to adjust the project. This will open the project on the canvas.
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Section 5
Make It Now Projects
Tip: If you customize a Make It Now project and then save it to your account, the original instructions
will no longer apply.
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Section 6A
Cutting Your Own Images - Basic Upload
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Section 6A
Cutting Your Own Images - Basic Upload
Step 3 Click Browse to find the image you want to use from your computer. The file selector will open.
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Section 6A
Cutting Your Own Images - Basic Upload
Step 5 Use the Crop, Select and Delete, and Eraser tools to remove any portions of the image that you
dont want to cut.The checkerboard background indicates areas which have been removed and will
not cut.
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Section 6A
Cutting Your Own Images - Basic Upload
Crop will delete all areas that are not selected when you drag the box over your image.
Select and Delete will erase areas with similar colors when you click on them.
Erase will delete areas by clicking and dragging the circle over the image.
Preview will show you the cut lines in red which have been created. If the image does not
appear as desired, continue to remove portions of the image until you are satisfied with
the preview.
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Section 6A
Cutting Your Own Images - Basic Upload
Step 7 Name your image and tag it (if desired) for easy searching.
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Section 6A
Cutting Your Own Images - Basic Upload
Step 9 You will return to the Upload Image window. To add the image to your canvas, click on your
image and a green check will appear indicating it is selected. Click Insert Image to add to your canvas.
Please note: Cricut encourages you to respect the intellectual property rights of others and only
make copies of images you own or are authorized to use.
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Section 6B
Cutting Your Own Images - Vector Upload (.svg or .dxf files)
Step 2 A window will open which prompts you to choose your image file type. Choose Vector Upload
to work with .svg or .dxf files.
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Section 6B
Cutting Your Own Images - Vector Upload (.svg or .dxf files)
Tip: (Cricut Design Space can work with files created from other design software. The files can include
solid colors or solid color fills, outlined text, or layers. However, layered images should always
remain ungrouped.)
Step 4 Name your image and tag it (if desired) for easy searching and click Save image.
Section 6B Page 2
Section 6B
Cutting Your Own Images - Vector Upload (.svg or .dxf files)
Step 6 Vector images will appear on your canvas as a grouped image. If ungrouped, the image layers
can be moved and resized independently.
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Section 7A
Working with images/Edit panel - Selecting images
Selecting an image
Option 1 Click on the image to select it. Youll know the image is selected when the bounding box
appears around the edges.
Option 2 Drag the cursor over the images you would like to select. The images must be completely
within the blue box in order for it to be selected.
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Section 7A
Working with images/Edit panel - Selecting images
Option 4 Select all images on your screen by clicking on Select All in the top menu.
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Section 7B
Working with images/Edit panel - Sizing images
Sizing Images
Option 1 Dragging the handle bars on the sides of the bounding box stretches the image width.
Option 2 Dragging the handle bar at the bottom of the bounding box stretches the image height.
Section 7B Page 1
Section 7B
Working with images/Edit panel - Sizing images
Option 4 You can also use the Edit panel to specify an exact size for your image.
Step 1 Select the image and open the Edit panel.
Step 2 Click in the box to enter an exact measurement or use the arrow buttons to increase
or decrease the image size.
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Section 7B
Working with images/Edit panel - Sizing images
To unlock the size ratio, click on the lock. The image will resize based on specific height and
width measurements. When the size ratio is unlocked, the ratio will not be preserved when
you use the corner handles.
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Section 7C
Working with images/Edit panel - Rotate/Mirror/Position
Rotate an image
Option 1 The top handle bar lets you rotate your image in any direction.
Option 2 In the Edit panel, the circle surrounded by smaller circles allows you to rotate the image to
set points, such as 45 or 90. Click on one of the small outer circles and your image will rotate to that
set point.
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Section 7C
Working with images/Edit panel - Rotate/Mirror/Position
Mirror images
Click on the mirror buttons in the edit panel to flip your image either vertically or horizontally
Tip: If you are working with iron-on, we recommend you wait until youre in the Mat Preview screen
to mirror for cutting.
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Section 7C
Working with images/Edit panel - Rotate/Mirror/Position
Step 2 In the edit panel, type in a specific measurement for exact placement.
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Section 8A
Working with Text/Edit Panel - Adding Text
Adding text
Step 1 Insert text onto your canvas by clicking the Add text button.
A new text box with a text field will appear on the canvas and the edit panel will open.
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Section 8A
Working with Text/Edit Panel - Adding text
Section 8A Page 2
Section 8A
Working with Text/Edit Panel - Adding Text
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Section 8A
Working with Text/Edit Panel - Adding Text
Step 4 Click on the drop-down menu near the top of the Edit panel to open a list of all available
fonts. You can use Cricut fonts as well as any font installed on your computer.
Tip: If a font has a price listed next to it, you can add the font to your design for free to see if you like
the look. If you use it in your final design, you will be asked to purchase the font prior to cutting.
Section 8A Page 4
Section 8A
Working with Text/Edit Panel - Adding Text
Step 6 Cricut fonts often have more than one layer. Turn hidden layers on by clicking on the eye in
the layers panel. You can hide layers in the same way.
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Section 8A
Working with Text/Edit Panel - Adding Text
Tip: If you choose to write, the color options will change to match the colors of the available Cricut
pens. Cricut Design Space will prompt you when to use your pen as you make your project.
Step 8 If you are writing, you must tell the Cricut Explore machine which layer you want the text
written on. To do this, select both the font and the layer you will write on and then click Attach in the
Layers panel.
Tip: Once youve attached your text to another layer, it will be automatically ungrouped, and letters
will be shown separately in the Layers panel.
Section 8A Page 6
Section 8B
Working with Text/Edit Panel -Editing Text
Editing text
Step 1 To locate a font style perfect for your project, add text to your project and open the
Edit panel.
Section 8B Page 1
Section 8B
Working with Text/Edit Panel - Editing text
Section 8B Page 2
Section 8B
4B
Working
Image library
with Text/Edit
- Insert/Search
Panel -for
Editing
images
text
Alternatively, if you know the name of the font you want to work with, type the name in the search field.
Step 4 Most fonts often have style options. To select a font style, click on the second dropdown menu.
Choose from options like: regular, bold, italic, bold italic, or writing style. Purchased fonts include all
available styles for the font.
Section 8B Page 3
Section 8B
Working with Text/Edit Panel - Selecting Text
Section 8B Page 4
Section 8B
Working with Text/Edit Panel - Selecting Text
Step 7 When working with multiple lines of text, you have the option to increase or decrease the
line spacing. To do this, change the line spacing by entering an exact number in the field or clicking
the up or down arrows.
Section 8B Page 5
Section 8C
Working with Text/Edit Panel - Ungrouping Fonts
Ungrouping fonts
Ungroup to layers: Allows you to ungroup the layers of text so each layer of the font can
be moved and resized independently, but keeps the letters of the text grouped together.
Isolate letters: Allows you to ungroup the letters of text so you can move and resize
each letter separately; however, the letters layers remain grouped.
Section 8C Page 1
Section 9A
Layers Panel - Determine the Line Type (Cut, Write, Score)
Layers Panel
Use the layer panel to perform a variety of tasks.
Determine the line type (cut, write, score)
Change color of image layers
Group/ungroup images and layers
Duplicate/delete an image
Hide/unhide an image layer
Score: the image will be scored and will require the use of the Cricut Scoring Stylus
Write: the image will be drawn and will require a Cricut Color Pen
Step 1 To change the line type of a layer, click the thumbnail image in the Layers panel. The current
line type will be bold.
Section 9A Page 1
Section 9A
Layers Panel - Determine the Line Type (Cut, Write, Score)
Tip: If there are multiple layers to your project and the line type is a write or a score, the image will
need to be attached to another layer. (See section 9H, Attach Tool, for more details.)
Section 9A Page 2
Section 9B
Layers Panel - Change Color on Image Layers
Step 2 As color is chosen in the window, the image will change reflecting your choice.
Section 9B Page 1
Section 9C
Layers panel - Group/Ungroup images and layers
Tip: When images are grouped, it is only for convenience when working on the project.
Groups will not change how the image appears on the cutting mats.
Ungrouping images
Step 1 Select the image you would like to ungroup. (For more information on selecting images, see
section 7A Working with images/Edit panel.) At the bottom of the Layers panel, click Ungroup.
Section 9C Page 1
Section 9C
Layers panel - Group/Ungroup images and layers
Section 9C Page 2
Section 9C
Layers panel - Group/Ungroup images and layers
Step 1 Select the images you would like to group together. (For more information on how to select
layers, see section 7A Working with images/Image panel.) At the bottom of the Layers panel click
Group.
Step 2 The image group can now be sized and moved as one image.
Section 9C Page 3
Section 9D
Layers Panel - Duplicate/Delete an Image or Image Group
Step 2 At the bottom of the Layers panel, click Duplicate. Image will be copied and will appear as a
new image on the project and in the Layers panel.
Section 9D Page 1
Section 9D
4B
Layers
Image library
Panel -- Duplicate/Delete
Insert/Search foran
images
Image or Image Group
Step 2 At the bottom of the Layers panel, click Delete. The image will be removed from the project
and from the Layers panel.
Section 9D Page 2
Section 9D
Layers Panel - Duplicate/Delete an Image Layer
Step 2 Select the image layer you would like to duplicate by clicking it in the Layers panel.
Section 9D Page 3
Section 9D
Layers Panel - Duplicate/Delete an Image Layer
Section 9D Page 4
Section 9D
Layers Panel - Duplicate/Delete an Image Layer
Step 3 At the bottom of the Layers panel click Delete. The image layer will be removed from the
project and from the Layers panel.
Section 9D Page 5
Section 9E
Layers Panel - Hide/Unhide an Image Layer
Step 2 The icon will change to a crossed-out eye and the layer will no longer appear on the project.
Section 9E Page 1
Section 9E
Layers Panel - Hide/Unhide an Image Layer
Step 2 The icon will change to an eye, and the Layer will now appear on the project.
Section 9E Page 2
Section 9F
Layers Panel - Weld Tool
Weld
The Weld tool allows you to join shapes to create a single customized image by removing any
overlapping cut lines. This can be a great way to simplify a design, keep the letters of a word
connected, or combine shapes to create new designs.
Step 2 Make sure the images you would like to weld overlap each other.
Section 9F Page 1
Section 9F
Layers Panel - Weld Tool
Weld (cont.)
Step 3 Select all images that will be welded together. Once multiple layers are selected, the Weld
tool will become active.
Step 4 Click Weld in the Layers panel and the images will be merged together.
Tip: You will know that your images are welded when they change to the same color
and the new image appears in the Layers panel.
Section 9F Page 2
Section 9G
Layers panel - Contour Tool
Contour Feature
The Contour tool allows you to hide a portion of an image layer.
Step 1 Ungroup your image if it has multiple layers. The layers of an image must be ungrouped
to use contour.
Section 9G Page 1
Section 9G
Layers panel - Contour Tool
Step 4 Click on the portion of the image you do not want. The line will change to a light blue,
indicating this will no longer show as part of the image and will not cut.
Section 9G Page 2
Section 9G
Layers panel - Contour Tool
Section 9G Page 3
Section 9H
Layers Panel - Attach Tool
Step 2 Once your images have been selected, open the Layers panel and click Attach.
Section 9H Page 1
Section 9H
Layers Panel - Attach Tool
Tip: If items are not attached, Cricut Design Space will cut in paper saver mode, meaning it will
automatically place objects on the cutting mat as close together as possible to conserve material.
Section 9H Page 2
Section 9H
Layers Panel - Attach Tool
Section 9H Page 3
Section 9H
Layers Panel - Attach Tool
Step 3 Your text will be converted to an image and will be written on the layer it has been attached to.
Tip: You will know that your images are attached because they will be connected in the Layers panel.
Section 9H Page 4
Section 10
Sync Panel
Sync Panel
The Sync panel helps you coordinate colors within your project. This can also help reduce the number
of cutting mats need for a project.
Step 1 Open the Sync panel using the button in the top menu.
Step 2 Drag a shape from one row to another in the Color Sync panel. The color of the shape will
change to the selected row color.
Tip: If you would like to move an entire row of shapes to a new color, hover over the row. Next to the color
swatch, a verticle row of horizontal stripes will appear. Grap that handle and drag it to another color. All
the pieces of the original color will be updated.
Section 10 Page 1
Section 11
Canvas Panel
Canvas Panel
To better visualize your project, use a project canvas. The canvas will not cut.
It acts as a guide to help you see how the finished project will appear before you cut.
A new window will open showing the options for canvas types.
Step 2 Select the canvas by clicking on the tile that most closely represents your project type.
Section 11 Page 1
Section 11
Canvas Panel
Section 11 Page 2
Section 11
Canvas Panel
Step 4 In the Canvas panel, change the settings to match those of your project. Each canvas type has
unique settings based on the item itself. Change settings such as category, style, size, and color.
Section 11 Page 3
Section 11
Canvas Panel
Step 5 Once you have completed your selections, click Update Canvas. The canvas
properties will change to your preferences.
Step 6 Now you can design your project on the screen to look exactly how the finished
project will appear.
Section 11 Page 4
Section 12
Mat Preview
Mat Preview
Use the Mat Preview screens to perform a variety of tasks.
Once your project is ready to cut, click Go. Cricut Design Space will take your project and automat-
ically separate the color layers onto different mats for you. The Mat Preview screens give you multiple
options to adjust your mats prior to cutting.
Section 12 Page 1
Section 12
Mat Preview
Tip: If you have more than four mats, click the arrows at the bottom of the window to see the
additional mats.
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Section 12
Mat Preview
Make Copies
It is easy to make multiple copies of your project. After the question How many projects do you
want to make? type in a number or use the arrow keys to indicate the number of projects youll be
making. When you are finished, click Apply.
Tip: Cricut Design Space will automatically multiply each image and add mats as needed to make
the number of projects you entered.
Section 12 Page 3
Section 12
Mat Preview
Material Size
Use the mirror image button when working with materials such as iron-on so that images and text
will appear in the correct orientation when applied. Click the button to reverse images on the
selected cutting mat.
Tip: If the entire project is going to be cut with iron-on, you will need to mirror each mat.
Section 12 Page 4
Section 13A
Purchasing Images - Single Images
Purchasing Images
Find and purchase single images, image sets, or the subscription plan in Cricut Design Space. You can
design without purchasing an image; however, you must purchase the image prior to cutting.
Single images
Step 1 From the mat preview screen, youll see a cart symbol with the total amount of your purchase.
Click Purchase & Go.
Step 2 If you havent already, enter your payment information. Cricut Design Space will save your
information for future purchases.
Tip: You can change your information any time. In Cricut Design Space, click on teh green account
button and select Account Details from the drop-down menu.
Section 13A Page 1
Section 13A
Purchasing Images - Single Images
Step 4 If you have a promotional code, enter it in the Promos & Discounts box and click apply.
Step 6 Enter your password in the Authorize Purchase box, and then click Authorize.
$1.05
Step 7 Once your purchase is complete, you will receive the message, Success, your order
has been completed.
Step 2 From the Insert Images window, choose All Image Sets from the drop-down menu.
This will display all the sets that are available in the Cricut Design Space Image Library.
Tip: Many image sets are sold as physical cartridges in stores and digitally online, while other image
sets may only be available digitally.
Step 4 Scroll through the image to see all content available on the image set. If you would like to
purchase the set, click on the Buy Set circle located at the top of the window.
Tip: You can change your information in the account details screen at any time.
Step 6 Next, scroll down the purchase summary to confirm your purchase.
Step 10 Once your purchase is complete, you will receive the message, Success, order has
been completed.
Step 2 From the Insert Images window, choose All Image Sets from the drop-down menu.
This will display all the sets that are available in the Cricut Design Space Image Library.
Tip: Many image sets are sold as physical cartridges in stores and digitally online, while other image
sets may only be available digitally.
Step 4 Scroll through the image to see all content available on the image set. If you would like to
purchase the set, click on the Buy Set circle located at the top of the window.
Tip: You can change your information in the account details screen at any time.
Step 6 Next, scroll down the purchase summary to confirm your purchase.
Step 10 Once your purchase is complete, you will receive the message, Success, order has
been completed.
Tip: See a list of all images and cartridges included in the subscription, go to
us.cricut.com/subscription list.
Step 3 Determine the length of your subscription (monthly or yearly) and select that plan.
Step 5 Click on Continue to checkout. If you havent already, sign into your Cricut.com account.
Step 7 Review your order and click Submit order for [$xx.xx] to complete your transaction. You now
have access to all images and fonts included in the subscription.
Step 1 To preview and possibly upgrade your purchase to a subscription, create a project and go to the
payment screen.
Step 2 Before clicking the Confirm Purchase, click Preview This Plan to see how the
subscription will affect your purchase price.
Step 4 To complete an upgrade to a subscription, click on the green Confirm Purchase box.
Step 6 Once your purchase is complete, you will receive the message , Success, order has
been completed.