Cricut Explore User Manual
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Cricut Explore User Manual

Design-and-cut system
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Cricut Explore
design-and-cut system
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From inspiration to creation in just a few clicks!

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Summary of Contents for Cricut Explore

  • Page 1 User Manual Cricut Explore design-and-cut system ™ From inspiration to creation in just a few clicks!
  • Page 2 Cricut Explore User Manual Index ® 9. Layers Panel 1. Machine Setup A. Determine the Line Type (Cut, Write, Score) A. Set Up Mac B. Change Color on Image Layers B. Set Up PC C. Group/Ungroup Images and Layers C. First Project D.

  • Page 3: Set Up Mac Users

    Machine Setup - Set up MAC users 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. Section 1A Page 1...
  • Page 4 Machine Setup (cont.) Step 3 Open your web browser and go to www.cricut.com/setup Step 4 Log in to your Cricut.com account. If you are new to Cricut.com, click “Need a Cricut Account” to set up an account. Section 1A Page 2...
  • Page 5 Machine Setup - Set up MAC users Machine Setup (cont.) Step 5 You are now ready to set up your Cricut Explore® machine and connect to Cricut Design Space™. Click “Continue” to begin the set-up process. Step 6 Click “Download.”...
  • Page 6 Section 1A Machine Setup - Set up MAC users Machine Setup (cont.) Step 7 Open Finder in the Mac toolbar. Step 8 Go to the Downloads folder on your computer and double-click the CricutDesignSpace file. Section 1A Page 4...
  • Page 7 Section 1A Machine Setup - Set up MAC users Machine Setup (cont.) Step 9 Review and agree to the Terms & Conditions. Step 10 Drag the npCricut.plugin icon to the Internet Plug-Ins folder. Section 1A Page 5...
  • Page 8 Machine Setup (cont.) Step 11 Click “Authenticate.” Depending on your computer settings, you may be prompted to enter your administrator name and password. Step 12 Close the Cricut Design Space™ and Downloads windows to return to your browser. Section 1A Page 6...
  • Page 9 Machine Setup - Set up MAC users Machine Setup (cont.) Step 13 Completely quit your browser; then reopen it and return to www.cricut.com/setup to continue the set-up process. Step 14 Click “Detect Machine.” When your machine has been detected, click “Continue.” Section 1A Page 7...
  • Page 10 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 you’re ready to write and cut your first project! Section 1A Page 8...
  • Page 11 Machine Setup - Set up PC users Machine Setup (cont.) Set up PC 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. Section 1B Page 1...
  • Page 12 Machine Setup (cont.) Step 3 Open your web browser and go to www.cricut.com/setup Step 4 Log in to your Cricut.com account. If you are new to Cricut.com, click “Need a Cricut Account” to set up an account. Section 1B Page 2...
  • Page 13 Machine Setup - Set up PC users Machine Setup (cont.) Step 5 You are now ready to set up your Cricut Explore® machine and connect to Cricut Design Space™. Click “Continue” to begin the set-up process. Step 6 Click “Download Plugin.”...
  • Page 14 Section 1B Machine Setup - Set up PC users Machine Setup (cont.) Step 7 Close your browser. Step 8 Click the Start menu and then open your Documents folder. Section 1B Page 4...
  • Page 15 Machine Setup - Set up PC users Machine Setup (cont.) Step 9 Select the Downloads folder and then double-click on the CricutDesignSpace file. Step 10 The Setup Cricut Design Space™ window will open. Click “Next” to continue. Section 1B Page 5...
  • Page 16 Section 1B Machine Setup - Set up PC users Machine Setup (cont.) Step 11 Review and accept the Terms and Conditions. Click “Next” to continue. Step 12 Decide where you would like the file to be installed (it will default to the Program Files folder). Click “Next” to continue. Section 1B Page 6...
  • Page 17 Section 1B Machine Setup - Set up PC users Machine Setup (cont.) Step 13 Decide if you would like a Desktop shortcut. Click “Next” to continue. Step 14 Click “Next” to install the Internet plug in. Section 1B Page 7...
  • Page 18 Machine Setup - Set up PC users Machine Setup (cont.) Step 15 Cricut Design Space™ has been successfully installed. Click “Finish,” open your browser, and return to www.cricut.com/setup. Step 16 Click “Detect Machine.” When your machine has been detected, click “Continue.”...
  • Page 19 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 you’re ready to write and cut your first project! Section 1B Page 9...
  • Page 20 Section 1C Machine setup - First Project Machine Setup (cont.) Use the materials found in the box to complete a “Thank you” card and watch as your Cricut Explore® machine writes and cuts all in one step. First Project Step 1 To insert the pen, start by first opening accessory clamp A.
  • Page 21 Section 1C Machine setup - First Project Machine Setup (cont.) Step 3 Position the pen so the gray arrow is facing towards you. Hold the accessory clamp in place while pushing the pen down into the housing until the arrow disappears. Step 4 Close the latch.
  • Page 22 Section 1C Machine setup - First Project Machine Setup (cont.) Step 5 Next, load the black paper found in your starter materials packet onto your mat. Start by removing the protective cover from your mat. Tip: Set this cover aside while you cut but be sure to replace to protect the mat’s adhesive during the times it is not in use.
  • Page 23 Load the mat into your Cricut Explore® machine by positioning the mat underneath the mat guides and pressing the blinking Load/Unload button. 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”...
  • Page 24 Machine setup - First Project Machine Setup (cont.) Step 9 Once your Cricut Explore® machine has finished cutting and writing, unload the your mat by pressing the blinking Load/Unload button. Tip: Be sure to remove your pen—just open accessory clamp A and pull the pen straight up.
  • Page 25 Turn the mat over onto a flat surface and then slowly pull the mat away from your material until the card releases. 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.
  • Page 26 Section 1C Machine setup - First Project Machine Setup (cont.) Step 13 Take the jade cardstock from your starter materials packet and fit it into the slits in the four corners of the card. Section 1C Page 7...
  • Page 27 **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.
  • Page 28 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.
  • Page 29 , you can select from predefined settings or create your own. ™ Using preset custom materials 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.
  • Page 30 ® Adding new custom materials 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. Section 2B Page 1...
  • Page 31 Turn the Smart Set dial to the Custom setting. ™ 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.
  • Page 32 Section 2B Smart Set Dial - Custom Settings ™ Smart Set Dial (cont.) ™ Step 4 Click the “Add Material” button located at the bottom left corner of the window. Step 5 Type the name of your custom material in the “Material Name” text box. Section 2B Page 3...
  • Page 33 Dial (cont.) ™ Step 6 Adjust the number of times the cut should be done using the multi-cut feature drop-down menu in Cricut Design Space . This will make the Cricut Explore machine cut multiple times. ™ ® Step 7 Adjust the pressure by dragging the arrow to the desired number.
  • Page 34 Smart Set Dial (cont.) ™ Step 8 Once you’re done adjusting the details, click “Save.” Step 9 Click “Done” to close the window in Cricut Design Space and press the “Go” button on your ™ Cricut Explore machine. ® Section 2B Page 5...
  • Page 35 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 ™...
  • Page 36 ™ Smart Set Dial (cont.) ™ Step 3 Click “Material Settings” in Cricut Design Space . This will open a new window where you ™ can adjust or add materials 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.”...
  • Page 37 Dial (cont.) ™ Step 5 Once you have finished making adjustments, click “Done” to close the window and press the “Go” button on your Cricut Explore ® Deleting a custom material Step 1 You have the option to delete any of your defined custom settings. Once your project is ready to cut, click “Go.”...
  • Page 38 Section 2B Smart Set Dial - Custom Settings ™ Smart Set Dial (cont.) ™ Step 2 Turn the Smart Set dial to the Custom setting. ™ Step 3 Click “Material Settings.” This will open a new window where you can delete the unwanted material.
  • Page 39 Section 2B Smart Set Dial - Custom Settings ™ Smart Set Dial (cont.) ™ Step 4 Click on the material you would like to delete and then click on the trash icon. The material will be removed from your list. Step 5 Once you have finished removing the unwanted material, click “Done”...
  • Page 40 The Cricut Explore® machine was designed to work with Cricut Design Space™ online software. You can still use cartridges you’ve 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 ®...
  • Page 41 Cartridge Linking Cartridge Linking (cont.) Step 3 Connect your Cricut Explore® machine to your computer via the USB cable. Turn on the machine. Step 4 Insert the Cricut® cartridge firmly into the port on the Cricut Explore® machine. Section 3 Page 2...
  • Page 42 Cartridge Linking (cont.) Step 5 Once the cartridge is detected by the machine, you will be prompted to link the cartridge to your Cricut.com account. Click “Link Cartridge.” Step 6 Messaging on screen will indicate once cartridge has been successfully linked.
  • Page 43 Section 3 Cartridge Linking Cartridge Linking (cont.) Step 7 Locate your images by clicking on “Insert Images” from the Design Screen. Step 8 Select “My Images Sets” in the drop-down menu. Section 3 Page 4...
  • Page 44 Section 3 Cartridge Linking Cartridge Linking (cont.) Step 9 Type the name of the cartridge into the search field. The cartridge will appear with the word “purchased” under it. Step 10 Click the cartridge tile to access its set of images. Section 3 Page 5...
  • Page 45 The Cricut Design Space™ Image Library contains over 50,000 images, with more being added all the time. You don’t need to own an image to try it out—Cricut Design Space lets you design with an image before you buy so you can make sure it will work on your project.
  • Page 46 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 you’ve purchased, plus free images, images from linked cartridges, and images included in your subscription plan (if you have subscribed) •...
  • Page 47 Section 4A Image Library - Search/Insert Images Image library (cont.) Step 4 Images are shown in tiles. The tile indicates your level of access: Free, Subscribed, Purchased or the price to purchase the image. 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).
  • Page 48 Section 4A Image Library - Search/Insert Images Image library (cont.) Step 5 To select one or more images and add them to the design screen, click on each image you would like to use. A green check mark will appear in the top right corner of the tile to indicate you’ve selected it, and a thumbnail of the image will appear in the image queue near the bottom of the Insert Image window.
  • Page 49 Section 4A Image Library - Search/Insert Images Image library (cont.) Step 6 Once you have chosen one or more images, click “Insert Images.” Step 7 The selected images will be added to your design screen. You can now move and size images to visualize how they’ll look on your project.
  • Page 50 Once you link a cartridge to your account (see section 3 of this manual), you will have full access to its digital image set. Simply access the image set by clicking “Insert Images” from the left menu. A new window will open containing the Cricut Design Space™ Image Library and all images you’ve purchased.
  • Page 51 Section 4B Image Library - Search for Image Sets/Cartridges Image Library (cont.) Step 2 Using the drop down-menu at the top of the window, select the image group you would like to work with. Choose “My Images” if you want to search for a specific image you’ve purchased; if you are looking for an entire cartridge, select “My Image Sets.”...
  • Page 52 Section 4B Image Library - Search for Image Sets/Cartridges Image Library (cont.) Step 4 Search for a specific image set or cartridge by typing part or all of the name into the search box, and then clicking the magnifying glass. This will narrow down the number of items you have to choose from.
  • Page 53 Section 4B Section 4B Image library - Insert/Search for images Image Library - Search for Image Sets/Cartridges Image Library (cont.) Step 5 Select one or more images by clicking on each image you would like to use. Thumbnails of these images will be displayed in the image queue near the bottom of the Insert Image window.
  • Page 54 Section 4C Image Library - Using Image Filters Image Library (cont.) The Cricut Design Space™ Image Library features a filter system which can help you quickly locate specific images. Using image filters Step 1 From the design screen, click “Insert Images.”...
  • Page 55 Section 4C Image Library - Using Image Filters Image Library (cont.) Step 2 On the left side of the window, click on the Filter tab to open a list of 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.
  • Page 56 Section 4C Image Library - Using Image Filters Image Library (cont.) Tip: Expand the category or theme options by clicking on the arrow next to the filter check box. Step 4 Once you have chosen one or more images, click “Insert Images.” Section 4C Page 3...
  • Page 57 Section 4C Image Library - Using Image Filters Image Library (cont.) Step 5 The image will be added to your design screen. You can now move and size images to visualize how they’ll look on your project. Section 4C Page 4...
  • Page 58 FREE projects. New projects are added on a regular basis. To make a project, all you need to do is gather your supplies and go. Step 1 From the Cricut Design Space landing page scroll through the hundreds of ™...
  • Page 59 Section 5 Make It Now™ Projects Make It Now™ Projects (cont.) Step 3 Click on a project you would like to make. Step 4 A window will open listing all the project details you will need to create the project including: project name, project description, di culty level, estimated completion time, materials and instructions, and image cost.
  • Page 60 Section 5 Make It Now™ Projects Make It Now™ Projects (cont.) Step 5 Make It Now projects often have more than one photo. If there are multiple photos, small gray ™ circles will appear below the main photo. Click on the circles to see alternate views of the project. Step 6 Below the picture you will find images that are needed to complete this project.
  • Page 61 Section 5 Make It Now™ Projects Make It Now™ Projects (cont.) Step 7 There are two options to choose when you are working with Make it Now projects. Click ™ “Make It Now” if you would like to make the project exactly as shown. This will take you directly to the mat preview.
  • Page 62 Section 5 Make It Now™ Projects Make It Now™ Projects (cont.) Step 8 Once you’re done cutting, return to Cricut Design Space where you can view the project ™ detail page to follow the instruction on project assembly. Tip: If you customize a Make It Now project and then save it to your account, the original instructions ™...
  • Page 63 Cutting Your Own Images Cricut Design Space™ gives you the ability to cut what you want by uploading and converting most .jpg, .bmp, .png, .gif, .svg and .dxf images into cuttable shapes for free. There are two di erent types of uploads: Basic and Vector.
  • Page 64 Section 6A Cutting Your Own Images - Basic Upload Cutting Your Own Images (cont.) Step 2 A window will open which prompts you to choose your image file type. Choose “Basic Upload” to work with .jpg, .gif, .png or .bmp image files. Step 3 Click “Browse”...
  • Page 65 Section 6A Cutting Your Own Images - Basic Upload Cutting Your Own Images (cont.) Step 4 Choose if your image is basic, moderately complex, or complex based on the descriptions found on the screen. Matching up the image that most closely aligns with your imported image will help you better create the cut line.
  • Page 66 Section 6A Cutting Your Own Images - Basic Upload Cutting Your Own Images (cont.) Several tools help you clean up your image by deleting unwanted areas. 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.
  • Page 67 Section 6A Cutting Your Own Images - Basic Upload Cutting Your Own Images (cont.) Step 6 Once the image is cleaned and meets your expectations, click “Continue to step 3.” Step 7 Name your image and tag it (if desired) for easy searching. Section 6A Page 5...
  • Page 68 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 ®...
  • Page 69 Section 6B Cutting Your Own Images - Vector Upload (.svg or .dxf files) Cutting Your Own Images (cont.) Vector Upload (.svg or .dxf files) Step 1 To begin a vector upload, click “Upload Image” on the left side of the design screen. Step 2 A window will open which prompts you to choose your image file type.
  • Page 70 Step 3 Click “Browse” to find the image you want to use on your computer. 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.)
  • Page 71 Section 6B Cutting Your Own Images - Vector Upload (.svg or .dxf files) Cutting Your Own Images (cont.) Step 5 You will return to the Upload Image window. Click on your image and a green check will appear indicating it is selected. Click “Insert image” to add to your canvas. Step 6 Vector images will appear on your canvas as a grouped image.
  • Page 72 Section 7A Working with images/Edit panel - Selecting images Working with images/Edit panel There are several di erent ways to select an image. Selecting an image Option 1 Click on the image to select it. You’ll know the image is selected when the bounding box appears around the edges.
  • Page 73 Section 7A Working with images/Edit panel - Selecting images Working with images/Edit panel (cont.) Option 3 Selecting the thumbnail image in the Layers panel will also select the image on your canvas. Option 4 Select all images on your screen by clicking on “Select All” in the top menu. Section 7A Page 2...
  • Page 74 Section 7B Working with images/Edit panel - Sizing images Working with images/Edit panel (cont.) There are several di erent ways to size an image. 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.
  • Page 75 Section 7B Working with images/Edit panel - Sizing images Working with images/Edit panel (cont.) Option 3 Change both the width and height of your image at the same time by dragging the handle bars found on any of the corners. This will maintain the size ratio, which means the image will not be stretched as it grows or shrinks.
  • Page 76 Section 7B Working with images/Edit panel - Sizing images Working with images/Edit panel (cont.) Images are added to the canvas with their size ratio locked, meaning the image will resize proportionally. To unlock the size ratio, click on the lock. The image will resize based on specific height and width measurements.
  • Page 77 Section 7C Working with images/Edit panel - Rotate/Mirror/Position Working with images/Edit panel (cont.) There are several di erent ways to rotate an image. 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°...
  • Page 78 Section 7C Working with images/Edit panel - Rotate/Mirror/Position Working with images/Edit panel (cont.) Option 3 In the edit panel, enter a specific rotation up to 360° or use the arrow buttons to adjust rotation. 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 you’re in the Mat Preview screen to mirror for cutting.
  • Page 79 Section 7C Working with images/Edit panel - Rotate/Mirror/Position Working with images/Edit panel (cont.) Positioning images Step 1 Choose where on the canvas you would like your image set. Position is always measured from the top left corner of the design space to the top left corner of the bounding box. Step 2 In the edit panel, type in a specific measurement for exact placement.
  • Page 80 Section 8A Working with Text/Edit Panel - Adding Text Working with Text/Edit Panel Cricut Design Space makes it easy to personalize your project using text, and di erent fonts. You can ™ use Cricut fonts or system fonts found on your computer.
  • Page 81 Section 8A Working with Text/Edit Panel - Adding text Working with Text/Edit Panel (cont.) Step 2 Type your text in the text field and watch as it appears below in the text box. Section 8A Page 2...
  • Page 82 Section 8A Working with Text/Edit Panel - Adding Text Working with Text/Edit Panel (cont.) Tips for working with text: • Clicking out of the field will close the text field • Double clicking on the text will open the text field again •...
  • Page 83 To change the font, select the text box or layer and open the edit panel. 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. ®...
  • Page 84 Step 5 Choose the look of your font by clicking on the font you would like to use. 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.
  • Page 85 Click on the thumbnail image of the text in the Layers panel to make adjustments to line style and color. 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.
  • Page 86 Section 8B Working with Text/Edit Panel -Editing Text Working with Text/Edit Panel (cont.) The Edit panel in Cricut Design Space is very similar to the Image Edit panel when it comes to sizing, ™ rotating, and positioning text. It also makes finding the right font and editing text simple so you can easily personalize your projects.
  • Page 87 • System Fonts: shows only fonts found on your computer. • Cricut Fonts: filters for fonts from the Cricut Design Space Image Library. ® ™ • Single Layer: filters for fonts that only contain one layer.
  • Page 88 Section 4B Section 8B Image library - Insert/Search for images Working with Text/Edit Panel - Editing text Working with Text/Edit Panel (cont.) Step 3 Once you’ve narrowed your fonts using filters, the next step is to choose a font design by clicking on the main drop-down menu.
  • Page 89 Section 8B Working with Text/Edit Panel - Selecting Text Working with Text/Edit Panel (cont.) Step 5 You can change the alignment of your text inside the text box. Text alignment defaults to the left, but you can also choose to center or right-align your text. Section 8B Page 4...
  • Page 90 Section 8B Working with Text/Edit Panel - Selecting Text Working with Text/Edit Panel (cont.) Step 6 In order to make letters touch or get further apart, use the letter spacing option by typing an exact number in the field or clicking the up and down arrows. Step 7 When working with multiple lines of text, you have the option to increase or decrease the line spacing.
  • Page 91 Section 8C Working with Text/Edit Panel - Ungrouping Fonts Working with Text/Edit Panel (cont.) When working with layered Cricut fonts, you have the option to ungroup a little di erently. ® 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.
  • Page 92  Cut: the image will be cut from your material  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 ®...
  • Page 93 Section 9A Layers Panel - Determine the Line Type (Cut, Write, Score) Layers Panel (cont.) Step 2 Click the line type icon to make a change. The image in the Design Space will change to reflect ™ your choice. 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.
  • Page 94 To change the color of a layer, click the layer thumbnail in the Layers palette. For a cut object you can choose from a Basic color palette or use the Custom Color Picker. For a written or drawn object, you can choose from the Cricut pen colors.
  • Page 95 Section 9C Layers panel - Group/Ungroup images and layers Group/Ungroup images and layers The layers of images inserted from the CricutDesign Space™ Image Library are grouped together. This means the image layers will move and resize together unless you ungroup them. Tip: When images are grouped, it is only for convenience when working on the project.
  • Page 96 Section 9C Layers panel - Group/Ungroup images and layers Group/Ungroup images and layers (cont.) Ungrouping images (cont.) Step 2 Each layer of the image can now be sized and moved individually. Section 9C Page 2...
  • Page 97 Section 9C Layers panel - Group/Ungroup images and layers Group/Ungroup images and layers (cont.) Grouping images 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.”...
  • Page 98 Section 9D Layers Panel - Duplicate/Delete an Image or Image Group Layers Panel (cont.) Use the Duplicate/Delete function in the Layers panel to add additional copies of an image or image layer to your project. Duplicate an image or image group Step 1 Select the image or image group you would like to duplicate.
  • Page 99 Section 4B Section 9D Image library - Insert/Search for images Layers Panel - Duplicate/Delete an Image or Image Group Layers Panel (cont.) Delete an image or image group Step 1 Select the image or image group you would like to delete. Step 2 At the bottom of the Layers panel, click “Delete.”...
  • Page 100 Section 9D Layers Panel - Duplicate/Delete an Image Layer Layers Panel (cont.) Duplicate an image layer Step 1 Begin by ungrouping the image group you would like to duplicate. You can tell an image is ungrouped when it is selected and a grey background appears around only one image layer. Step 2 Select the image layer you would like to duplicate by clicking it in the Layers panel.
  • Page 101 Section 9D Layers Panel - Duplicate/Delete an Image Layer Layers Panel (cont.) Step 3 At the bottom of the Layers panel click “Duplicate.” Image layer will be copied and will appear as a new image on the project and in the Layers panel. Delete an image layer Step 1 Begin by ungrouping the image group you would like to delete.
  • Page 102 Section 9D Layers Panel - Duplicate/Delete an Image Layer Layers Panel (cont.) Step 2 Select the image layer you would like to delete by clicking it in the Layers panel. 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.
  • Page 103 Layers Panel - Hide/Unhide an Image Layer Layers Panel (cont.) All images appear in the layers panel as separate layers. Many images when inserted from the Cricut Design Space Image Library have layers (often shadows) that are present but do not immediately ™...
  • Page 104 Section 9E Layers Panel - Hide/Unhide an Image Layer Layers Panel (cont.) Unhide an image layer Step 1 To unhide a layer, click on the crossed out eye icon in the layer band of the Layers panel. Step 2 The icon will change to an eye, and the Layer will now appear on the project. Section 9E Page 2...
  • Page 105 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.
  • Page 106 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.
  • Page 107 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.
  • Page 108 Section 9G Layers panel - Contour Tool Contour Feature (cont.) Step 3 Click “Contour” on the layers panel. You will see all images fade except the one you are working with. The blue line around the image represents a cut path. Step 4 Click on the portion of the image you do not want.
  • Page 109 Section 9G Layers panel - Contour Tool Contour Feature (cont.) Step 5 When you are finished hiding portions of the image, click on a blank area of the design screen. You will see the hidden contours no long appear as part of the image. Section 9G Page 3...
  • Page 110 Section 9H Layers Panel - Attach Tool Layers Panel (cont.) The Attach tool has two functions. Attach holds your cuts in position so that images on the cutting mat will appear exactly as they show up on your design screen. Attach can also fasten a write or score line to a cut layer.
  • Page 111 Mat Preview screen exactly as you have them arranged on your project. Tip: If items are not attached, Cricut Design Space will cut in paper saver mode, meaning it will ™...
  • Page 112 Section 9H Layers Panel - Attach Tool Layers Panel (cont.) Step 4 Should you want to detach your images, right click on the design screen and select the “Detach” option from the menu. Using Attach to fasten a write or score to a cut layer Step 1 Ungroup your image if it has multiple layers.
  • Page 113 Section 9H Layers Panel - Attach Tool Layers Panel (cont.) Step 2 Select both the text to be written and the image or layer you would like it to write on. Open the Layers panel and click “Attach.” Step 3 Your text will be converted to an image and will be written on the layer it has been attached to.
  • Page 114 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.
  • Page 115 It acts as a guide to help you see how the finished project will appear before you cut. Step 1 To use a canvas in Cricut Design Space, click “Set Canvas.” A new window will open showing the options for canvas types.
  • Page 116 Section 11 Canvas Panel Canvas Panel (cont.) Tip: If you would like to place your design as though you are using a cutting mat, you may want to choose Basic canvas and then customize the canvas to match your cutting mat. Step 3 Click “done”...
  • Page 117 Section 11 Canvas Panel Canvas Panel (cont.) The canvas will appear with the Canvas Properties panel open. 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...
  • Page 118 Section 11 Canvas Panel Canvas Panel (cont.) Tip: To customize the size of your canvas, click “Custom” in the Size drop-down menu. Here you can adjust both the width and height of your canvas. (Remember to unlock the aspect ratio if you would like to adjust the height and width separately.) Step 5 Once you have completed your selections, click “Update Canvas.”...
  • Page 119 Select the material size Once your project is ready to cut, click “Go.” Cricut Design Space™ will take your project and automat- ically separate the color layers onto di erent mats for you. The Mat Preview screens give you multiple options to adjust your mats prior to cutting.
  • Page 120 Section 12 Mat Preview Mat Preview (cont.) Select/Edit mats Click on each mat thumbnail image to preview the image layout. To move between mats, either click on the mat thumbnail or select a mat number at the bottom of the page. Tip: If you have more than four mats, click the arrows at the bottom of the window to see the additional mats.
  • Page 121 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...
  • Page 122 Section 12 Mat Preview Mat Preview (cont.) Mirror Images Change the material size by clicking on the Material drop-down menu at the bottom of the mat preview window. Tip: You will have to change the material size for each mat or color group. 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.
  • Page 123 If you haven’t 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...
  • Page 124 Section 13A Purchasing Images - Single Images Purchasing Images (cont.) Step 3 Next, scroll down the purchase summary to confirm your purchase. Step 4 If you have a promotional code, enter it in the Promos & Discounts box and click apply. Section 13A Page 2...
  • Page 125 Section 13A Purchasing Images - Single images Purchasing Images (cont.) Step 5 Click “Confirm purchase.” 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.”...
  • Page 126 To purchase an image set, click on “Insert image” from the design screen. 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. ™...
  • Page 127 Section 13B Purchasing Images - Image sets Purchasing Image (cont.) Step 3 Click on an image tile to review what is included in the image set. 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.
  • Page 128 Section 13B Purchasing Images - Image Sets Purchasing Images (cont.) Step 5 If you haven’t already, enter your payment information. Cricut Design Space will save your ™ information for future purchases. Tip: You can change your information in the account details screen at any time.
  • Page 129 Section 13B Purchasing Images - Image Sets Purchasing Images (cont.) Step 7 If you have a promotional code , enter it in the “Promos & Discounts” box and click “Apply.” Step 8 Click “Confirm purchase.” Section 13B Page 4...
  • Page 130 Section 13B Purchasing Images - Image Sets Purchasing Images (cont.) Step 9 Enter your password in the Authorize Purchase box, and then click “Authorize.” Step 10 Once your purchase is complete, you will receive the message, “Success, order has been completed.” Section 13B Page 5...
  • Page 131 To purchase an image set, click on “Insert image” from the design screen. 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. ™...
  • Page 132 Section 13B Purchasing Images - Image sets Purchasing Image (cont.) Step 3 Click on an image tile to review what is included in the image set. 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.
  • Page 133 Section 13B Purchasing Images - Image Sets Purchasing Images (cont.) Step 5 If you haven’t already, enter your payment information. Cricut Design Space will save your ™ information for future purchases. Tip: You can change your information in the account details screen at any time.
  • Page 134 Section 13B Purchasing Images - Image Sets Purchasing Images (cont.) Step 7 If you have a promotional code , enter it in the “Promos & Discounts” box and click “Apply.” Step 8 Click “Confirm purchase.” Section 13B Page 4...
  • Page 135 Section 13B Purchasing Images - Image Sets Purchasing Images (cont.) Step 9 Enter your password in the Authorize Purchase box, and then click “Authorize.” Step 10 Once your purchase is complete, you will receive the message, “Success, order has been completed.” Section 13B Page 5...
  • Page 136 Section 13C Purchasing Images - Subscription Purchasing Images (cont.) Subscription A subscription gives you unlimited access to 25,000+ Cricut images and 200+ fonts. Subscriptions can be purchased monthly or yearly. • Monthly subscription $9.99 per month • Yearly subscription $99.99 per year...
  • Page 137 Section 13C Purchasing Images - Subscription Purchasing Images (cont.) Step 2 Type subscription into the search field. Step 3 Determine the length of your subscription (monthly or yearly) and select that plan. Section 13C Page 2...
  • Page 138 Purchasing Images - Subscription Purchasing Images (cont.) Step 4 Click on “Subscribe” and you will be taken to the shopping cart. Step 5 Click on “Continue to checkout.” If you haven’t already, sign into your Cricut.com account. Section 13C Page 3...
  • Page 139 Section 13C Purchasing Images - Subscription Purchasing Images (cont.) Step 6 Complete the billing and payment information and click “Continue.” Step 7 Review your order and click “Submit order for [$xx.xx]” to complete your transaction. You now have access to all images and fonts included in the subscription. Section 13C Page 4...
  • Page 140 Section 13D Purchasing Images - Upgrade Your Purchase Purchasing Images (cont.) Upgrade your purchase to a subscription The low cost of subscription plans often make them less expensive than purchasing images individually. You can review your order then preview the subscription plan to see which option works best for you. Step 1 To preview and possibly upgrade your purchase to a subscription, create a project and go to the payment screen.
  • Page 141 Section 13D Purchasing Images - Upgrade Your Purchase Purchasing Images (cont.) Step 3 If you would like to purchase the subscription, click on the green “Add Subscription” box. If you want to proceed with your original purchase, click on the “x” at the top right corner of the purchase summary.
  • Page 142 Section 13D Purchasing Images - Upgrade Your Purchase Purchasing Images (cont.) Step 5 Complete your purchase by entering your password in the Authorize Purchase box, and then click “Authorize.” Step 6 Once your purchase is complete, you will receive the message , “Success, order has been completed.”...

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