How to Use Cricut Print then Cut For Beginners [2021]
If you have a Cricut but have never tried using Print then Cut then you’re basically living a life half-lived. I had my Cricut for three years before I tried Print then Cut and I regret that I didn’t try it sooner. It’s now one of my absolute favorite things to do with my Cricut. So if you have been stalling about trying this feature of your Cricut cutting machine, this beginner’s guide to the Cricut Print then Cut Feature will give you the confidence to hit Print.
Table of Contents
About Print then Cut
Before we dive into the wonderful world of Print then Cut and all the cool new features you may be wondering just what Cricut Print then Cut is.
What is Print then Cut?
Print then Cut is a feature of Cricut Design Space where you use your home printer in tandem with your Cricut machine to print an image and then cut it out. Print then Cut is Cricut’s proprietary name for print and cut.
Is Print then Cut Available for All Cricut Machines?
Print then Cut is available for the Cricut Explore Air and the Cricut Maker. The Cricut Joy is only Draw and Cut. Print then Cut is not available for Android, and it is available for mobile- but only if your printer has AirPrint capabilities.
What's New + Tips for Design Space
Linetype is Now Operations
If you are using the default canvas when you start a project, you will use the new canvas that Cricut introduced in early 2021. One of the significant changes to this change is that Linetype is now called Operation, and your options have changed. This is actually a little more streamlined than previously as it simplifies some of the linetypes and places them all within three categories- Cut/Draw/and Print then Cut.
Select to Save
With one of the latest Cricut updates, there is no longer a default to Save as a Cut Image. You do have to click on either Save as a Print then Cut or Save as a Cut in order to continue to the next page. AND if you’re in the habit of skipping the tags or you don’t title your image on this page make sure you do that because…
Uploaded Images are Now Searchable!
This is a really nice new feature that will save you the time of scrolling through pages and pages of uploaded images to get to LAST year’s Christmas designs. Just search by any keywords or title words that you may have used.
Always Check Your Mat Before You Unload
You CAN do multiple passes with a Cricut if you do not unload your mat. When a cut has finished just check the cut to see that you’re happy with the cut. If you are not, you can go ahead and push the C (Go) button on your machine and it will repeat the action (the cut).
Introducing Offset to Make Print then Cut Designs
Another new feature for 2021 that will rock your Print then Cut world is the Offset feature.
This feature is still in Beta and is only available if you have “new canvas” turned on. It will not show up as an option if you have toggled on “classic canvas” under settings.
You’ll find Settings under your profile in Cricut Design Space
The Offset feature will make adding outlines (borders) to your images for either layered designs or stickers easy. It still has some limitations as it is still in Beta, only available for Cricut Design Space for Desktop, and is only available on Windows 10 and higher and Mac OS 10.15 version and higher.
Choose from Internal or External Offset for Two Different Effects
Step-by-Step How to Use Offset in Cricut Design Space
- Step One- Upload an image into your canvas and Select it.
- Step Two- In the top toolbar, click the Offset feature
- Step Three- Use the slider to choose Internal Offset or External Offset (right-side). A good range is .08 to .125.
- Step Four- Choose Rounded Corners or Straight
- Step Five- Click Apply
- Step Six- Change the color (near Operation) of your Offset
- Step Seven- Select both the Offset Layer and your original design in the Layers Panel and flatten to make a single image.
Print then Cut Quick Start Guide for Beginners
- Step One- Upload an image into Cricut Design Space (or use one from Cricut Access)
- Step Two- Remove the Background on Clean Up Page*
- Step Three- Save as a Print then Cut image
- Step Four- Insert your image into a NEW canvas
- Step Five- Change the Operation to Print then Cut
- Step Six- Add Offset (optional)
- Step Seven- Hit Make it!
- Step Eight- Hit Print and use Print Dialog or System Dialog
- Step Nine- Place on a Cricut Cutting Mat and Load into Cricut
- Step Ten- Choose a Material Setting
- Step Eleven- Press Go (C button on machine)
- Step Twelve- Before you Unload the mat check the cut
- Step Thirteen- Unload the Cutting Mat
- Step Fourteen- Remove the Project
- Many png designs already have their background removed.
Troubleshooting Print then Cut
Although print then cut is AMAZING, it can also be frustrating when it doesn’t work right. Here is some common Print then Cut problems and suggestions for solving them.
My Cut is Off or Wonky
Although print then cut is AMAZING, it can also be frustrating when it doesn’t work right. Here is some common Print then Cut problems and suggestions for solving them.
Cricut Can't Read the Sensor Box
The Sensor box (registration box) is a black rectangle that’s automatically printed around your print then cut project when you send it to the printer. This black box is read by the sensor near carriage A on your Cricut so that Cricut will be able to tell where your designs are and cut them out. Your Cricut will often not be able to “read” that sensor box and will either not cut at all or cut incorrectly. You may also see an error banner pop up on your page.
The Paper Project Sticks to the Mat and Tears when Removed
The best way to avoid this is to use a Light Grip Cutting Mat for your paper projects or a Standard Cutting Mat that’s lost some of its stickiness.
You could also try using a spatula to lift the paper off the cutting mat if it is tearing when you try to move it.
There is a Warning Sign Next to the Print then Cut Layer
This means that your image is too large for Cricut’s Print then Cut feature. The maximum size for Print then Cut is 6.75″ w. x 9.25″ h. and defaults to letter-size paper (8.5″ h. x 11″ w.).
The Material Setting Doesn't Work
You can always change the material setting. For instance, I’ve found that the Printable Sticker Paper setting doesn’t work for the sticker sheets I use, but Premium Vinyl does. I use sticker sheets, and the Printable Sticker Paper material setting is for CRICUT’S Printable Sticker Paper which is a card stock weight. If you’re having trouble with your sticker paper changing your material setting to Sticky Note, Washi Tape, or Premium Vinyl may work better. For intricate cuts try the Washi Tape material setting.
There isn't a Good Material Setting for the Project
You can create your own Custom Material Setting. I show you how to do this in my post, How to Make Glitter Stickers.
The Paper Curls When Removed from Mat
There’s a GREAT trick to avoid this. Just flip your mat over after your cut and peel the mat back and away from your paper. So curl the mat- not the paper!
Note: Cricut warns against using any color of paper but white with any machine in the Cricut Explore family. The Cricut Maker can handle a broader range of papers.
This post contains affiliate links for Amazon and Cricut. I make a small commission when you purchase through these links- but it doesn’t cost you anything extra. Win!
Some Reasons Your Cricut Can't Sense the Registration Box...
There could be several reasons you get that dreaded Error Banner when you try to cut your print. Here are a couple and the hacks that could fix them.
If Your Material is Too Glossy or Shiny...
Use the Matte Transparent Tape Trick
See Tip #1If the Black Box is Too Light...
Use a Sharpie to Trace Over the Lines
If There's Not Enough Light...
Try Adding a Lamp or Use Your Flashlight on Your Phone
If There Isn't Enough Contrast Between the Paper and Box...
Use a Lighter Color Paper or Create a Stencil
17 Print then Cut Project Ideas
If you’re wondering what you can make with the Print then Cut Feature, I have a list of 17 popular print then cut project ideas to get your mind started envisioning the possibilities.
- Cake and Cupcake Toppers
- Printable Cards/Envelopes
- Invitations
- Party Banners
- Printable Vinyl Car Decals
- Printable Iron-on Shirts
- Phone or Computer Decals
- Stationary
- Tote Bags
- Classroom Decor
- Holiday Decor
- Gift Tags/Bags
- Photo Props
- Custom Magnets
- Bookmarks
- Custom Product Labels
- STICKERS!!!!!!
Many projects in these categories are available in Cricut Access, and you can also find Print then Cut designs in my Free Resource Library.
Frequently Asked Questions About Print then Cut
What Files Types can I Upload into Cricut Design Space?
You can upload .dxf, .svg, .png, .gif, .bmp, and .jpeg images into Design Space. Any of these images can be print then cut images if you either flatten them (see below) or change the Operation. Common image file extensions are .png and .jpeg. If you are using a design that does not have its background already deleted you can remove it on the image processing clean-up page in Cricut Design Space with the magic wand tool. Just point and click on what you’d like to remove. You could also use an app like Magic Eraser, or websites like remove.bg.com or cutecutter.com.
What Should I Choose for the Image Type?
I almost always recommend you upload your photo or multi-colored images as Complex. If you are uploading a black and white image that is an EXTREMELY simple shape then you can choose Simple or Moderate. But there is no penalty if you choose Complex when you could have chosen Simple.
This whole part of the upload process is a little bit of a mystery on Cricut’s end and I would love to know what they’re doing to our image as they upload it!
Why Would Print then Cut Not Show Up Under Operation?
If you set your Machine Choice to Joy (at the top of your webpage), you will only find Draw and Cut designs when you click Images on the left-side toolbar on your canvas.
Where Can I Find Images to Upload Outside of Cricut Design Space?
Cricut Design Space gives you two ways to search for Print then Cut images from your canvas. One is the Image icon on the left-side toolbar, and the other is by projects. Any images can become a print then cut image if you flatten it. You can also upload directly from your computer if you would like to work with your own image.
Additionally, many bloggers (like me!) offer free resources so that you can follow along with their tutorials or as an incentive to sign up to their email lists. You can also search copyright free sites like Pixabay.com for free png or jpeg photos for use.
Where Do I Find Print then Cut IMAGES in Cricut Design Space?
If you check the Images icon on the left-side toolbar of your canvas you’ll be able to search by Operation type. Choose Print then Cut and you’ll see the filtered images that can be used with print then cut.
Where Do I Find Print then Cut PROJECTS in Cricut Design Space?
An easy way to locate Print then Cut projects is to go to the Projects icon on the left-side toolbar and in the search type in “Printables”. This will give you search results that are almost all Print then Cut Projects.
Why Did My Project Print with a Black Box Around it?
This is that Sensor (or registration box) that I mentioned above. It is what the Cricut’s sensor will use to determine where to cut on your printed design.
Can I Print in the Middle of the Paper Instead of the Upper Left Corner?
Yes! One neat trick for placement is that on the Mat Preview Page you can click and drag the black box to the center of the paper. This way if you want your image centered on your paper, or you want to avoid the registration marks in the corners of the Silhouette Paper you can.
Is It Possible to Do Full-Page Print then Cut with a Cricut?
Cricut’s limit is 6.75″ w. x 9.25″ h. for Print then Cut. However, there are a few workarounds. For instance, if you print your image as a PDF and create a cut design (or upload an SVG) that matches the placement on your PDF then you can do a print and cut. BUT this is NOT a traditional Print then Cut as you won’t be going through Cricut to do the print part. I demo this method in my post, How to Make DIY Advent Cards to Cut with a Cricut if you’d like a visual on how this PDF/SVG combination works.
Why Did My Stickers Print with Random Colors Around Them?
This is most commonly because you did not toggle off the bleed before you printed. Just toggle off the bleed and try again!
What is System Dialog?
This option allows you to use the native print options for your specific home printer. I will always toggle on System Dialog because I want the option to choose the rear-feed tray for my Cricut Projects. If you would like to change the quality of your print you can usually do that through your System Dialog as well. Be aware that when you use system dialog the box opens behind your browser so you will have to minimize your window in order to see the printer settings.
What is the Flatten Tool?
This allows you to take any image and make it a print then cut image. You can also take multiple images and layer them and flatten to create one image. I use flatten to add text to my photos in my post, How to Make Engraved Photo Cards with a Cricut.
What is Cricut Access?
Cricut Access is a subscription library of Cricut projects, images, and fonts that the company makes available in Cricut Design Space for a monthly subscription charge. Some images are free, and you can search by that. Some cost money even if you have subscribed to Cricut Access (anything Disney, Star Wars, or Marvel).
When you purchase your machine, you’ll get a free trial period to use Cricut Access. This is also probably the easiest way to get print and cut images and projects for crafting with a Cricut.
Is it Worth It To Get the Premium Membership?
There are incentives for purchasing upgraded plans, including discounts of 10-20 percent off Cricut shop orders and it is cheaper if you purchase a yearly plan vs. month by month. I just upgraded to a premium yearly membership after having had my Cricut for over 5 years so you don’t HAVE to get it to use your Cricut.
What Kind of Printer Do I Need for Print then Cut?
Cricut recommends an inkjet printer but honestly, I can’t imagine why they would say that other than their Cricut brand Printable Sticker Paper and Printable Vinyl are both for inkjet only. I don’t see how the Cricut would cut inkjet images and not laser printed images.
What If I'm Thinking About Buying a Printer?
I do recommend you get a printer with a rear-feed tray if you can. This makes using heavier papers like card stock and specialty papers a LOT easier because they are fed straight through and not flipped inside the printer. I legit love my Canon Crafter’s Printer both because of the rear-feed tray as well as the 12″ x 12″ borderless print. It’s SO much fun to make your own scrapbook paper!
What Kind of Sticker Paper Should I Get for Print then Cut Projects?
This isn’t totally a Print then Cut feature question but I get asked it a lot. So much in fact that I wrote an entire post on different types of sticker papers, what the differences are, what to use for kiss cut or die cut stickers, and what the difference is between printable vinyl and sticker paper. Just make sure whatever you choose for your sticker paper is compatible with your home printer.
What if I Have More Questions?
If you have questions that I didn’t answer in this article, please feel free to ask in the comments section of this post or email me. You can also visit Cricut’s help articles for Print then Cut.
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Thanks for Reading!
