Congratulations you have made it to the final day of the Cricut Crash Course. By now you should be familiar with your machine and have it set up in your craft room with the Design Space loaded.
I hope you had a chance to try the Print then Cut function in our last email, it’s a great way to break the ice with your new machine.
But I’m sure you may still have some questions so I have created a list of some of the most popular questions for Cricut owners.
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FAQ
What is an SVG?
An SVG file is a vector based computer image converted to a file that will allow your to use custom images on your computer and cut out with your Cricut machine.
Where do I find free files?
One of my favorite places is on Pintrest check out my board, you can also find them on blogs, and sites that sell Cut files often have free designs.
Will I use the Cricut machine enough to justify the price?
If you enjoy making crafts and you want one than I say go for it! Cricuts are great for creating personalized crafts, labelling stuff, and home decor. And if you do the math it works out to around $20 a month depending on the machine and you can easily save that from forgoing a couple take out coffees and junk food.
Will it be easy for me to learn how to use the Cricut Design Space?
Design Space is very easy and there is a lot of directions included with the program. Just follow the promps on the screen to complete your project. If you are intimidated than I recommend watching youtube videos and looking up tutorials (there are lots of pintrest). There are lots of free coursed online including on the cricut site and blogs such as my own.
What is the maximum size I can cut?
It will depend on the project you are doing, the machine you have and limited by the size of your cutting mat. A 12″x 12″ mat will allow you a max size of 11.5″ x 11.5″. And a 12″x 24″ mat will allow you a max size of 11.5″x 23.5″.
How thick can the materials be to cut with Cricut machine?
You can cut material that is up to 2.4mm or 3/32 of an inch in thickness
Does the Cricut have to be connected to the internet to work?
It’s possible to download the Design Space to your computer. This way you are able to use the software and connect to your machine without internet. But for some features and functions like uploading images you will need to have an internet connection.
Do I have to use cartridges with the Cricut?
No the new machines do not require cartridges. You can find all the designs you need online either through the Cricut shop, or from other online shops like Etsy, Design Bundles, and Creative Fabrica. But if you happen to have cartridges from older models you can link them with your Design Space and use them. On the Explore Air 2 there is a slot to instal the cartridges.
How is Cricut different from competitive cutting machines?
Cricut machine require very little guesse work, the machines are excellent and the software is easy to use. These are all great reasons to choose a Cricut over other machines. But if you love crafting its not uncommon to have several machines. I recommend choosing whichever machine you are drawn to. Take time to read reviews online and visit their websites to compair prices and functionality.
What is the difference between the different Cricut models?
Cricut Joy is a little machine that is a great way to get started with cutting machines. It’s small size means it’s portible and is great for making cards and labels.
The Cricut Maker 3 is the top of the line and newest machine. It can cut matless so that means you can cut up to 12 feet long. And it has adaptive technology which means as Cricut comes out with new features the machine will be able to use them.
The Cricut Maker is the same as the newer Maker 3 except it can’t cut matless, it’s not as quiet, it can only cut as large as the mat allows, and it can’t cut twice as fast.
Cricut Explore 3 is the newest mid range machine. It has the same features as the Explore 2 but it can cut matless which means you can cut up to 12 feet in length and it works twice as fast as the Explore 2.
Cricut Explore Air 2 is one of the most popular machines because of its price and usability. It uses a dial to choose your material instead of using Design Space.
After I purchase the machine do I have to pay anything extra?
No. The Design Space is a free downloadable software that you get once you register. You also can find lots of free designs online or you can make your own.
Can I upload my own designs onto Cricut Designs Space?
Yes it’s very easy. You can upload lots of different file types including png, jpg, dxf, and svg.
How do I make my own custom SVG files?
If you are comfortable with your computer there is no reason you can’t create your own SVG cut files. Click here to learn how to make SVG cut files with Adobe Illustrator.
Or get my book “Make your own SVG cut files with Adobe Illustrator“.
