• Getting Ready
• Making a Project
• Printing and Cutting
• Congratulations!! You just made something amazing using the Cricut!

Getting Ready

1. Go to Cricut Design Space, agree to the terms and conditions and then download Cricut Design Space [CDS].
2. When you download CDS, create an account or sign in if you have one already.
3. You are all set to start using the Cricut!

Making a Project

1. In your CDS homepage, click the green new project button in the top right corner.
2. In the tools bar to the left, select the upload button and then upload the creation you want to cut into the canvas.
3. In that new page, click the upload image button.
4. Drag and drop your creation or browse your computer to upload the creation you want to use. Recommended file types are png and jpg.
5. For image type, select complex and then click continue.

1. If you want the background to be deleted, you can now click on the background and it will be erased. When you are done, click apply and continue.
2. Now you’re at a crossroads. If you want the outline of the creation to just be cut, select cut. However, if you want to print out a design first, select print then cut. You can also name your file in the top right corner. When you’re ready, click upload.
3. In your recent uploads, select the creation you just uploaded and then click add to canvas.

9. In your canvas, make sure your creation is less than 9.25" x 6.75”. It will not work if your creation is larger than this size. You can also add more than one creation in your canvas as long as the collective space is less than 9.25" x 6.75”.
10. Next to the make it button, click the drop down menu and select Maker 3
11. When you’re ready, click make it in the top right corner.
12. Make sure everything looks good and then click continue.

Printing and Cutting

1. If you are doing a print then cut, put a piece of printable material in your color printer and then click print. If you are just doing a cut, get what material you want to use. Then select you are making it on a 12x12 mat. If the software continuously loads for printing and never goes through, try using CDS on a different device.
2. If you’ve not already, connect the usb of the Cricut to your computer.
3. Select what material you are using. If you are using label/sticky paper, select Smart Paper - Sticker - Cardstock. If you are using Vinyl, select Vinyl.
4. It now says what tools should be in the Cricut. Most likely the tools are what they should be. If they are, you don’t need to do anything. If it looks like they are not, get an educator who knows the Cricut who can change them.
5. Now it’s time to put your material on the cutting mat. Get the green mat and peel off the sticky layer. Place your material on the mat making sure the left edge of the material is perfectly aligned with the white line on the left of the mat.

6. Now making sure there is some space behind the Cricut, put the mat into the cricut and press the blinking insert button on the right of the machine.

7. When it’s ready, click the blinking go button and watch the magic happen.

1. When it’s done, press the insert button again to retrieve the mat. If the Cricut didn’t cut where it should, one reason it may not work is that there was too much light. Turn down any bright lights and try again. If it still isn’t cutting right, it most likely means the machine needs to be calibrated. With the help of an educator who knows the Cricut, calibrate the machine. Use this video as a guide.

2. Peel off the cut material and now you have your cut creation!

10. Before you’re done, put the plastic back on top of the mat so it stays sticky.

Congratulations!! You just made something amazing using the Cricut!