Hey, Cricut fans!
I am always amazed at all the things my Cricut Maker will do. I am constantly learning new things!
For years, I only used my machine to cut. I cut vinyl, leather, and paper. I love how easily my machine can cut even the most intricate projects.
Today, I want to walk you through another amazing option for the Cricut.
Print then Cut.
If you are new to print then cut or have never tried this feature, save this post! I have all the tips and tricks you need to master print then cut like a pro!
Ready to craft? Let’s do it!
This post contains affiliate links which means if you click on a link on my website and purchase a product, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
IS THERE A CRICUT THAT PRINTS?
No. The Cricut does not print.
However, a Cricut Maker and Cricut Explore Air will send images to your home printer to print on 8 1/2” x 11” paper.
Cricut Joy does not support print then cut.
This feature is called Print then Cut. We will talk about how to do this later in this post! I’ll walk you through the entire process!
NOTE: Cricut will write with markers but this is an entirely different process than printing.
DO YOU NEED A PRINTER WITH A CRICUT?
NO! You do not NEED a printer to use your Cricut Maker or Cricut Explore Air. In fact, you can do 100’s of different crafts with your Cricut Maker or Explore without a printer.
The main reason people need a printer with their Cricut is to make stickers or to use the Print then Cut feature. If sticker making is on your crafting list with a Cricut maker then YES you will need a printer.
WHAT IS CRICUT PRINT THEN CUT?
Cricut print then cut is a feature within Cricut Design Space that allows you to send images to your home computer to print and then cuts those images on your Cricut Maker or Cricut Explore Air.
NOTE: This is only available for inkjet printers.
Cricut will cut out all those intricate designs with precision. Put your scissors away! Your Cricut will take care of it.
The maximum size your image can be for Print Then Cut is 9.25” x 6.75”.
HOW DO YOU DO A PRINT THEN CUT ON CRICUT?
You can upload your own images as a Print Then Cut project. Once your image is loaded as a Print then Cut, Cricut will walk you through the process.
NOTE: Print then cut works with JPEG or PNG files.
You can flatten an SVG image but it will alter the image. An SVG file is a layered vector file best used for vinyl, fabric, or wood mediums.
RELATED: HOW TO UPLOAD IMAGES TO CRICUT DESIGN SPACE
Here are step-by-step directions for Print then Cut using your own image.
Step 1: Open a New Project in Cricut Design Space.
Step 2: Click Upload on the left side. On the right side of your screen, you can choose image type. My planner stickers below have a transparent background (a PNG file) so I clicked on SIMPLE.
Read the descriptions and follow the prompts for your file.
Step 3: Click on areas in your image you DO NOT WANT TO PRINT THEN CUT. If your image looks good, click on CONTINUE.
Step 4: You will be prompted to decide if you want your image to be saved as a CUT IMAGE or PRINT THEN CUT IMAGE.
Click on PRINT THEN CUT.
Step 5: The image is saved in your uploads. Add this to your new project.
My new project looks like this! (see below)
Cricut Design Space has images within its library that are printable images. Once you load those into your project screen they are ready to Print Then Cut.
If you are a Cricut Access member, this is a great option for you!
Here are step-by-step instructions on how to access printable files from Cricut Access.
From a project canvas, click on Images.
Notice, you can filter your search.
I typed PRINTABLE in the search box.
I also clicked “PRINT THEN CUT” to filter the images.
Cricut access has some wonderful sticker options already designed!
HOW DO I CHANGE FROM PRINT AND CUT TO CUT ON CRICUT?
To change your image from Print then Cut to Cut only, click on your image.
On a mac or desktop, you will see Print then Cut on the upper left side of your screen.
Click the down arrow and change to cut.
WHAT IS THE LARGEST PRINT AND CUT ON CRICUT?
The maximum size image you can Print Then Cut is 9.25” x 6.75”
The default page is 8.5” x 11”. In other words, you will use an 8.5” x 11” size paper to print your project on but your project cannot be bigger than 9.25” x 6.75” in Cricut Design Space.
WHAT IS SAVE AS A CUT IMAGE?
When you are uploading an image into Cricut Design Space, you can choose how to save your image as a cut file.
I uploaded my planner sticker image into Cricut Design Space.
Cricut will prompt you to save your image as a “CUT IMAGE” (see left) or a “PRINT Then Cut Image” (see right).
Simply click on what option you want and Cricut will save your image.
DOES CRICUT CUT STICKERS?
Yes! Cricut Print then Cut is the perfect way to make your own stickers. You can use images within Cricut Design Space OR create your own designs and upload them!
You can use sticker paper to make stickers from home. Print then cut will send your design to your inkjet printer to print your design on sticker paper. Then your Cricut will cut each sticker for you!
WANT TO REMEMBER THIS FOR LATER?
Learn about the Cricut Scoring Wheel versus the Cricut Stylus. What is the Cricut Scoring combo wheel? How do you know when to use the Cricut scoring wheel? Can you use the Cricut scoring wheel with a Cricut Explore Air? And so much more!