Cricut Maker 3 Instructions

Opening Design Space App

Open the Design Space application on the computer.
Log in to the IT Labs Cricut account if necessary. The account email is itlabsvr@gmail.com and the password can be found in Bitwarden.

Once logged in, you'll be on the Design Space home screen. There are many useful resources here such as tutorials and inspiration for designs.
Click on "New Project" in the top right corner to open the Canvas. Alternatively, you can press the canvas tab on the top ribbon.

Select a blank canvas or choose a specific project template if applicable. Blank canvas is the default template when you open a new project while you can select a template by clicking on the template tool on the left side.

Click on the "Upload" button to import your image.
Choose the image file from your computer. The best file to use is an SVG (Scalable Vector Graphic) file since these can scale without losing resolution. Other file types can be uploaded but a higher resolution is recommended and simple designs work better.
Select Simple for image type. The other options are for if you are printing then cutting which we are not. Click Continue.
You can use tools to take out the background of the image. The software can also automatically take out the background for you. You can also preview the cut image by clicking on the eye symbol next to the image.
Click Apply & Continue.
Select Cut Image and click Upload.

After uploading, select the image and click on "Upload to Canvas” to place it on the canvas.

If using adhesive vinyl, click on the image then click "Flip" on the top tool bar and select "Flip Horizontal" to mirror the image.
This setting will almost never need to be turned on. If a patron needs it they will ask for it.

The final piece of design prep before “make” is to add a “border” around your design. In order to do this you will start with your design and two shapes you will have added into the design space from the shapes box on the left side of the screen. Squares and rectangles usually work best.
Right-click on the smaller box and select “send to back” and then do the same with the bigger box.
In order to make this easier it is recommended to make one of these shapes a different color than the others. This can be done by clicking on one of them and then changing the color in the color box found in the tool bar at the top of the design space. Line the shapes up over the design. From here you will ctrl+click the two shapes in the list on the right side of the page. You will know it worked if both of these layers are highlighted in green.
In the bottom right side of the page, there is an option that says “slice” that you will click. Once you click that button you’ll be able to remove the two middle parts of the object and delete them. Once you have done this you will want to click and drag a select box over the text and border. Once it is all selected you need to click the combine button and use the “unite” option to tie the two objects together.

Click on the "Make" button in the top right corner.
Click “Without Mat” since we are using the Cricut smart vinyl material.
Adjust the vinyl design to the desired location in the middle of the screen. Notice that if you haven’t mirrored the image and still want to you can select “Mirror” on the left-hand side.
Click Continue.
Choose the material you're working with (e.g. vinyl) from the options. Smart Vinyl – Permanent is almost always what you will be working with but double-check to make sure the materials match up regardless.
Set pressure to Default.

Place the vinyl material in the rollers and beneath the guides with the grid facing down.
Press the load/unload button. This is the button with the two arrows that are blinking.
The machine will now load the vinyl and measure it. You will usually need at least 6 inches of vinyl in order to cut but this can be less or more depending on how big the design is.

Note: The software is inaccurate in being able to tell when the cutting is finished. Don’t rely on the progress on the screen but instead wait for the machine to stop moving and the load/unload button to start blinking again.
Press the load/unload button to unload material.

Peel off excess vinyl (also known as weeding) using the weeding tool or tweezers.
Use sheet to measure approximate length of transfer tape needed and cut with scissors.
Peel off transfer tape backing from and place over vinyl design using a squeegee or a credit card to stick the materials flush together.

Use transfer tape to transfer the cut design onto the desired surface and squeegee to ensure optimal results.

By following these steps, you should be able to effectively use the Cricut Maker 3 with the Design Space app for vinyl cutting projects.